Can you still collect unemployment if you move out of Washington state?

Thanks! That's a huge relief. Do I need to notify them before I move or can I just update my address when I get there?

You should update your address as soon as you move. It's better to be proactive about keeping your information current with Washington ESD.

Good to know! Did you have to search for jobs in Washington or could you look for work in Idaho?

I focused on remote work opportunities and jobs I could potentially commute to. As long as you're genuinely available for work, you should be fine.

I've been trying to call them for weeks but can never get through. The phone lines are always busy.

Have you tried using Claimyr? I found out about it recently and it actually got me through to a Washington ESD agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of redialing.

Never heard of that but I'll definitely check it out. Getting hung up on after waiting on hold is so frustrating.

There's a difference between traveling/vacation and permanently relocating. For permanent moves, you can continue benefits as long as you remain available for work. Short trips need to be reported differently.

Oh okay, that makes more sense. Thanks for clarifying!

Did you have any issues with the job search requirements? I'm worried about proving I'm looking for work.

Not really. I documented online applications and kept track of everything in WorkSourceWA. Remote job applications count toward your search requirements.

I hadn't thought about Oregon programs. Should I apply there instead of continuing with Washington?

No, stick with Washington since that's where your claim is established. You generally can't have claims in multiple states at once.

For weekend trips, you typically don't need to report anything unless it affects your availability for work. Permanent moves are different and do require updating your information.

Thanks, that helps clarify things for me too.

That's exactly why I ended up trying Claimyr. I was in the same boat - kept getting disconnected after waiting forever. It's really frustrating when you have legitimate questions.

I'll have to look into that. This is ridiculous that we have to use third-party services just to reach our own state agencies.

Good point. I've been keeping track but I should probably be more thorough with my documentation.

Definitely. Screenshot applications, save email confirmations, document phone calls. Better to have too much documentation than not enough.

Distance itself isn't the issue - it's about remaining available for suitable work. Moving to Hawaii might make it harder to demonstrate availability for Washington jobs, but it's not automatically disqualifying.

That makes sense. It's really about the practical aspects of being available for work.

Spousal job relocations are generally considered good cause for moving while on benefits. You should be fine as long as you continue meeting all other requirements.

That's reassuring. I was really stressed about potentially losing my benefits.

I feel the same way. It's like they hope you'll just stop filing claims rather than deal with the bureaucracy.

Exactly! And then they wonder why people are frustrated with the system.

I didn't have any issues, but I was very careful to document everything and keep up with all requirements. Being transparent and compliant is key.

Good to know. I'll make sure to be extra careful with documentation.

Your benefits are still taxable income, but the rate depends on your total income and filing status. Moving to a different state might affect your overall tax situation but not the benefits themselves.

Thanks, I'll need to research the tax implications more carefully.

Same here! I feel much more confident about my move now. Just need to make sure I handle everything properly.

Definitely. The key seems to be staying on top of all the requirements and being honest about your situation.

That's a good point. I'm hoping the job market will be better where I'm moving.

Best of luck with the move and the job search! Sounds like you're handling everything the right way.

I'm definitely going to try that before my move. Better to get official confirmation than worry about it.

Yeah, it's worth it for the peace of mind. The agents can give you specific guidance for your situation.

That's what we're here for! Don't hesitate to ask if you run into any issues after your move.

Agreed, this has been incredibly helpful. I feel much more prepared now.

This is exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Arizona move. It's really reassuring to know that someone has actually done this successfully. I especially appreciate the specific steps you outlined - updating address immediately, focusing on remote/realistic jobs, and keeping detailed records. That gives me a clear roadmap to follow. Did you have to explain to Washington ESD why you moved, or did they not ask as long as you stayed compliant with everything else?

This is so helpful! I'm in the exact same situation as the original poster - moving to Oregon next month and really worried about losing my benefits. Your Arizona experience gives me a lot of confidence. I particularly like your point about focusing on remote positions since those would be realistic no matter where I'm located. One quick question - when you updated your address in eServices, did it trigger any additional questions or requirements from Washington ESD, or was it just a straightforward address change? I want to make sure I'm prepared for any extra steps that might come up.

This is incredibly helpful - thank you for sharing such detailed information about your successful move to Arizona! Your four-point checklist is exactly what I was looking for. It's so reassuring to hear from someone who actually went through this process without any issues. I'm particularly glad you mentioned focusing on remote positions since that makes the most sense for maintaining "availability for work" regardless of location. Did you find that Washington ESD accepted remote job applications as part of your required job search activities, or did you need to mix in some local Arizona applications too? I want to make sure I'm documenting my job search correctly after I move to Oregon.