Can I collect Washington ESD unemployment if I move out of state?

You can continue collecting Washington unemployment benefits even if you move to another state, as long as you still meet all the eligibility requirements. The key is that you need to remain able and available for work, and you'll still need to conduct your job search primarily in Washington or wherever you're authorized to look for work.

Wait, I thought you had to stay in Washington to keep getting benefits? I've been turning down job opportunities in other states because I was worried about losing my UI.

I moved from Washington to Texas last year while on unemployment and had no issues. Just make sure you're still looking for work and can prove it if they ask. Also, if you find work in your new state, report it normally on your weekly claims.

I tried calling Washington ESD about this exact question last month and couldn't get through after hours of trying. The phone system is impossible! Has anyone found a better way to reach them?

Just moved to Arizona and still collecting Washington benefits with no problems. The only thing that changed is I had to update my address and make sure I was still available for work.

Be careful about the job search thing though. Some people think they can just slack off on looking for work once they move, but Washington ESD can still audit your job search activities even if you're living in another state.

I moved to Nevada while collecting and the only hiccup I had was when I forgot to file my weekly claim on time because I was so busy with the move. Make sure you don't miss your filing deadline!

Another thing to consider - if you move to a state with no income tax, you might save money on taxes for your unemployment benefits. Washington doesn't have state income tax, but your new state might.

The main thing is just being honest about your move and updating your information. Washington ESD doesn't care where you live as long as you're still eligible and available for work.

Does anyone know if there are any restrictions on which states you can move to? Like, are there any states where Washington won't send benefits?

Just remember that if you find work in your new state, you'll need to report it on your weekly claims just like you would if you found work in Washington. The reporting requirements don't change.

I actually used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and finally got through to Washington ESD. The agent confirmed that moving out of state is totally fine as long as you keep meeting the requirements. Worth the peace of mind!

Been collecting Washington UI for 6 months now and lived in 3 different states during that time (military spouse). Never had any issues as long as I kept filing my weekly claims and stayed available for work.

One more tip - if you're moving for family reasons like the OP, that's considered good cause so you definitely won't lose your benefits. Moving for personal reasons is generally accepted.

The only time I've heard of people having issues is when they move and then stop looking for work or become unavailable for work for other reasons. As long as you maintain your work search and availability, location doesn't matter.

moved to florida last year while on unemployment and everything went smooth. just update your address and keep doing what you're supposed to do

I should mention that when I moved to Texas, I also had to figure out how job search requirements worked since different states have different job markets. But Washington ESD was reasonable about it - they just want to see you're making a good faith effort to find work.

For what it's worth, I tried calling Washington ESD about this same question and finally got through using Claimyr. The agent was really helpful and even emailed me some information about maintaining benefits while living out of state.

Bottom line: Washington doesn't care where you live, they care that you're eligible. Stay eligible, file your claims, look for work, and you'll be fine no matter what state you're in.