How do I get unemployment benefits in Washington - complete beginner here

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

Just the employer info is fine for the initial application. They might ask for pay stubs later if needed for verification.

Do I need pay stubs or will they get that information from my employer directly?

They'll get wage information from employers, but having your pay stubs helps if there are any discrepancies. Definitely keep them handy.

What's WorkSource Washington? Is that separate from the unemployment application?

It's the state's job search system. You're required to register there and do job search activities to keep getting benefits. The unemployment site will give you the link.

Never heard of that service. Is it legit?

Yeah it's totally legitimate. They just help you get through the busy phone lines to talk to Washington ESD staff. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

That sounds really helpful actually. The thought of trying to call and getting busy signals is stressing me out even more.

What do you mean by weekly claims? Is that different from the initial application?

Yes, the initial application establishes your claim. Then every week you have to file a weekly claim to actually get paid. You answer questions about whether you worked, looked for work, etc.

Got it, so it's an ongoing process not just a one-time thing. Thanks for clarifying!

How does that work exactly? Do they charge you to make the call?

They handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when they get an agent on the line. Really helpful when you're dealing with long hold times or can't get through.

I worked full time for about 8 months at my last job. Should that be enough?

Probably, but check the calculator to be sure. They look at your earnings over a specific time period.

Do I need to start job searching immediately or can I wait until my claim is approved?

You should start immediately. Even if your claim takes time to process, they'll expect you to have been searching during that time once it's approved.

This is really important - I got dinged for not having enough job contacts during my first few weeks because I thought I could wait.

That's what I'm worried about. How long did it take you?

like 6 weeks because they put my claim in adjudication for some reason. never got a clear explanation why

Yeah I'm already feeling overwhelmed and I haven't even started yet!

It really is confusing at first but once you do it a couple times it becomes routine. The key is just to start and not overthink it.

What if you got fired though? Does that disqualify you automatically?

Not necessarily. It depends on the reason. If it was for misconduct then yes, but if it was performance-related or layoffs you should still qualify.

When do the weekly claims start? Right after I apply?

You'll get instructions after your claim is processed. Usually you can start filing weekly claims the week after you apply.

I was laid off due to company downsizing, so that should be okay right?

Yes, that's typically a qualifying separation. Just be honest and detailed about the circumstances when you file.

They might still put your claim into adjudication to verify the details with your employer, but layoffs usually get approved.

That sounds complicated. Do I need to calculate that myself?

No, they do all the calculations. You just need to provide your work history and they figure out your base period and benefit amount.

What's adjudication exactly? That sounds intimidating.

It's just their review process. They might contact you or your employer for more information about why you're unemployed. It's normal, not a red flag.

Mine was in adjudication for 5 weeks! But yeah, eventually got approved and received all the back payments.

Good advice. I learned this the hard way when they asked me for documentation I didn't have.

What kind of job search activities do you need to do?

Apply for jobs, attend job fairs, networking events, online job search. You need to log at least 3 job search activities per week.

How long is the waiting period usually?

There's a one week waiting period where you don't get paid, then it can take 2-3 weeks for processing if everything goes smoothly.

So I should file this week even though I just lost my job last week?

Absolutely! The sooner you file, the sooner your benefit year starts. Waiting doesn't help you at all.

How much does something like that cost though? I'm already strapped for cash.

It's worth checking their website for current info. For me it was worth it to avoid the stress of endless busy signals and dropped calls.

Good to know it's not just user error if I run into technical problems!

Yeah I've had the site time out on me multiple times while filling out forms. Super frustrating but it usually works eventually.

That's really specific - how do they calculate the actual dollar amount I'd get?

It's roughly 1/26th of your earnings during your highest-earning quarter in the base period, up to the state maximum. The website has a calculator you can use to estimate.

The calculator is helpful but remember it's just an estimate. Your actual amount might be different.

So even if everything goes smoothly, I won't get paid for the first week?

Exactly. It's annoying but that's how the system works. Plan accordingly.

How long are you supposed to wait before you know if you're approved?

They say up to 21 days for a decision, but it can be longer if your claim needs adjudication.

Keep filing your weekly claims even while you're waiting. If you get approved, you'll get back pay for those weeks.

What if I have some restrictions on the type of work I can do?

Minor restrictions are usually okay, but if you can only work very limited hours or have major limitations, it might affect your eligibility.

Is WorkSourceWA required or just recommended?

It's not required but it's free and has good job search tools. Plus some of your job contacts can come from their system.

Can you get a debit card instead of direct deposit?

Yes, they offer a ReliaCard debit card option if you don't want to use direct deposit.

Same here! There's so much to keep track of.

I might need to look into that. I've been trying to reach them for days about a question on my claim.

Yeah, that's exactly the situation where it's helpful. Check out claimyr.com when you get a chance.

Thanks for all the encouragement and advice everyone! I feel much more prepared to tackle this now.

You've got this! Come back and ask if you run into any specific issues.

Great point about keeping records. I'll make sure to document everything as I go through the process.

How much does something like that cost?

I don't remember the exact amount but it was worth it to actually talk to someone when my claim got stuck. Way better than calling 50 times and getting busy signals.

I was laid off due to budget cuts. That should be straightforward right?

Yes, layoffs due to budget cuts or lack of work are usually clear-cut for unemployment eligibility.

Wait, unemployment is taxable income? I had no idea.

Yes, it's considered taxable income for federal taxes. You can choose to have 10% withheld when you file your weekly claims.

Thank you everyone. This has been super helpful. I'm going to apply online today.

Good luck! Remember to file your weekly claims on time once you get approved.

What's adjudication exactly?

It's when they need to investigate or verify something about your claim before approving benefits. Could be anything from confirming your work history to checking why you left your job.

Hopefully mine goes through without any issues. Thanks again everyone for all the help!