How to be approved for Washington ESD unemployment - what are the exact requirements?

What counts as 'no fault of your own'? I was laid off due to budget cuts but I'm worried they might say it was performance related.

Layoffs due to budget cuts definitely qualify. Performance-related termination is trickier and might trigger adjudication, but if you have documentation showing it was budget-related you should be fine.

How do I know what my base year earnings were? Do I need to gather pay stubs or will Washington ESD have that information?

Washington ESD gets wage information from employers automatically, but it's good to have your own records in case there are discrepancies. Check your online account after filing to see what wages they have on record.

I can work full time but I'm hoping to find something in my field. Do I have to apply for any job or can I focus on positions that match my experience?

Initially you can be selective about your field, but after a certain period (usually 5-7 weeks) you may need to expand your search to any suitable work. Keep good records of all your job search activities.

That's interesting, how does it work exactly? I'm worried I'll have questions after I file and won't be able to get answers.

It basically handles the calling process for you and gets you through to an actual person at Washington ESD. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting hung up on. The peace of mind was worth it when I was worried about my claim.

Should I file online or over the phone? I've heard the online system can be glitchy.

Online is usually faster and you can do it 24/7. The system has improved a lot over the past few years. Just make sure you have all your information ready before you start.

I second filing online. Did mine at like 2am when I couldn't sleep and it went through fine. Just save your confirmation number and print out everything.

What if I'm not sure about some of the dates or details? I don't want to accidentally put wrong information.

Do your best to be accurate and if you're unsure, note that in the comments section. They'd rather have approximate dates with an explanation than completely wrong information.

What counts as a job search contact? Does applying online count or do I need to do more?

Online applications count, but you need to keep detailed records - company name, position, date, method of contact. Networking, job fairs, and informational interviews also count.

I kept a spreadsheet with all my job search activities. Made it super easy when I had to provide documentation later. Highly recommend staying organized from day one.

How often do you have to do the weekly certification? Is it complicated?

Every week you're claiming benefits. It's pretty straightforward - just answer questions about your job search, any work you did, and confirm you're still available. Takes like 5 minutes online.

How long does adjudication usually take? I'm worried about having enough money for bills if it gets delayed.

Can range from a few weeks to a couple months depending on the complexity. If you're approved after adjudication, you'll get backpay for the weeks you were waiting.

My adjudication took 6 weeks but I got all the back benefits once it was resolved. The waiting was stressful but everything worked out.

Is WorkSource just for job searching or do they provide other services too?

They have job search resources, career counseling, training programs, and workshops. Even if you don't use all their services, you need to be registered to maintain eligibility.

How hard is it to appeal a denial? Do you need a lawyer?

You don't need a lawyer for most appeals. Just gather your documentation and explain your situation clearly. The hearing is usually over the phone and pretty informal.

I worked in Oregon for a few months last year but mostly in Washington. Should I look into that?

Definitely worth checking. Each state has different benefit amounts and qualification requirements. You want to file where you'll get the best outcome.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. I feel a lot more confident about filing now.

Good luck with your claim! Don't hesitate to ask questions if you run into any issues during the process.

Oh wow, I didn't know unemployment was taxable. How much should I expect to pay in taxes?

It's taxed as regular income, so depends on your total income for the year. I'd recommend having 10-15% withheld if you choose that option.

What if I do some freelance work or odd jobs? Does that count as work I need to report?

Yes, any work counts - freelance, gig work, odd jobs, everything. Be honest about all income. You might still be eligible for partial benefits depending on how much you earn.

I might need that if I run into issues. Good to know there's an option to actually talk to someone without spending all day on hold.

Exactly. The peace of mind of being able to get answers to your specific questions is really valuable when you're dealing with something as important as your unemployment benefits.

This has been incredibly helpful. I'm going to file this weekend and see how it goes. Thank you all!

You're welcome! Hope everything goes smoothly with your claim. The community here is pretty good about helping each other through these processes.