Can I still collect ESD unemployment benefits after moving to another state?
I'm currently receiving unemployment benefits from Washington ESD but need to relocate to Arizona next month for family reasons. My job search has been unsuccessful here, and my lease is ending. Will my benefits stop when I move out of state? Do I need to notify ESD before moving? I'm worried about losing my income while still looking for work. Has anyone gone through this process before?
15 comments
Tate Jensen
i moved to oregon last year while on unemployment and kept getting benefits. you gotta update your address in the esd system and keep doing job searches. they dont care where u live as long as ur available for work
0 coins
Marcelle Drum
•Thanks for the quick reply! So I just need to update my address in eServices? Do you remember if there was any delay in your payments when you moved?
0 coins
Adaline Wong
When you move out of state while collecting Washington unemployment, you need to do more than just update your address. You're required to register with the new state's employment services (Arizona's equivalent of WorkSource) within a certain timeframe. You'll still claim through Washington ESD, but your job search activities need to meet Washington's requirements (3 activities per week). Also, make sure you have direct deposit set up before you move as paper checks might be delayed with forwarding addresses.
0 coins
Gabriel Ruiz
•THIS!!!! I didn't register with the other state's job service when I moved and almost lost my benefits!! ESD sent me a disqualification letter and I had to appeal. Such a headache.
0 coins
Misterclamation Skyblue
Has anyone had issues with the job search requirements after moving? I'm wondering if Arizona employers would even consider me for remote interviews while I'm still out of state? Would applying only for remote jobs satisfy ESD requirements or do I need to apply to local jobs in my new state too? Sorry if these are dumb questions, just really anxious about making sure everything is done right!
0 coins
Adaline Wong
•Not dumb questions at all. ESD doesn't differentiate between remote and local job applications - they both count toward your job search requirements. The important part is documenting all your job search activities in detail. Keep records of everything: job postings, confirmation emails, application submission dates, follow-ups, etc.
0 coins
Peyton Clarke
I tried calling ESD to ask about moving to another state last month and was on hold for HOURS before getting disconnected THREE TIMES!!! So frustrating!!! Their phone system is absolute garbage.
0 coins
Vince Eh
•I had the same problem but found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an ESD agent in under 25 minutes. They basically call ESD for you and transfer you when they reach a real person. Saved me hours of frustration. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Definitely worth it when you need to talk to someone about important account changes like moving states.
0 coins
Sophia Gabriel
As someone who's helped many people with interstate unemployment claims, here's what you need to know: 1. Yes, you can continue receiving Washington benefits after moving to Arizona. 2. You must update your contact information in eServices immediately when you move. 3. Register with Arizona's job service agency (DES) within 10 days of arriving. 4. Continue filing weekly claims with Washington ESD, not Arizona. 5. Meet Washington's job search requirements (3 activities weekly). 6. Be prepared for occasional identity verification requests as out-of-state claims get extra scrutiny. Intake centers in your new state can help you register for their services, which satisfies the interstate claim requirements. Keep documentation of your registration with Arizona DES to protect your benefits eligibility.
0 coins
Marcelle Drum
•This is incredibly helpful, thank you! One more question - do I need to report my moving expenses to ESD? I've heard moving costs might be deductible from reportable income, but I'm not sure if that applies to unemployment.
0 coins
Gabriel Ruiz
when i moved to idaho i forgot to update my banking info & address and esd shut down my claim for "suspicious activity" and i had to verify my identity all over again. took like 3 weeks to fix!! dont make my mistake lol
0 coins
Marcelle Drum
•Oh wow, definitely want to avoid that! I'll make sure to update everything before I leave. Thanks for the warning!
0 coins
Sophia Gabriel
To answer your question about moving expenses: Moving expenses are not deductible from reportable income for unemployment purposes. You still need to report any work/earnings as usual, but moving costs don't factor into this calculation. ESD only cares about actual income you receive, not your expenses.
0 coins
Marcelle Drum
•Got it, thank you for clarifying! I'll make sure to follow all these steps before and after my move. Really appreciate everyone's help!
0 coins
Tate Jensen
just fyi my sister moved to texas and said she had to do like a phone interview with esd about why she moved and stuff. they wanted to make sure she wasnt just going on vacation or something i guess
0 coins