Can I file for WA unemployment from NC if I worked in Washington 16 months ago?

You can actually file in either state, but there are some factors to consider. This is called a combined wage claim. If you've worked in both WA and NC during the last 18 months, you should compare potential benefits from both states before deciding: 1. Washington generally has higher weekly benefit amounts than NC 2. The base period calculation might be different between states 3. You'll need to follow the job search requirements for whichever state you file in Since you worked longer in WA with higher wages, filing with WA ESD might be advantageous. You can start an application online at esd.wa.gov and indicate you've worked in multiple states. They'll help determine if combining wages would be beneficial.

ur supposed to file where u live now. i moved from WA to oregon last yr and had to file w oregon even tho i made more $ in washington. the esd person told me thats just how it works

I was in a similar situation last year! Moved from WA to Texas and needed to file UI. I WISH I'd filed with Washington instead of Texas because: 1) The weekly benefit amount in WA was WAY higher 2) Texas made me do these weird work search requirements that were super specific 3) Texas denied my claim at first and I had to appeal it Definitely check both states' benefit calculators but from my experience, WA is generally better. Also check the job search requirements for both - if you file with WA but live in NC, you'll need to follow WA's requirements while looking for work in NC. It gets confusing!!!

You absolutely need to try calling ESD to get clarification on your specific situation. The website info is general and your case has a lot of specific details they'll need to consider. But good luck actually reaching anyone at ESD - I spent WEEKS trying to get through when I had questions about my claim last year. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes after trying for days on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 For an interstate claim like yours, you really need to speak with someone directly rather than guessing based on the website or what worked for others.

My brother had the same problem but opposite direction (moved from Florida to WA). He ended up filing in WA even though he had worked in Florida more recently because the benefit amount was like twice as much!

To answer your follow-up question - yes, if you file with Washington while living in NC, you would need to follow Washington's job search requirements. Currently, that means completing at least 3 job search activities each week and documenting them. The interesting part is that your job search can be in North Carolina (or anywhere), but you must follow Washington's rules about what counts as a valid activity. WA has pretty reasonable requirements compared to some states. One important consideration: if you file with WA, you'll need to be able to accept suitable work in your local area (NC). You can't claim WA benefits but then say you're only looking for jobs back in Washington.

EVERYONE JUST FILES WHERE THEY MADE THE MOST MONEY!!! This isn't complicated people. I've worked in 3 different states and always file wherever I earned the highest wages. The unemployment office will sort it out if there's an issue.

Just wanted to update everyone - I called ESD this morning and finally got through after trying for 2 days. The agent confirmed that I can file in either state, but since most of my wages in the base period were from WA, I'd likely get a better benefit amount filing with them. They're sending me some paperwork to complete for an interstate claim. Thanks everyone for the help!