Can you collect unemployment if you get laid off in Washington ESD system?

Yes, getting laid off definitely qualifies you for unemployment benefits in Washington! Being laid off through no fault of your own is exactly what unemployment insurance is designed for. You'll want to file your claim with Washington ESD as soon as possible after your last day of work. Don't wait - there's no benefit to delaying your application.

Been there - got laid off from my tech job last year. The process isn't too bad but be prepared for some waiting. You'll file online through the Washington ESD website and then have to do weekly claims to keep getting paid. Make sure you have all your employment info ready when you file.

One thing that helped me when I got laid off was using Claimyr to actually get through to someone at Washington ESD when I had questions. The phone lines are usually swamped but their service got me connected to an agent who walked me through the whole process. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements too. You'll need to be actively looking for work and keeping a log of your job search activities. Washington ESD requires this to keep receiving benefits.

ugh the washington esd system is such a pain. took me forever to get my benefits when i got laid off from retail. just be patient and keep calling if you have problems

Don't let horror stories scare you - most layoff cases are pretty straightforward since there's no question about fault. The key is filing correctly from the start and making sure all your information is accurate. Double-check everything before submitting.

When I got laid off from manufacturing, I filed the same day and got approved within a week. The hardest part was just learning how to do the weekly claims properly. Make sure you certify every week even if you haven't received your first payment yet.

Just want to add that you should also check if your company offers any severance package. Sometimes that can affect when your unemployment benefits start, so mention it when you file your claim.

Also remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your weekly payments or pay them later when you file your tax return. I learned this the hard way!

Been collecting unemployment for 3 months now after my layoff. The system works but you have to stay on top of everything. Keep records of all your job search activities and don't miss any weekly certifications. If something goes wrong, that Claimyr service someone mentioned actually did help me get through to fix an issue with my claim.

The maximum weekly benefit amount in Washington is pretty decent compared to other states, so depending on your salary you might get a reasonable amount. They calculate it based on your earnings history.

Make sure you file online through the official Washington ESD website. There are scam sites out there that look similar. The real one is esd.wa.gov.

One more tip - if you're in a union, check with them too. Sometimes they have additional resources or advice for members dealing with layoffs and unemployment claims.

honestly the washington esd system has gotten better over the years. when i got laid off in 2019 it was a nightmare but seems more streamlined now

Don't forget you can also look into job training programs while you're collecting unemployment. Washington has some good retraining programs that can help you learn new skills while you're looking for work.

Bottom line - yes you can definitely collect unemployment if you get laid off. It's literally what the system is designed for. File as soon as possible, be honest and accurate with all information, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you run into issues. You've paid into this system through your paychecks, so don't feel bad about using it when you need it.