Can DACA recipients get unemployment benefits from Washington ESD?

Thank you! Do you know if I need to provide any special documentation beyond the normal unemployment application?

You'll need to provide your work authorization document (EAD card) along with the standard documents like social security card and ID. Make sure your EAD is current when you apply.

That's reassuring to hear! Did you have any delays or extra verification steps during the process?

Not really, it took about the same time as my coworkers who are citizens. Maybe an extra week for them to verify my work auth but nothing crazy.

Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely look into that if I have trouble reaching them.

I've heard of Claimyr too - seems legit for when you need to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD instead of just getting the runaround.

Good point! My EAD doesn't expire until next year so I should be okay there.

Perfect. Just keep an eye on that renewal timeline in case it takes longer than expected.

No, if you're legally authorized to work and paying into the system through payroll taxes, you're generally eligible for unemployment benefits regardless of immigration status.

oh ok that makes sense i guess. never thought about it that way

Did they ask for anything specific related to your DACA status during the weekly claims process?

Nope, the weekly claims were just the standard questions about work search and availability. Nothing immigration-related after the initial application.

Yes, the job search requirements are identical. You'll need to make 3 job contacts per week and keep records in your job search log just like everyone else.

And you can use WorkSourceWA just like any other unemployed worker. They have good resources for job searching.

As long as she has valid work authorization, there shouldn't be any issues. Unemployment insurance is there for people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.

ill pass this info along to her, thanks!

Good to know! I'll try to be patient if there are any delays.

And if you need to follow up on any delays, that's another situation where Claimyr might be useful for actually reaching a Washington ESD rep to check your claim status.

It's based purely on your wage history during the base period, same as any other claimant. Your immigration status doesn't factor into the benefit calculation.

Yep, I got the standard weekly benefit amount based on my wages. No difference there.

That's reassuring to hear from an HR perspective! What documents would you recommend having ready?

EAD card, social security card, driver's license or state ID, and your most recent pay stubs. Same as what we tell all employees basically.

That's great to hear! Have you started getting payments yet or still waiting for approval?

Still waiting for the determination but my claim shows as active in the system, so I think it's just processing normally.

Definitely planning to renew early. Thanks for the reminder!

Good advice. I renewed mine 6 months early just to avoid any potential issues.

It's not widely known but if you're paying into the unemployment insurance system through your payroll taxes, you should be able to benefit from it when needed.

Good point! I wasn't planning to travel but that's definitely something to be aware of.

Yeah, you generally need advance parole to travel outside the US with DACA anyway, so that would definitely complicate things with unemployment benefits.

That's exactly what I was hoping to hear! Sounds like the process is pretty straightforward.

Yeah, I was worried for nothing. As long as your paperwork is in order, shouldn't be any issues.

The job search requirement is the same for everyone - 3 contacts per week. You don't need to prove each employer can hire you, just that you're actively looking for work you're qualified to perform.

Right, and most employers are familiar with work authorization documents anyway. It's not like you need to pre-screen every job application.

Understandable concern, but unemployment benefits are separate from immigration status as long as you have work authorization. It's a benefit you've earned through your work.

Exactly! That was my worry too but everyone's experiences here have been reassuring.

Good reminder! I'll make sure to be accurate with any work reporting if I find part-time work while collecting benefits.

Yeah, they're pretty strict about work reporting so definitely don't mess around with that part of the weekly claims.

I bookmarked their site just in case I need it. Hopefully the application process goes smoothly but good to have that backup option.

I used Claimyr too when I had questions about my claim status. Much better than trying to get through on the regular phone line.