Can you collect Washington ESD unemployment if you move to another state?

So I need to keep looking for jobs back in Washington even if I'm living in Oregon? That seems complicated.

Not necessarily - you can request permission to expand your job search to your new location, but you need to get approval from Washington ESD first.

Oh that's such a relief! Do you remember how long it took to update everything? I'm planning to move in about 3 weeks.

It was pretty quick actually, maybe took a day or two for the address change to show up. Just make sure you do it before you file your next weekly claim.

What kind of documentation do they usually want?

Lease agreements, utility bills, anything that shows your new address and move date. They want to make sure you're being honest about your situation.

Have you tried calling right at 8am when they open? That's usually the best time to get through.

yeah tried that too, still cant get past the busy signal

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr - it's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com, they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

No you don't transfer the claim, Washington ESD keeps paying you as long as you're eligible. Interstate claims are when you work in multiple states, that's different.

@profile2 is correct. You keep your Washington claim active, you just have to follow the new state's work search requirements. It's actually pretty straightforward.

OMG yes the phone situation is insane! I was calling every day for like 2 weeks and either got busy signals or got hung up on after waiting for hours. Finally found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to an agent in like 20 minutes. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Seriously saved my sanity.

Wow never heard of that before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

No it's legit! They basically call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to an actual person. I was skeptical too but it really worked.

Your cousin might have had a different situation or didn't follow the proper procedures. Interstate benefit collection is definitely allowed under federal law.

Maybe she just didn't report it properly then. This whole system is so confusing.

Good point, I hadn't thought about that. Oregon probably has their own system I'll need to figure out.

Yeah Oregon uses a different job search system but it's not too bad. You'll register with their WorkSource Oregon instead of WorkSource WA.

Should I call them before I move or just update online?

Online is fine for address changes, but if you have specific questions about how the move affects your benefits, calling might be worth it. Though good luck getting through...

That's where that Claimyr thing could help again. I used it when I had questions about my adjudication and it was way easier than trying to call myself.

How do I get that approval? Is there a specific form I need to fill out?

You'll need to contact Washington ESD directly to discuss your specific situation. They'll evaluate whether your job search area change is reasonable.

That's in-state though, I'm talking about moving to a different state entirely.

oh right missed that part. out of state is more complicated for sure

Good to know, I wasn't expecting it to change anyway.

Did you have any issues with them questioning why you moved? I'm worried they'll think I'm not serious about finding work.

Nah they don't really care as long as you're still looking for work and available to work. Moving to be closer to family is a totally valid reason.

Oh god yes this happened to my cousin! She moved and forgot to update her address with the debit card company and her card got sent to her old place. Took weeks to sort out.

Thanks for the warning! I'll make sure to update everything at the same time.

It's based on where you worked and paid into the unemployment system, not where you currently live. Since OP worked in Washington, Washington ESD handles the claim.

Yeah it's like if you worked in California but moved to Texas, California would still pay your unemployment because that's where you paid into the system.

That's awesome! So there's a specific timeframe for reporting the move?

yeah the agent said 10 days is the guideline, but sooner is better. they also said i need to be ready to provide proof of the move if they ask

Good advice. I've been looking at Portland area jobs online and there seem to be more opportunities in my field there.

Portland's job market is pretty good right now, especially compared to some parts of Washington. Just make sure you factor in the different cost of living.

Do I need to find equivalent jobs to what I was doing in Washington, or can I broaden my search?

Generally you should be looking for suitable work in your field, but the definition of 'suitable' can change over time as your claim continues.

The process should be the same regardless of which state you move to. It's really about maintaining your Washington claim and following the new state's work search rules.

California might actually be easier because they have a bigger job market, so meeting work search requirements could be simpler.

As long as you stay eligible and keep filing your weekly claims, moving shouldn't affect your benefit period at all.

Just make sure you're still able and available to work in your new location. That's one of the main eligibility requirements.

No, your weekly benefit amount is based on what you earned in Washington, so it stays the same regardless of where you live now.

That's actually pretty sweet if you move somewhere with lower cost of living - your benefits go further!

Good point, I'll make sure to set up mail forwarding too just in case.

That's a good idea. Even though everyone here is saying it's fine, I'd feel better hearing it directly from Washington ESD too.

Yeah I've used that service a couple times now and it really works. Way better than spending all day trying to get through on your own.

There are guidelines online, but every situation is a bit different so sometimes you do need to speak with someone directly.

i guess but their website is not very helpful for specific questions like this

Definitely won't miss those, I have them scheduled in my calendar every week.

Smart approach. Moving stress can make you forget routine things.

Good thinking! I'll make sure to document everything properly.

Yeah Washington ESD loves their documentation. Better to have too much than not enough!

That's very likely what happened. The system works if you follow the rules, but you have to know what the rules are.

Good luck with your move! Just remember to document everything and keep copies of your communications with Washington ESD.

if you need to talk to someone at washington esd about the specifics, definitely try that claimyr thing. saved me so much time and frustration

Exactly! At least now I know it's possible and what steps I need to take.