Can you transfer unemployment to another state - Washington ESD rules?

You can't exactly 'transfer' your claim, but there is an Interstate Benefit Payment Plan that might help. You'll need to contact Washington ESD to discuss your options before you move.

Thank you! Do you know if I need to do anything special with my weekly claims while this is being processed?

Keep filing your weekly claims as normal until Washington ESD tells you otherwise. Don't let them lapse or you could lose benefits.

I went through this when I moved to California last year. You have to file what's called an Interstate Claim. Oregon will handle your weekly claims but Washington ESD still pays the benefits since that's where your wages were earned.

How long did the process take? I'm worried about missing payments during the transition.

It took about 2 weeks to get everything sorted out. There was a small gap but I didn't lose any benefits, they just came a bit later.

That's reassuring to hear. I was afraid I'd have to start completely over with a new claim.

You'll want to call Washington ESD as soon as possible to start this process. The phone lines are always busy though - I spent hours trying to get through last time I needed to talk to someone.

I had the same problem with getting through to Washington ESD. Found out about claimyr.com which helps you get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Interesting, I've never heard of that service. Does it actually work?

Yeah it worked for me when I needed to resolve an adjudication issue. Saved me from calling hundreds of times myself.

MAKE SURE you don't stop filing your weekly claims just because you're moving! I made that mistake when I moved states and lost 3 weeks of benefits that I couldn't get back.

Oh no! That's exactly what I was worried about. Did Washington ESD explain why you couldn't get those weeks back?

They said once you miss filing for a week without good cause, that week is just gone. Moving isn't considered good cause if you could have still filed online.

The job search requirements might change too depending on Oregon's rules. You'll probably need to register with Oregon's job service once you move.

Good point. Do I need to keep looking for work in Washington or switch to looking in Oregon?

Once you move, you'll need to look for work in your new area. But check with both states to make sure you're following the right requirements.

Wait, if your husband already has a job in Oregon, why are you still collecting unemployment? Shouldn't household income affect your benefits?

His income doesn't affect my unemployment benefits. UI is based on my own work history and earnings, not household income.

That's correct. Spousal income doesn't count for unemployment eligibility or benefit amounts.

I'm in a similar situation but moving to Idaho. This thread is really helpful - I had no idea there was a way to continue benefits across state lines.

Definitely look into the Interstate Benefit Payment Plan. Most states participate in it.

Thanks! I'll call Washington ESD tomorrow to ask about it.

Update: I tried calling Washington ESD this morning but couldn't get through after an hour of trying. Going to try the claimyr service someone mentioned earlier.

Good choice. I think you'll find it much easier than trying to call repeatedly on your own.

Let us know how it works out! I might need to use something like that myself.

Just be prepared for some paperwork. When I did my interstate claim, I had to fill out forms for both states and provide proof of my move.

What kind of proof did they want? Lease agreement, utility bills, that sort of thing?

Yeah, lease agreement was the main thing. They also wanted to see that I was actively looking for work in the new state.

The timing of when you move matters too. Try to coordinate the interstate claim setup so there's no gap in your weekly filing schedule.

That's a good point. I'll make sure to ask about timing when I talk to Washington ESD.

Exactly. The last thing you want is confusion about which state you should be filing with on any given week.

Final update: Used claimyr and got through to Washington ESD within 20 minutes! They confirmed I can file an interstate claim and walked me through the process. Thanks everyone for the help!

Awesome! Glad that service worked out for you.

Great news! Make sure to keep all the documentation they gave you about the interstate process.

This whole thread has been super informative. Bookmarking for future reference.