Can green card holders get unemployment benefits in Washington state?

Yes, green card holders are definitely eligible for Washington ESD unemployment benefits! As a permanent resident, you have work authorization which is all that matters for UI eligibility. I went through this myself last year when I lost my manufacturing job. The key is that you need to have earned enough wages during your base period and be able and available for work.

You should be fine to apply. Washington ESD doesn't discriminate based on immigration status as long as you're legally authorized to work in the US. Green card holders have the same rights as citizens when it comes to unemployment benefits. Just make sure you meet the other standard requirements like having sufficient earnings in your base period.

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my claim status as a permanent resident. Spent hours on hold and kept getting disconnected. Someone mentioned a service called Claimyr that helps you get through to actual agents faster. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Might be worth looking into if you run into phone issues.

Just want to add that you'll need to do the job search requirements just like everyone else. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week. Don't let anyone tell you the requirements are different for green card holders - they're exactly the same.

been on unemployment twice as a permanent resident, never had any issues. the only thing that matters is work authorization and meeting the earnings requirements. don't stress about the immigration part

I'm curious about this too. My friend is on an H1B visa and obviously can't get unemployment, but I wasn't sure about green card holders. Good to know permanent residents are treated the same as citizens for UI purposes.

Question - do they ever verify immigration status during the claim process? I'm worried about bringing unnecessary attention to my case even though I know I'm eligible.

FWIW I've never been asked about my green card during the UI process. They ask for SSN and work history but that's about it. The application process is pretty straightforward online through the Washington ESD website.

One thing to keep in mind is that if you travel outside the US while on unemployment, you need to report that to Washington ESD. Since you're collecting benefits, you need to be available for work in Washington state. This applies to everyone but I know some green card holders worry about travel affecting their status.

The Washington ESD website has a whole section about eligibility requirements but honestly it's not always clear. When I had specific questions about my situation I ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Got me connected to an actual human who could give me definitive answers instead of guessing from the website.

Just apply! You're overthinking this. Green card = work authorization = eligible for unemployment if you meet the other requirements. I've been through this process and it's really not complicated once you get started.

Make sure you have all your employment information ready when you apply. Employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation. Washington ESD will verify this information so accuracy is important. Being a green card holder won't complicate this part at all.

been working in WA for 15 years as a permanent resident and collected unemployment twice during layoffs. never had any issues or special requirements. you're good to go, just follow the normal process

One last tip - if your claim gets held up in adjudication for any reason, don't panic. Sometimes Washington ESD needs to verify employment or wages and it can take a few weeks. This happens to citizens and green card holders alike. Just keep filing your weekly claims even if payments are delayed.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago when I got laid off from my software engineering job. As a green card holder, I was initially nervous about applying, but it turned out to be completely straightforward. Washington ESD treated me exactly the same as any other applicant - they only care that you're legally authorized to work, which permanent residents obviously are. The online application took maybe 30 minutes and I had my first payment within 3 weeks. Don't let the immigration aspect stress you out - your green card gives you all the same rights as citizens when it comes to unemployment benefits. Just make sure you have your employment history and wage information ready when you apply.

I'm actually in a very similar situation - permanent resident for about 3 years and just got laid off from my marketing job last week. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful and reassuring. It sounds like the consensus is clear: green card holders are fully eligible and the process is the same as for citizens. I appreciate everyone sharing their timelines and experiences, especially those who've been through it multiple times. Going to start my application tomorrow morning. Thanks to everyone who contributed - this thread should definitely help other permanent residents who might be hesitant about applying!