Can you collect unemployment if a company shuts down Washington ESD?

Thank you! Do I need any special documentation from my employer about the shutdown?

A letter stating the business closure would be helpful but not required. Washington ESD can verify your employment history through their system.

That's reassuring to hear from someone who's been through it. How long did it take for your claim to get approved?

Mine was approved within about 10 days since there was no adjudication needed. Company shutdowns are usually pretty clear-cut cases.

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work for getting through to Washington ESD?

It worked for me when I couldn't get through after calling for hours. Much better than sitting on hold all day.

Thanks for the sympathy. What kind of waiting period are we talking about?

There's a one-week waiting period for all new claims, but you still need to file that first week to establish your claim.

I hadn't thought about that part yet. What kind of job search activities do they require?

You need to do at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. This includes things like applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or using WorkSourceWA services.

Good to know, I'll start keeping track of everything from day one.

That's exactly why services like Claimyr exist. Sometimes you need help getting through to an actual person at Washington ESD.

I might have to look into that if I can't get through soon. This is so frustrating.

That's helpful advice from someone who knows the system. Should I wait until my actual last day to file?

You can file the day after your last day of work. Don't file before your employment actually ends or it could delay your claim.

You need to wait until your employment actually ends. You can't file while you're still employed and receiving wages.

That's what I figured, just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing out on anything.

The WorkSourceWA website has pretty clear guidelines on what counts as valid job search activities. I'd recommend checking there first.

I'll take a look at that, thanks for the tip.

Good point, I definitely don't want to miss out on any benefits I'm entitled to.

Exactly. File as soon as possible after your last day, even if you think you might find work soon.

There are sometimes WARN Act requirements for advance notice of large layoffs, but that doesn't change your unemployment benefits. You still go through the regular Washington ESD process.

That's disappointing but good to know what to expect.

How does that service work exactly? Do they just help you get through or do they handle the call for you?

They help you get connected to an actual Washington ESD agent. You still handle your own case, but they get you through the phone system faster.

That's confusing - why wouldn't they use my most recent wages?

The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters. So if you file in February 2025, they'd look at wages from October 2023 through September 2024.

That seems like an odd way to calculate it, but I guess that's how the system works.

I totally agree, it should be way more straightforward than it is.

Another thing to add to my list. Is WorkSourceWA helpful for actually finding jobs or just a requirement?

It's actually not bad for job searching. They have career counselors and job placement services that can be helpful.

Any other tips for someone going through this for the first time?

Keep detailed records of everything - your employment dates, wages, job search activities. Documentation is key if any issues come up with your claim.

That's exactly how I'm feeling right now. The whole situation is just overwhelming.

It gets easier once you get into the routine of filing weekly claims. The first few weeks are the hardest.

I'll keep that in mind in case I run into problems. Hopefully everything goes smoothly.

Thanks for that perspective. I do feel a bit weird about filing for benefits, but you're right that I've been paying into the system.

Exactly. This is what the system is designed for - helping people when they lose their jobs through no fault of their own.