How do I know if I have unemployment benefits in Washington - new to the system

You definitely need to apply first - unemployment benefits aren't automatic. Go to esd.wa.gov and look for the 'Apply for Benefits' section. You'll need to file an initial claim to see if you qualify.

The Washington ESD system will determine your eligibility based on your work history and earnings in the past 15 months. You need to have worked and earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period to qualify. Once you file your initial claim, they'll send you a monetary determination letter that shows your weekly benefit amount and total benefit year amount if you're approved.

I had the same confusion when I got laid off last year. The key thing is you have to file the initial claim first, then Washington ESD will tell you if you qualify and how much you can get. Don't wait too long though - benefits are only backdated to the week you actually file your claim, not when you lost your job.

Honestly the hardest part isn't figuring out if you qualify - it's actually getting through to Washington ESD when you have questions or problems. I spent weeks trying to call them about my claim status. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual person. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

the washington esd website has a tool where you can check your eligibility before filing but honestly just file the claim and let them tell you. worst case they say no and you're in the same position you are now

Once you file your initial claim, you'll get a determination letter in about a week that tells you exactly what benefits you're entitled to. It'll show your weekly benefit amount and how many weeks you can collect. Then you have to file weekly claims every week to actually get paid.

I remember being so confused about this too! The way it works is: 1) File initial claim 2) Wait for determination letter 3) If approved, file weekly claims 4) Get paid. The determination letter will tell you everything you need to know about your specific benefits.

Make sure you have all your employment info ready when you file - social security number, employer addresses, dates of employment, reason for separation. The system will ask for all of that.

also be prepared for the job search requirements once you start getting benefits. washington requires you to look for work and keep a log of your job search activities

Don't stress too much about qualifying - if you worked regularly and paid into the system, you probably qualify for something. The Washington ESD system is pretty good at calculating benefits automatically once you provide your work history.

I went through this exact same situation 6 months ago. Filed my claim on a Sunday night, got my determination letter the following Friday, and started getting payments about 10 days later. The system worked pretty smoothly for me.

The Washington ESD system has gotten a lot better since the pandemic. Used to be a nightmare but now it's pretty straightforward. Just file your claim and let the system do its thing.

If you run into any issues with your claim or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, I'd recommend trying that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. I used them when my claim got stuck in adjudication and they got me through to someone who could help resolve it.

one thing to remember is that your benefits are based on your highest earning quarter in your base period. so if you made good money recently you should get a decent weekly amount

The determination letter is key - it will tell you your weekly benefit amount, your maximum benefit amount for the year, and when your benefit year expires. Keep that letter somewhere safe because you'll need to reference it.

Just want to echo what others have said - don't wait any longer to file. Even if you're not sure about something, file the claim and figure it out as you go. You can always call or use that Claimyr service if you need help.

Good luck with your claim! Once you get through the initial process it becomes pretty routine. The weekly claims only take a few minutes each week.

Make sure to set up direct deposit when you file - it's much faster than waiting for paper checks. The system will walk you through that option during the application.

welcome to the unemployment club nobody wants to join! but seriously the washington system is pretty user friendly once you get started. you got this

Last piece of advice - once you start getting benefits, keep detailed records of everything. Your job search activities, any work you do, any contact with Washington ESD. It makes life easier if any issues come up later.