How much does an employer pay when an employee files for unemployment in Washington?

Employers don't pay directly when you file - they pay unemployment taxes whether anyone files or not. Your benefits come from the unemployment insurance fund that employers contribute to through quarterly tax payments. The amount they pay is based on their 'experience rating' which goes up if they have more claims, but it's not like they write a check when you file.

Yeah employers pay into the system through SUTA taxes (State Unemployment Tax Act). In Washington it's called the unemployment insurance tax. The rate varies by employer but it's typically between 0.2% to 6% of wages. Companies with more layoffs and claims pay higher rates over time.

I had a similar worry when I got laid off last year. My boss made some comment about it 'costing the company money' and I was stressed about filing. Turns out they were just being dramatic - employers pay the same taxes regardless and my claim went through fine.

Just to add - if you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD to ask questions about your claim, I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Really saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.

your employer probably just doesn't understand how unemployment works. lots of managers think they pay out of pocket when someone files but that's not how it works at all. the unemployment insurance fund is separate and managed by the state

The only time an employer might 'pay' directly is if you're approved for benefits and they successfully appeal later proving you were fired for misconduct. Then they might not see their tax rate increase. But even then, the benefits you already received don't get clawed back from the employer - it comes from the state fund.

I work in HR and can confirm - we pay unemployment insurance taxes quarterly regardless of claims. The rate adjusts annually based on our 'experience rating' but there's no direct payment when someone files. Your manager is probably just worried about the long-term tax implications.

Wait so if employers are paying anyway why do some of them fight claims so hard? My last boss tried to say I quit when I was actually fired

Don't let your manager's comment stress you out. You were laid off through no fault of your own - that's exactly what unemployment insurance is for. File your claim and don't worry about what the company pays. That's their business expense, not your problem.

The whole system is designed so employees don't have to worry about the employer cost. Think of it like workers comp insurance - employers pay premiums and when someone gets hurt, the insurance covers it. Same concept with unemployment.

Just file your claim! I waited two weeks after getting laid off because I felt bad about 'costing the company money' and ended up losing out on those weeks of benefits. Don't make the same mistake I did.

If you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about this, definitely try that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier. I spent literal hours trying to get through last month before finding out about it. Game changer for reaching actual humans there.

The employer cost thing is such a common misconception. I've seen people not file for benefits they're entitled to because they don't want to 'hurt' their former employer. The money is already set aside in the unemployment fund - your claim doesn't take money out of your employer's pocket.

EMPLOYERS HATE PAYING UNEMPLOYMENT TAXES AND WILL SAY ANYTHING TO DISCOURAGE CLAIMS!!! Don't fall for their guilt trips - you paid into this system through your work and deserve benefits when you're laid off. File immediately!

Quick update - I went ahead and filed my claim this morning. The online system was pretty straightforward and I should hear back within a few days. Thanks everyone for explaining how the employer payment thing works, really put my mind at ease!

For anyone else reading this thread later - Washington ESD has good info on their website about employer responsibilities vs employee rights. Worth reading if you're nervous about filing. The system really is designed to protect workers, not employers.

One more thing - if your employer does try to contest your claim, don't panic. Washington ESD will investigate and make an impartial decision. They see employer contests all the time and know how to sort out legitimate claims from questionable ones.

Just want to add my experience with Claimyr since a couple people mentioned it. Used it last month when I needed to resolve an adjudication issue and couldn't get through to Washington ESD. Worked exactly like they show in their demo video. Definitely recommend if you're having phone trouble.

Bottom line - you earned those benefits through your work and payroll deductions. Your employer's tax situation is not your concern when you're unemployed through no fault of your own. File with confidence!

Glad to see another person getting the help they need. These unemployment threads always make me appreciate how complicated the system seems from the outside but how much clearer it gets when people explain it properly.