Can you still apply for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD in 2025?

Thanks! Do I need to wait a certain amount of time after being laid off or can I apply right away?

You can apply right away, but benefits won't start until after your waiting week. The sooner you file, the better - don't wait!

That's reassuring to hear! Did you have any issues with getting through to them if you had questions?

honestly the phone system is still pretty backed up, took me forever to get through when I had a question about my job search requirements

Interesting, I hadn't heard of that service. Good to know there are options if I can't get through the regular way.

Is that legit? Seems weird that you'd need a third party service just to call a government office

I was skeptical at first too, but it actually worked. The Washington ESD phone lines are just overwhelmed most of the time, especially during peak hours.

What kind of discrepancies cause problems? I want to make sure I don't mess anything up.

Employment dates, wages, reason for separation - they verify everything with your former employers. If there's any mismatch it goes to adjudication which can take weeks.

ugh the adjudication process is the WORST. been waiting 5 weeks for mine to get resolved

What counts as job search activities? Just applying for jobs or other things too?

Applying for jobs, networking events, job fairs, creating or updating your resume, even some training programs. They have a list on the WorkSource website.

I was laid off due to company downsizing, so I think I should be okay on that front.

Layoffs due to downsizing are typically eligible. You'll be fine as long as you were a good employee.

I had similar problems last week. Try logging in early morning or late evening when traffic is lower.

Good tip, I'll try that. So frustrating when you're already stressed about money.

What other programs are there? I thought unemployment was just unemployment.

There's also standby status for temporary layoffs, disaster benefits in special circumstances, and some training programs. But regular UI is what most people need.

I did get some severance. Does that mean I can't collect benefits right away?

Not necessarily can't collect, but it might delay when your benefits start. They calculate it based on your weekly benefit amount.

That's good advice. Better safe than sorry I guess.

Exactly! You can always stop claiming if you find work, but you can't go back and claim for weeks you didn't file.

I'll definitely write down my login info somewhere safe. Thanks for the heads up!

What's the best way to keep track of job search activities?

I use a simple spreadsheet with dates, company names, positions applied for, and how I applied. Washington ESD can audit your job search log at any time.

There's also a job search log template on the WorkSource website that's pretty helpful

You file in the state where you worked, not where you live. So if you worked in Washington, you'd file with Washington ESD regardless of where you live now.

Perfect, that's what I thought but wanted to confirm. Thanks!

Good point. I might do some gig work to supplement, so I'll make sure to report everything properly.

Yeah, even small amounts matter. I had to pay back $800 because I forgot to report some cash work I did. Not worth the risk.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful information! I'm going to file my application today.

Good luck! Remember to file your weekly claims on time once you're approved.

This is really helpful! I didn't realize I needed all that employment documentation ready beforehand. I was just going to wing it with whatever I could remember. Do you know if they accept digital copies of pay stubs or do they need physical ones? I have most of my recent pay stubs saved as PDFs on my phone from when my employer switched to digital pay stubs last year.

Digital copies are totally fine! The Washington ESD online system actually works better with digital documents since you can upload them directly if needed. I'd recommend organizing all your PDFs in a folder on your phone or computer before you start - having everything in one place makes it so much easier when you're filling out the application. Also, even though they don't always ask for uploads during the initial application, they might request documentation later if there are any questions about your wages or employment history, so keeping those PDFs accessible is smart.