Does employer pay when employee files for Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

Yes, employers do pay unemployment taxes that fund the system, but don't feel guilty about filing! You earned those benefits by working and your employer paying into the system. Their tax rate can go up if they have lots of claims, but that's how the system is designed to work.

Employers pay unemployment taxes based on their experience rating. Companies with higher turnover and more claims pay higher rates. But that's their business decision, not your problem. File your claim - you're entitled to those benefits.

If you're struggling to get through to Washington ESD to file your claim, I had good luck with Claimyr. They helped me get connected to an actual person instead of sitting on hold forever. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Your manager is trying to guilt you into not filing, which is honestly pretty shady. The unemployment system exists specifically for situations like yours. Employers know they'll pay unemployment taxes when they hire people - it's part of doing business.

I went through this exact thing last year. My boss made me feel terrible about filing for UI benefits, saying it would hurt the company's rating. Turns out their unemployment tax rate barely changed because one claim doesn't make that much difference unless they're constantly laying people off.

employers pay into a fund thats how unemployment works its not like they write washington esd a check every time someone files

The employer unemployment tax system in Washington works like insurance. Employers with more claims pay higher premiums, but it's spread out over time. Your single claim won't bankrupt them or anything dramatic like that.

Don't let your employer manipulate you! File your claim immediately. Every week you wait is money you're losing. The system exists to help people between jobs, not to protect company profits.

I'm dealing with a similar situation but my employer is actually contesting my unemployment claim. They're saying I quit when I was actually laid off due to budget cuts. Anyone know how to fight this?

If you end up needing to talk to Washington ESD about your claim status or any issues, I can't recommend Claimyr enough. Saved me hours of trying to get through on the phone. Way easier than the regular callback system.

The guilt trip from employers is so common. They act like filing for unemployment is stealing from them personally. It's ridiculous - they're required by law to pay unemployment taxes whether you file or not.

Here's the thing - if your employer is worried about unemployment costs, maybe they should focus on not laying people off in the first place. Don't let their poor business decisions become your financial problem.

For anyone curious about the specifics: Washington State employers pay unemployment taxes quarterly based on their experience rating. New employers pay 2.7%, but it can range from 0.17% to 6.17% depending on their claim history. One claim won't dramatically change their rate.

My employer tried to tell me the same thing when I got furloughed during COVID. Turns out they were just being cheap and didn't want their unemployment taxes to go up. Filed anyway and it was the right decision.

The bottom line is this: unemployment insurance is exactly that - insurance. You and your employer both contributed to the system while you were working. When you lose your job through no fault of your own, you're entitled to benefits. End of story.

Just want to add - some employers will try to contest legitimate claims to keep their rates low. Don't be surprised if they challenge your filing. Be prepared with documentation of your layoff.

One more plug for Claimyr if anyone needs help reaching Washington ESD. I was stuck in adjudication for weeks and couldn't get anyone on the phone. They got me connected in under an hour and I got my issue resolved the same day.

honestly your manager sounds like they were just trying to save the company money by scaring you out of filing

Final thought - you losing your income is a much bigger financial hardship than your employer's unemployment taxes going up slightly. Don't sacrifice your financial security for their bottom line.

Update us after you file! I'm curious to see if your employer actually tries to contest it or if they were just bluffing to scare you.