Can you get unemployment if you get laid off in Washington state?

Yes, getting laid off is actually one of the main qualifying reasons for unemployment benefits in Washington. Since you didn't quit or get fired for misconduct, you should be eligible. You'll need to file your claim as soon as possible after your last day of work through the Washington ESD website.

Layoffs are considered 'involuntary separation' which makes you eligible for UI benefits. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months when you apply. The process starts at secure.esd.wa.gov.

Been through this twice unfortunately. Layoffs definitely qualify you but be prepared for the application process to take some time. Washington ESD has been really backed up lately and sometimes claims get stuck in adjudication for weeks.

You'll get benefits but don't expect it to be easy dealing with Washington ESD. Their phone system is a nightmare and their website crashes constantly. Start the process early because everything takes longer than it should.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements too. In Washington you need to make 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. They can audit this stuff so don't slack on it.

Layoffs are the easiest type of unemployment claim to get approved. I've seen people struggle with quit claims or misconduct issues, but layoffs are straightforward. You should be fine.

ugh dealing with washington esd is such a pain. took me 2 months to get my first payment when i got laid off. kept saying there were issues with my claim but nobody could tell me what

Don't forget about the waiting week. Your first week of unemployment won't be paid, it's like a deductible. So even if you file right away, your first payment will be for week 2.

Whatever you do, make sure you file your weekly claims on time every week. Missing even one weekly claim can mess up your whole benefit year. Set a reminder on your phone or something.

Since everyone's talking about how hard it is to reach Washington ESD when you have problems... seriously consider that claimyr service I mentioned earlier. I was skeptical at first but when my claim got flagged for some random verification issue, I couldn't get through to ESD for weeks. Claimyr got me connected in like 30 minutes. Worth every penny when you're stressed about your benefits.

One thing nobody mentioned - make sure your employer correctly reports the layoff to Washington ESD. Sometimes there are miscommunications about whether it was a layoff vs termination and that can delay your claim.

Also remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can have taxes withheld automatically or pay them later, but don't forget about it come tax time.

Been there, laid off twice in the past 5 years. First time I panicked and made mistakes on my application. Second time went much smoother because I knew what to expect. You'll be fine, just read everything carefully and answer honestly.

If you get any paperwork from Washington ESD asking for additional information, respond immediately. Don't put it off even if it seems confusing. Missing deadlines can kill your claim entirely.

Don't stress too much about it. Layoffs are legitimate reasons for unemployment and you've been working steadily. The system is designed for situations exactly like yours. Just file promptly and follow the requirements.

One last tip - screenshot everything when you're using the Washington ESD website. Their system sometimes glitches and loses information, so having proof of what you submitted can save you headaches later.

Also just want to echo what someone said about claimyr - I used them when I had issues with my standby claim last year. Having an actual person help you navigate the ESD system is invaluable when you're dealing with complicated stuff. Their demo video explains it better than I can but basically they handle all the calling and waiting for you.

Bottom line - yes, layoffs qualify for unemployment benefits in Washington. File as soon as you're eligible, keep good records, and don't ignore any correspondence from ESD. You should be fine given your work history.

Just wanted to add that you should also check if your company is offering any severance package or COBRA benefits. These won't affect your unemployment eligibility, but they can impact the timing of when you file. If you're getting severance pay that extends beyond your last work day, you might need to wait until that severance period ends before you can start collecting UI benefits. Also, don't forget to ask HR about any unused vacation or PTO payout - that's separate from unemployment but good to know about for your financial planning.