Can permanent residents get unemployment benefits from Washington ESD?

Yes, permanent residents are absolutely eligible for Washington ESD unemployment benefits! You just need to be authorized to work in the US, which you are with your green card. The main requirements are having sufficient work history and wages in Washington state, not citizenship status.

Your coworker was wrong. I'm also a permanent resident and I've collected unemployment twice in the past 5 years without any issues. Filed online through the Washington ESD website just like everyone else.

The only immigration statuses that might have issues are temporary work visas like H1B holders, and even then it depends on the specific visa terms. Green card holders have permanent work authorization so there's no question about eligibility.

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask questions about my green card status when I first applied. Spent hours on hold and kept getting disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made the whole process so much easier.

just to add - make sure you have all your employment history ready when you file. Washington ESD will need details about your wages and employers for the past 18 months. being a permanent resident doesnt change any of the normal requirements

Wait I thought you had to be a citizen for unemployment?? This is news to me

I'm also a green card holder and collected UI benefits last year. No problems at all. The Washington ESD online system doesn't even ask about citizenship status - just SSN and work history.

One thing to keep in mind is that you'll still need to do the weekly job search requirements like everyone else. Being a permanent resident doesn't exempt you from looking for work while collecting benefits.

My husband is a permanent resident and when he lost his job in 2023 he was worried about the same thing. Applied anyway and got approved no problem. Been paying into the system with every paycheck so you're entitled to those benefits.

Does anyone know if there are any restrictions on how long permanent residents can collect unemployment? Like do they have the same benefit duration as citizens?

Just wanted to say I used Claimyr too when I had questions about my work authorization documentation. Really helpful for getting through to Washington ESD without waiting on hold forever. Made the whole process less stressful.

I work in HR and we've had several permanent resident employees file for unemployment over the years. Never seen anyone get denied based on their immigration status. As long as you're work authorized you're good to go.

the unemployment system in washington is pretty straightforward for permanent residents. ive been here 8 years and collected benefits twice with no issues. just file online like anyone else would

One tip - when you file your weekly claims, there's a question about being able and available for work. Just answer honestly about your work authorization. Your green card means you're authorized to work anywhere in the US so it shouldn't be an issue.

I remember being nervous about this same question when I first lost my job after getting my green card. Turns out I was worrying for nothing. Washington ESD treated me just like any other applicant and I got my benefits without any delays.

For what it's worth, I've never had Washington ESD even ask about my immigration status during the claims process. They care about your work history and wages, not your citizenship. File with confidence!