Can DACA recipients file for Washington ESD unemployment benefits?
I've been working in Washington state for the past 3 years on DACA status and just got laid off from my job at a tech company. I'm wondering if I'm eligible to file for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD? I have a valid work authorization document and have been paying into the system, but I'm not sure if DACA recipients can actually collect UI benefits. Has anyone been in this situation before?
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Nia Thompson
Yes, DACA recipients can file for unemployment in Washington! As long as you have valid work authorization and have been paying into the unemployment insurance system, you should be eligible. You'll need your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) when you file your claim.
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Luca Esposito
•That's a relief! Do I need to provide any additional documentation beyond the normal requirements?
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Nia Thompson
•Just make sure your EAD is current and you have your Social Security number. The application process should be the same as for any other worker.
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Mateo Rodriguez
I tried calling Washington ESD to ask about this exact question last month but couldn't get through to anyone. The phone lines are always busy and I kept getting disconnected after waiting for hours.
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GalaxyGuardian
•Same here! I've been trying to reach them for weeks about my DACA status and unemployment eligibility but can never get through.
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Aisha Abdullah
•You might want to try Claimyr - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. I used it when I couldn't reach them about my adjudication issue. Check out claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.
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Mateo Rodriguez
•Never heard of that before, but at this point I'm willing to try anything to get answers!
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Ethan Wilson
Make sure you file your claim as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. There's no waiting period for when you can file, and you want to get the process started right away since it can take time to process.
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Luca Esposito
•Good point, I'll file online tonight. Is the SecureAccess Washington portal the right place to start?
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Ethan Wilson
•Yes, that's correct. You'll create your account through SAW and then file your initial claim through the Washington ESD website.
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Yuki Tanaka
Wait, are you sure about this? I thought only US citizens and permanent residents could get unemployment benefits...
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Nia Thompson
•That's a common misconception. Work authorization is what matters for unemployment eligibility, not citizenship status. DACA recipients have valid work authorization.
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Carmen Diaz
•This is correct. I work in HR and we've had DACA employees successfully file for unemployment when they were laid off. As long as they were authorized to work and paying into the system, they're eligible.
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Luca Esposito
Thanks everyone! One more question - do I need to worry about anything regarding my DACA renewal while receiving unemployment benefits?
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Nia Thompson
•You should be fine as long as your work authorization doesn't expire. Just make sure to keep Washington ESD updated if your EAD gets renewed with a new expiration date.
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Andre Laurent
•Also remember you still need to meet the job search requirements while on unemployment, just like everyone else.
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GalaxyGuardian
I'm in a similar situation and have been hesitant to file because I wasn't sure about the rules. This thread is really helpful!
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Luca Esposito
•Glad it's helping others too! I was really worried about it but sounds like we should be good to go.
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AstroAce
•Don't let uncertainty stop you from filing if you're eligible. You've been paying into the system just like everyone else.
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Aisha Abdullah
For what it's worth, I used Claimyr again last week to get through to Washington ESD about a different issue and it worked great. Really saved me from hours of trying to call.
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Mateo Rodriguez
•I'm definitely going to check that out. How quickly were you able to get connected?
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Aisha Abdullah
•It was pretty fast, way better than trying to call on my own. Worth trying if you need to speak with someone directly.
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Zoe Kyriakidou
Make sure to keep copies of all your documentation, especially your EAD. Washington ESD might request verification during the claims process.
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Luca Esposito
•Good advice, I'll scan everything and keep digital copies too.
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Jamal Brown
•Also keep your pay stubs and any termination paperwork from your employer. You'll need that information when filing.
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Mei Zhang
Does anyone know if there are any restrictions on the types of jobs DACA recipients need to search for while on unemployment?
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Nia Thompson
•The job search requirements should be the same as for any other claimant. You need to look for work that you're qualified for and able to accept.
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Liam McConnell
•Just make sure any job you apply for is one you're authorized to work in. But that's the same requirement you had while employed anyway.
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Amara Oluwaseyi
This is really good information. I wish Washington ESD made this clearer on their website instead of people having to guess about eligibility.
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CosmicCaptain
•Agreed! There's so much confusion about who can and can't file for unemployment benefits.
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Giovanni Rossi
•The website could definitely be more helpful about different work authorization scenarios.
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Fatima Al-Maktoum
One thing to remember is that you'll need to file your weekly claims on time every week to continue receiving benefits, just like everyone else.
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Luca Esposito
•Thanks for the reminder! I'll make sure to set up a calendar reminder once I start receiving benefits.
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Dylan Mitchell
•The weekly claims are due by a certain time each week, so don't wait until the last minute to file them.
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Sofia Gutierrez
Has anyone had their DACA status questioned during the unemployment process? I'm worried about drawing unnecessary attention.
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Carmen Diaz
•I haven't seen that happen with our employees who filed. As long as your work authorization is valid, it shouldn't be an issue.
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Dmitry Petrov
•Remember that you have the same rights as any other worker when it comes to unemployment benefits if you're authorized to work.
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StarSurfer
I actually used Claimyr a few months ago when I needed to talk to someone about my claim status and it was really helpful. Much better than sitting on hold for hours.
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GalaxyGuardian
•That's the third person mentioning it, I'm definitely going to try it if I need to call Washington ESD.
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Ava Martinez
•Yeah, the regular phone lines are basically impossible to get through on. Any service that actually works is worth it.
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Miguel Castro
Just want to confirm - you said you were paying into the unemployment system, right? That's the key requirement regardless of immigration status.
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Luca Esposito
•Yes, it shows up on all my pay stubs as a deduction. I've been contributing to it for 3 years.
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Zainab Abdulrahman
•Perfect, then you should definitely be eligible. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!
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Connor Byrne
Good luck with your claim! It sounds like you have everything you need to file successfully.
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Luca Esposito
•Thank you! I feel much more confident about filing now after all this helpful information.
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Yara Elias
•Keep us updated on how it goes! This information could help other DACA recipients who are in similar situations.
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QuantumQuasar
One last thing - make sure your address and contact information is up to date with Washington ESD. They'll need to be able to reach you during the claims process.
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Luca Esposito
•Will do! I'll double-check everything when I file online tonight.
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Keisha Jackson
•And make sure to check your account regularly for any requests for additional information or documentation.
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Luca Esposito
•Thanks for all the advice everyone! This has been incredibly helpful.
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Freya Nielsen
I'm also a DACA recipient and went through this process last year when I was laid off from my marketing job. Can confirm that you're absolutely eligible! The process was straightforward - I just needed my EAD card and Social Security number like everyone else. Washington ESD didn't give me any issues about my DACA status at all. The only thing I'd add is to make sure you're familiar with the WorkSourceWA website since you'll need to register there for job search activities. Best of luck with your claim!
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