How can I get unemployment benefits in Washington state?

Thank you! Do I need pay stubs or just the basic employer info?

Just the basic info for now - employer names, addresses, phone numbers, and your start/end dates. They might ask for pay stubs later if needed.

What's a waiting week? Does that mean I won't get paid for the first week?

The waiting week was eliminated in Washington during COVID and hasn't returned yet, so you should get paid for your first eligible week.

THIS! I've been trying to reach them for two weeks about my adjudication issue. The phone just rings and rings or gives you a busy signal.

Have you tried using Claimyr? I found out about it recently - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com, they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Never heard of that but honestly willing to try anything at this point. The Washington ESD phone system is beyond broken.

How many jobs do I need to apply for each week? I heard there are requirements.

You need to make at least 3 job contacts per week in Washington. Keep detailed records - employer name, contact info, date, method of application. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities.

Wait I thought it was 5 job contacts per week?

It's 3 per week in Washington state. Some other states require 5 but Washington ESD requires 3 documented job search activities weekly.

if everything goes smooth maybe 2-3 weeks but if they need to verify anything or you go into adjudication it can take much longer

My claim took 6 weeks because they had to verify my employment with a previous employer. Was incredibly stressful.

6 weeks?! I can't wait that long to pay bills. Is there anything I can do to speed it up?

What causes adjudication? Want to make sure I don't mess anything up.

Common triggers are: quit vs fired disputes, employer contests your claim, questions about your availability for work, or discrepancies in your employment dates.

My employer tried to fight my claim saying I was fired for cause when I was actually laid off. Took 8 weeks to resolve.

Good point. I was laid off due to budget cuts so hopefully that should be straightforward.

Layoffs are usually pretty clean for unemployment eligibility. Just make sure you have the exact dates and reason for separation.

Thanks for the heads up! I just moved so I'll double check that.

Also sign up for electronic communications if possible. Mail can get lost but emails usually get through.

When do I start filing weekly claims? Right after I submit the initial application?

Yes, start filing weekly claims the Sunday after you submit your initial application. The system will tell you when your next claim is due.

I learned this the hard way - missed my second week because I thought I had to wait for approval first. Lost a whole week of benefits.

Are those required or optional?

Mostly optional but sometimes Washington ESD will require you to participate in reemployment services if you're selected. It's usually worth doing anyway for the job search help.

What other programs are there?

There's regular UI, standby benefits for certain industries, and disaster unemployment assistance. For a regular layoff you want standard unemployment insurance.

Good advice. I'll screenshot everything as I go through the process.

Also keep a record of your job search activities from day one. Don't wait until they ask for it.

How does it work exactly?

It basically calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual person. Saved me hours of redialing and busy signals. The video demo on their site explains it better than I can.

Thanks everyone for all the help! Going to start the application tonight.

Good luck! Feel free to come back here if you run into any issues. This community is pretty helpful with Washington ESD questions.

Will do! Really appreciate all the detailed responses.

How long do you have to appeal?

You have 30 days from the date of the denial notice to file an appeal with Washington ESD. Don't wait - appeals can take months to resolve.

I'm not getting severance but good to know for anyone else reading this.

Yeah severance can delay benefits depending on how it's paid out. Washington ESD has specific rules about it.

Agreed, filing weekly claims online is much easier than it used to be.

That's reassuring to hear. Going to tackle the application tomorrow morning.

That's good to know. Wasn't sure if I could still collect if I found something part-time.

Yeah Washington has a partial benefit formula. As long as you earn less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5, you can still get some unemployment.

Thanks for the encouragement. Definitely needed to hear that right now.

Hang in there! We've all been where you are and it does work out.