Can you collect unemployment if laid off in Washington - need to know eligibility

Yes, you can definitely collect unemployment if you're laid off! That's exactly what unemployment insurance is for. Being laid off through no fault of your own makes you eligible for Washington ESD benefits. You'll need to file your claim as soon as possible after your last day of work. The process is pretty straightforward - you can apply online through the Washington ESD website.

Just went through this myself last year when my company downsized. The key thing is to apply right away - don't wait! You can file your claim online at secure.esd.wa.gov. Make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history ready. Also keep track of any severance pay because that might affect when your benefits start.

I was in the same boat a few months ago - massive layoffs at my company. One thing that really helped was using Claimyr to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD. I was having trouble understanding some of the requirements and kept getting disconnected when I called. Found out about claimyr.com and they helped me get through to an actual person who explained everything. There's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

ugh the whole system is such a mess. I got laid off in march and it took forever to get my first payment. make sure you do your weekly claims EVERY week even if your claim is still pending or you'll lose those weeks forever!!!

Been there! You'll also need to register with WorkSource Washington for job search activities. Don't skip this step - it's required to keep getting benefits. You need to do at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log of what you did.

Make sure you understand the difference between being laid off and being fired for cause. Laid off = eligible for benefits. Fired for misconduct = not eligible. Since you're being laid off due to company downsizing, you should be fine.

Also keep in mind that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your weekly payments or pay them when you file your tax return. I learned this the hard way and owed money at tax time.

The whole process was pretty smooth for me when I got laid off. Applied online, got approved within a week, and started receiving payments. Just make sure you have all your employment dates and employer contact info ready when you apply.

One more thing - if your employer contests your claim (which they probably won't for a layoff), don't panic. You can appeal and Washington ESD will investigate. Layoffs are pretty cut and dried so there's usually no issue.

Start your claim the Monday after your last day of work. That's when your benefit year begins. And remember, there's a one-week waiting period before you can receive your first payment, so don't expect money right away.

I'm going through this right now too. Got laid off last month and the hardest part was actually getting through to Washington ESD on the phone when I had questions. I ended up using Claimyr after someone recommended it on here and it was so much easier than trying to call myself.

Just remember that unemployment is temporary assistance while you look for new work. Use the time wisely to improve your skills or network. Some people get too comfortable and stop looking seriously for jobs.

The maximum benefit period is usually 26 weeks, but it can vary depending on the unemployment rate. Right now I think it's the standard 26 weeks in Washington.

Make sure you're honest about everything on your application. Washington ESD does verify information with employers, so don't try to fudge anything about why you were let go or your work history.

Keep all your documentation too - your layoff notice, final paystub, any correspondence with your employer. You might need it later if there are any questions about your claim.

Once you get your claim approved, you'll get a debit card in the mail for your payments. It takes about a week to arrive, so don't worry if you don't get it right away after your first payment is processed.