I got laid off can I get unemployment benefits in Washington?
My company just laid me off yesterday after 2 years of working there. I've never filed for unemployment before and don't know if I qualify or how to start the process. Can someone explain how Washington ESD unemployment works? Do I need to wait a certain amount of time before applying? I'm really stressed about paying my bills and need to know what my options are.
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Harold Oh
Yes, you can definitely apply for unemployment benefits in Washington! Since you were laid off (not fired for cause), you should qualify. You need to file your initial claim as soon as possible - don't wait. Go to esd.wa.gov and click on 'Apply for Benefits' to start your UI claim. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and bank account info if you want direct deposit.
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Payton Black
•Thank you! Should I apply even though I only worked at one job for the past 2 years? I'm worried they might not have enough wage information.
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Harold Oh
•Absolutely apply! Two years at one job is more than enough work history. Washington ESD will look at your wages from the past 5 quarters to determine your weekly benefit amount.
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Amun-Ra Azra
File immediately! I waited a week after my layoff thinking I needed to 'process everything' first and that was a mistake. You can't get benefits for the week before you file, so every day you wait is money lost. The application takes about 30-45 minutes online.
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Payton Black
•Oh no, I didn't realize that! I'll file today then. Is there anything specific I need to know about the application?
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Amun-Ra Azra
•Make sure you have your exact last day of work and your final pay stub. They'll ask for detailed employment info including your supervisor's name and phone number.
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Summer Green
The hardest part isn't filing - it's getting through to Washington ESD if you have questions or problems. Their phone lines are constantly busy and you'll get disconnected constantly. I spent weeks trying to reach someone about my claim status. Recently discovered claimyr.com which actually got me through to an agent in under 10 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.
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Gael Robinson
•Really? I've been trying to call for days about my adjudication issue. How much does that service cost?
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Summer Green
•It's worth it just to avoid the phone runaround. Finally got my claim sorted out after weeks of frustration. The video explains everything better than I can.
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Payton Black
•Good to know there's a backup option if I run into problems. Hopefully I won't need it but I'll keep that in mind.
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Edward McBride
After you file, you'll need to file weekly claims every Sunday to get paid. Don't forget this step! You'll also need to do job search activities - 3 job contacts per week unless you're on standby (which you probably won't be since you got laid off). Keep detailed records of your job search because they can audit you.
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Payton Black
•What counts as a job contact? Does applying online count or do I need to talk to someone?
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Edward McBride
•Online applications count! You can also do informational interviews, job fairs, networking events. Just make sure to log everything in WorkSourceWA.com with specific details.
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Darcy Moore
ugh the whole system is such a pain. i got laid off 3 months ago and still having issues with my claim. they keep asking for more documentation and never tell you what they actually want
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Payton Black
•That sounds awful! What kind of documentation are they asking for?
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Darcy Moore
•first they wanted pay stubs, then tax forms, then some form about my separation that my old boss never sent. its been a nightmare
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Harold Oh
•You can request that separation form directly from your employer or ask Washington ESD to contact them. Don't let it drag on - keep pushing for resolution.
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Dana Doyle
Make sure you're honest about the reason for separation. If you put 'laid off' but your employer reports it as 'fired for cause,' your claim will go into adjudication and take weeks to resolve. Get documentation from your employer if possible.
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Payton Black
•My HR person said it was a layoff due to restructuring. Should I get something in writing?
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Dana Doyle
•Yes! Get a layoff letter or email confirmation. This will help if there's any dispute about your eligibility.
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Liam Duke
Been there! Filed my claim 3 weeks ago and still waiting for my first payment. Apparently everything goes through 'processing' now which can take 2-4 weeks. Budget accordingly because that first payment might take a while.
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Payton Black
•2-4 weeks?! I was hoping to get something by next week. How am I supposed to pay rent?
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Liam Duke
•I know, it's brutal. Try to get a payment plan with your landlord or look into emergency assistance programs while you wait.
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Amun-Ra Azra
•Mine took 3 weeks but my friend got hers in 10 days. Seems to depend on whether your claim gets flagged for any reason.
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Harold Oh
One more important thing - your benefit amount will be based on your highest quarter of earnings in the past 5 quarters. If you made $4,000 in your highest quarter, your weekly benefit would be around $160. Maximum weekly benefit in Washington is currently $999.
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Payton Black
•How do I know what my highest quarter was? I don't have all my old pay stubs.
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Harold Oh
•Washington ESD will calculate this automatically based on wage reports from your employer. You'll see the amount when you file your claim.
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Manny Lark
IMPORTANT: If you get any severance pay, you need to report it! This can affect when your benefits start. I made this mistake and had to pay back money later.
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Payton Black
•I'm getting 2 weeks of severance. Do I report this when I file or when I get paid?
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Manny Lark
•Report it when you file your initial claim. They'll tell you how it affects your benefit start date.
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Rita Jacobs
Another claimyr success story here! Was stuck in adjudication hell for 6 weeks because Washington ESD couldn't reach my former employer. Used claimyr.com to get through to an agent who resolved it in one call. Wish I'd known about it sooner.
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Payton Black
•Seems like a lot of people have good experiences with that service. I'll definitely keep it in mind if I hit any roadblocks.
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Gael Robinson
•Just watched that video demo - looks pretty straightforward. Might try it for my adjudication issue.
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Khalid Howes
Don't forget about the work search requirements! You need to make 3 job contacts per week and be able and available for work. If you're not actively looking, you can get disqualified.
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Payton Black
•Can I be picky about jobs or do I have to apply to anything?
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Khalid Howes
•You can be somewhat selective at first, but after a few weeks you may need to expand your search. Apply for jobs that match your skills and experience level.
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Ben Cooper
Word of advice - set up your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account right away when you file. This is how you'll access your claim info and file weekly claims. Write down your login info because you'll need it every week.
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Payton Black
•Is that different from the regular Washington ESD website?
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Ben Cooper
•Yes, SAW is the secure portal for accessing your personal unemployment info. You'll create this account as part of filing your initial claim.
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Naila Gordon
Timeline from my experience: Filed on Tuesday, got confirmation email Wednesday, first weekly claim filed Sunday, got payment Friday (so about 10 days total). But I had a straightforward layoff with no complications.
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Payton Black
•That's encouraging! Hopefully mine goes smoothly too.
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Cynthia Love
•lucky you! mine took over a month because they had to verify my identity
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Darren Brooks
PSA: Keep all your documentation organized! Pay stubs, layoff notice, job search logs, any communication with Washington ESD. You might need this stuff later for audits or appeals.
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Payton Black
•Good point. I'll start a folder for all my unemployment paperwork.
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Darren Brooks
•Smart! Digital copies are fine too. Just make sure you can find everything easily.
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Rosie Harper
Heads up - if you have any issues with your claim, don't wait for them to resolve automatically. Be proactive about calling or messaging through your SAW account. The squeaky wheel gets the grease with Washington ESD.
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Payton Black
•How often should I check my account?
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Rosie Harper
•I check mine weekly when I file my claim. If there's any change in status or new messages, deal with it immediately.
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Summer Green
•This is where claimyr really helps - when you need to actually talk to someone instead of waiting for responses to online messages.
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Elliott luviBorBatman
Remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld (10% federal) or pay quarterly estimated taxes. Don't forget about this come tax time!
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Payton Black
•I didn't think about taxes. Should I have them withheld or pay later?
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Elliott luviBorBatman
•I always choose to have them withheld. It's less money each week but no surprise tax bill next year.
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Demi Hall
Last tip - if you find a job while collecting benefits, report it immediately on your weekly claim. You might still get partial benefits depending on your earnings. Don't try to hide work income!
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Payton Black
•Thanks for all the advice everyone! I'm feeling much more confident about filing now.
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Demi Hall
•Good luck! The process seems overwhelming at first but it's pretty straightforward once you get started.
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Mateusius Townsend
You've got this! Being laid off sucks but at least Washington has decent unemployment benefits compared to some states. File today and don't let the bureaucracy intimidate you.
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Payton Black
•Thank you! I'm going to file my claim right after I finish reading through all these responses.
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Mateusius Townsend
•Perfect! Come back and let us know how it goes. This community is here to help if you run into any issues.
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