Do I file unemployment where I live or where I work in Washington?

That makes sense, thank you! So even though I live in Spokane, I still go through Washington ESD since both locations are in Washington state.

Exactly right. If you had worked in Oregon but lived in Washington, then you'd file in Oregon instead.

What's the base period? I've only worked in Washington for the past 2 years so I think I'm good there.

Base period is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed. Since you worked in WA the whole time, Washington ESD will handle everything.

How does that work exactly? I've been trying to call Washington ESD but keep getting busy signals.

It basically helps you get through the phone queue faster. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected. Really helped when I had questions about my claim status.

Never heard of that but the phone system is definitely frustrating. Might be worth checking out.

Good point! I have all my pay stubs and W2 from last year. Should I file online or over the phone?

Online is usually faster if you have all your info ready. The Washington ESD website walks you through it step by step.

You'd file in Oregon since that's where you work and earn wages. Different situation than the original poster.

ugh ok thanks. wish this stuff was more straightforward

That's helpful to know for the future. Thankfully my situation is straightforward since I only worked in Washington.

Yeah I had to deal with multi-state wages once and it was a nightmare. Single state is definitely easier.

If you're physically working from Washington, then yes, you file with Washington ESD. Your tax withholdings should show Washington as your work state.

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

Good to know! I'll gather all that before I start the application.

Also have your bank account info ready if you want direct deposit. Way faster than waiting for a debit card.

I'll check that out too. Always good to read the official info from Washington ESD directly.

Yeah their website is actually pretty helpful once you know where to look. Much better than it used to be.

How long did the online application take you?

Maybe 30-45 minutes? Had to dig up some old employer info but wasn't too bad overall.

Good to know that exists though. Unemployment rules are more complex than I realized.

Yeah there are lots of special situations. Basic rule though is always file where you worked.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr when I had questions. Saved me hours of trying to get through to Washington ESD directly.

Yeah the phone system can be really frustrating. Any shortcut to actually talk to someone is worth it.

Will they contact my employer right away or only if there's an issue with my claim?

They always send a notice to your employer when you file. It's part of the standard process to verify your claim.

Right, that makes total sense. I was overthinking it because of the distance between the cities.

Distance doesn't matter, just which state you worked in. You could live in Alaska and work in Washington and still file with Washington ESD.

Weekly claims are filed online too right? Don't have to call in or anything?

Yep, all online through your Washington ESD account. Much easier than the old days when you had to call.

That's reassuring to hear! Sounds like this is a pretty common situation then.

Super common, especially with people commuting between cities for work. Washington ESD is used to it.

Oh interesting! I hadn't thought about that aspect. Good point about the job search requirements.

Yeah, Washington ESD understands you're not going to commute 5 hours each way for a job interview. Local job search makes sense.

Seems like a few people have mentioned that service. Might be worth bookmarking in case I run into issues.

Yeah definitely keep it as backup. Hope you don't need it but nice to know it's there if Washington ESD's phone system gives you trouble.

Perfect, that's exactly what I needed to know. Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses!

Good luck with your claim! The process is usually pretty straightforward once you get started.