Does unemployment hurt the employer - worried about filing with Washington ESD

Your employer pays into the unemployment insurance system as part of their regular business taxes. When you file for UI benefits, it doesn't directly 'hurt' them - it's what the system is designed for. Their unemployment tax rate might go up slightly if they have a lot of claims, but that's just how the system works.

Oh okay, so it's not like they get a bill for my benefits or anything like that?

Nope, no direct bill. It's more like how car insurance works - they pay premiums and the insurance covers claims.

Don't feel guilty about filing! You earned those benefits by working and your employer knew this was part of the deal when they hired you. If you were laid off through no fault of your own, you absolutely should file with Washington ESD.

Thanks, I guess I just feel bad because they're a small business and I don't want to make things harder for them.

I totally understand that feeling, but you need to take care of yourself too. Small businesses factor unemployment costs into their budgets.

You should definitely file if you're eligible. The employer's unemployment tax rate is based on their history of layoffs over several years, so one claim won't dramatically impact them. Plus, if you were laid off due to lack of work, that's exactly what unemployment insurance is for. Don't let guilt stop you from getting benefits you've earned.

That makes me feel better. How long does it usually take for Washington ESD to process a new claim?

Usually 2-3 weeks if there are no issues with your claim. Make sure you have all your employment information ready when you file online.

I was in a similar situation last year and felt the same way. Turns out my old boss actually encouraged me to file because he knew I'd earned it. Some employers even help with the paperwork because they want their former employees to get support while job searching.

Really? I didn't know employers sometimes help with that.

Yeah, good employers understand it's just part of doing business. The ones who get upset about it are usually the ones who don't understand how the system works.

My last company actually had HR walk people through the unemployment filing process during layoffs. They said it was better for everyone if people got benefits quickly.

Just file already! You're overthinking this. Employers pay unemployment taxes whether you file or not - that money is already gone from their perspective. Don't sacrifice your financial security for misplaced loyalty.

You're probably right. I guess I'm just worried about burning bridges.

Filing for unemployment that you're entitled to isn't burning bridges. Any employer who would hold that against you isn't worth working for again anyway.

Here's how the employer impact actually works: Washington ESD uses an experience rating system. Employers with more unemployment claims over time may see their tax rate increase, but it's calculated over several years and there are caps. One claim from a legitimate layoff is not going to significantly hurt them.

This is exactly right. I work in HR and we budget for unemployment costs as part of our normal operating expenses.

Good to know there are caps on how much it can go up. That makes me feel less worried about it.

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I first filed my claim. Kept getting busy signals and when I did get through, I'd get disconnected after waiting on hold for an hour. Super frustrating when you're already stressed about being unemployed.

Oh man, I remember those phone struggles! I actually found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual person at Washington ESD. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Interesting, how does that work exactly? Do they just keep calling for you?

Pretty much! They navigate the phone system and hold your place in line, then call you back when they get an agent. Saved me hours of frustration.

The bottom line is that unemployment insurance exists specifically for situations like yours. Your employer has been paying into this system all along, and now it's time for the system to work for you. Don't let misplaced guilt keep you from accessing benefits you've earned.

You're all making really good points. I think I was just overthinking it because I liked working there.

That's totally understandable! It shows you're a thoughtful person. But part of being thoughtful is also taking care of your own needs.

ugh this whole system is so confusing why cant they just make it simple for people who lose their jobs

I agree it can be confusing at first, but once you understand the basics it's not too bad. The main thing is just filing as soon as you're eligible.

yeah i guess ur right just seems like theres so many rules and stuff

One thing to keep in mind - if your employer contests your claim saying you were fired for misconduct instead of laid off, that's when things can get complicated. But if it was truly a layoff due to lack of work, business closure, or similar reasons, they shouldn't contest it.

They definitely said it was a layoff due to reduced hours and customer traffic. Should I be worried about them contesting it?

Doesn't sound like you need to worry. Legitimate layoffs rarely get contested, especially if the employer communicated clearly that it was due to business reasons.

I actually called Washington ESD about this exact question when I was laid off from my restaurant job. The person I talked to explained that employers basically 'pre-pay' for unemployment through their taxes, so it's not like they get surprise bills when someone files.

How did you manage to get through to someone? I tried calling yesterday and couldn't get past the busy signal.

I got lucky I guess? But yeah, their phone system is notorious for being overloaded. Maybe try early in the morning?

That's why I ended up using Claimyr - their system is designed to deal with those busy signals and hold times so you don't have to.

From a business perspective, smart employers actually prefer when eligible employees file for unemployment rather than struggle financially. Happy former employees are more likely to speak positively about the company and potentially return if opportunities arise.

That's a really good point I hadn't thought of. It's probably better for everyone if I can focus on job searching instead of stressing about money.

Exactly! Unemployment benefits help maintain economic stability, which benefits everyone including employers who need customers with spending power.

I remember being worried about the same thing, but my unemployment counselor at WorkSource explained that the system is designed to be fair to both employees and employers. Employers can't just fire people to avoid unemployment costs - there are rules and protections in place.

Good to know there are protections. I'm feeling much better about filing now.

WorkSource is actually really helpful for job search support too once you get your claim going. They have lots of resources.

look i know everyone is being nice about this but honestly some employers do get annoyed about unemployment claims even if they shouldnt. my old boss definitely gave me attitude about it even tho it was totally legit

Oh no, that's exactly what I was worried about! What happened?

nothing really happened he was just grumpy about it but i still got my benefits and found a better job anyway so whatever

Sounds like you dodged a bullet with that employer! Anyone who gets mad about legitimate unemployment claims isn't someone you'd want to work for long-term.

The guilt is real but misplaced. Think of it this way - if you had car insurance and got in an accident, would you feel guilty about filing a claim? This is the same concept. Your employer paid into unemployment insurance specifically so it would be there when needed.

That's actually a perfect analogy! I never thought of it that way but it makes total sense.

Right? Insurance exists to be used when the covered situation occurs. That's literally the point of having it.

As someone who handles unemployment claims for my company, I can tell you that we expect a certain number of claims each year and budget accordingly. One additional claim isn't going to break the bank or cause us to lose sleep. File your claim!

It's really reassuring to hear from someone on the employer side. Thanks for the perspective!

No problem! We actually prefer when people file promptly rather than waiting, because it helps everyone plan better.

been there done that with the guilt trip. filed anyway and guess what - nothing happened to my old employer. they're still in business doing fine and i got the benefits i needed to get back on my feet. just do it already

Haha okay okay, I get it! Everyone's telling me the same thing. I'll file tomorrow.

good! youll feel better once you get it done trust me

If you're still worried about it, you could always have a conversation with your former employer to let them know you're filing. Most reasonable employers will understand and may even provide encouragement or references for your job search.

That's not a bad idea. I'm still on good terms with my manager so maybe I'll give her a heads up.

Exactly! Communication usually helps ease any potential tension, and it shows you're being thoughtful about the situation.

Quick tip - when you file with Washington ESD, make sure you have your last employer's information handy including their business address and your dates of employment. It'll make the process go much smoother.

Good tip! I still have my last paystub so that should have most of what I need.

Perfect! Having that documentation ready definitely helps speed things up.

honestly after reading all these responses i think youre overthinking it way too much. millions of people file for unemployment every year and the system keeps working fine. just file and move on with your job search

You're probably right. I tend to overthink things when I'm stressed. Thanks for the reality check!

no worries we all do that sometimes. good luck with the job hunt!

Update us on how it goes! I think you'll find the process is much less scary than you're imagining. Washington ESD's online system is pretty user-friendly once you get started.

Will do! Thanks everyone for all the advice and reassurance. I feel much better about filing now.

Awesome! Remember that this is exactly what the system is designed for - don't feel guilty about using it.

And if you run into any issues getting through to Washington ESD by phone, definitely check out that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. Really saved me a lot of headaches.