Do you get drug tested for Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

No, Washington ESD does not require drug testing for regular unemployment insurance benefits. You won't need to take any kind of drug test just to file your claim or receive weekly payments. The main requirements are that you're able and available for work and actively seeking employment.

Drug testing isn't part of Washington's UI program at all. However, if you're referred to certain job training programs through WorkSource or if you're applying for specific jobs that require testing, that's a different story. But for just collecting unemployment? No testing required.

I've been collecting Washington ESD benefits for 8 weeks now and never had to do any drug testing. The only 'testing' they do is verifying your work history and making sure you meet the eligibility requirements. You'll need to do your weekly claims and job search activities but no physical testing of any kind.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask questions like this, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach an agent on the phone. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Really helped me when I was stuck in adjudication and couldn't get anyone on the phone.

never heard of drug testing for unemployment in washington, been through the system twice and never came up. they're more concerned with whether you're actually looking for work and reporting your job search correctly

The only time drug testing might come up is if you're disqualified for being fired due to substance abuse or something like that. But even then, Washington ESD doesn't require you to take a test - they just look at the reason for separation from your employer. Regular UI claims don't involve any testing.

I work in HR and deal with unemployment claims regularly. Washington state does not require drug testing for UI benefits. Some states have pilot programs or specific requirements, but Washington focuses on work search requirements and eligibility verification instead.

Been collecting for 6 months now (lost my job in tech layoffs) and never had to do any drug testing. The most invasive thing was having to verify my identity when I first applied, but that was just uploading documents online.

My sister is a caseworker at WorkSource and she confirmed - no drug testing for regular unemployment benefits in Washington. The state tried to implement it years ago but decided against it due to cost and legal challenges.

Just to add another data point - I've been through the Washington ESD system three times over the past decade (construction work is cyclical) and never once had to do drug testing. The process is stressful enough without having to worry about that too!

FYI if anyone is having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone to ask questions like this, there's a service I used called Claimyr that actually gets you through to an agent. Really saved me when my claim got stuck and I couldn't get anyone on the phone for weeks. Check out claimyr.com if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD.

The only 'testing' Washington ESD does is testing your patience when you try to call them! But seriously, no drug testing required for UI benefits. Just focus on meeting the work search requirements and filing your weekly claims on time.

I was paranoid about the same thing when I first applied. Turns out I was worrying for nothing - no testing of any kind. Washington ESD is more interested in whether you're genuinely looking for work than anything else. Just make sure you understand the job search requirements and you'll be fine.

Can confirm - no drug testing for regular UI in Washington. Been through the system recently and the only requirements are proving you're eligible, able to work, and actively job searching. Don't stress about tests that don't exist!