Does your company pay for unemployment benefits in Washington ESD claims?

Your employer doesn't pay your unemployment benefits directly. Washington ESD funds unemployment through employer taxes that companies pay quarterly based on their payroll and claim history. So yes, employers do contribute to the system, but they're not writing checks for your specific claim.

wait so if i get fired does that hurt my old job somehow?? i dont want to screw them over but i need the money

The system is designed so that employers pay into it when times are good, and workers can draw from it when they need it. Your individual claim doesn't directly cost your employer money - they've already been paying unemployment taxes. Don't feel guilty about using a system you and your employer have both contributed to.

I spent weeks trying to get through to Washington ESD to ask about this exact thing! The phone lines are always busy and I kept getting disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to a real person at ESD. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Game changer for getting answers about unemployment questions.

To be more specific about the employer side: Washington ESD calculates each employer's unemployment tax rate based on their 'experience rating' - basically how many former employees have filed successful claims. New businesses pay a standard rate until they build up enough history. Companies with stable workforces pay lower rates, while those with high turnover pay more.

Think of it this way - unemployment insurance works like car insurance. You pay premiums whether you have accidents or not, and when you do need to make a claim, you don't pay extra at that moment. Same principle here, except employers pay the premiums and workers make the claims when they lose jobs through no fault of their own.

My old boss used to complain about unemployment taxes all the time, saying it was expensive. But honestly, that's just the cost of doing business. Workers deserve protection when they lose their jobs, and employers benefit from having a skilled workforce that isn't terrified of economic downturns.

I'm curious about the actual numbers. Does anyone know what percentage of payroll employers typically pay for unemployment taxes in Washington?

This has been incredibly helpful! I feel so much better about filing for unemployment now. I was honestly losing sleep over whether I'd be hurting my former employer.

Just wanted to add - if you do need to contact Washington ESD about your claim, definitely consider using Claimyr. I was skeptical at first but it really works. Saved me from spending entire days on hold.

can employers like fight your unemployment claim if they dont want to pay higher taxes later?

The bottom line is that unemployment insurance is exactly that - insurance. It's a safety net that employers pay into so workers have some security. Don't feel guilty about using benefits you're entitled to. That's literally what the system is designed for.

One more thing to remember - even if your unemployment claim does eventually impact your former employer's tax rate, that's factored into their business planning. Most companies with any HR sophistication budget for unemployment costs as part of their labor expenses.

honestly the whole system is confusing but at least now i know my boss isnt gonna get a bill in the mail with my name on it lol

For anyone else reading this thread, the key takeaway is: unemployment benefits are funded through employer taxes, but your individual claim doesn't create a direct, immediate cost to your former employer. The system is designed to spread the costs across time and across all participating employers.

I'm saving this thread for future reference. Really clear explanations of how the unemployment system actually works financially.

Final note: if you're eligible for unemployment benefits, you should absolutely file. The system exists to help workers during transitions, and both you and your employer have already contributed to making it possible. Don't let concerns about your former employer's costs prevent you from accessing benefits you've earned.

And if you do need help navigating Washington ESD's system, check out that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. Sometimes having a real person to talk to makes all the difference when you're dealing with unemployment bureaucracy.

This has been a great discussion. It's amazing how many people don't understand the basic mechanics of unemployment insurance. Hopefully this thread helps others who have the same questions.

Remember, the unemployment system isn't perfect, but it's there for a reason. Use it when you need it, and don't feel bad about it. That's what it's for.