I was let go from my job can I get unemployment benefits in Washington?

Yes, you should definitely apply for unemployment benefits! Since you were terminated due to downsizing (not for misconduct), you'll likely qualify. The key is to file your claim as soon as possible because there's a waiting period. You can apply online through the Washington ESD website at esd.wa.gov. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and bank info for direct deposit.

I went through the same thing last year when my company had layoffs. The Washington ESD application process is pretty straightforward but you'll need to be patient. Make sure you have all your employment info ready - dates, wages, reason for separation. They'll verify everything with your employer so be honest about why you were let go.

Don't wait to file! I made that mistake and lost out on a week of benefits. The Washington ESD system can be frustrating to navigate but it's worth it. You'll need to file weekly claims every week even while your initial claim is being processed. Also, start keeping a job search log right away because they require 3 job contacts per week.

Be prepared for the possibility that your claim might go into adjudication, especially if there's any question about why you were terminated. This happened to me even though I was clearly laid off due to budget cuts. If you can't get through to Washington ESD by phone to check on your claim status, I recently discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helped me actually reach a live agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

File immediately! Every day you wait is potentially lost money. The website can be glitchy sometimes but keep trying. Make sure you answer all questions honestly, especially about your work history and why you were terminated. Any discrepancies will delay your claim.

ugh the washington esd system is such a pain but you definitely qualify if you were laid off. just be ready for a lot of waiting and calling. took me forever to get through to anyone when i had questions about my claim

Also want to mention that you'll need to register with WorkSource Washington as part of the job search requirements. It's free and they have career counselors who can help. Don't skip this step or it could affect your benefits.

Make sure you keep documentation of everything - your termination letter, pay stubs, anything that shows you were laid off and not fired for cause. If your claim gets questioned, you'll need proof.

Been there! The good news is retail workers usually qualify easily for UI benefits. Just make sure you report any severance pay if you got any - it might delay when your benefits start but you still need to report it.

One more thing - if you have trouble reaching Washington ESD customer service later (and you probably will), don't give up. The phone lines are always jammed. Some people have had luck with that Claimyr service mentioned earlier for getting through to an actual person when they really need to talk to someone.

File online ASAP! The system will ask you a bunch of questions about your work history and why you left each job. Take your time and be accurate. If you make mistakes, it's harder to fix them later.

Sorry you're going through this. Layoffs suck. The unemployment process isn't fun but it's definitely worth doing. Just be prepared for it to take a while and don't rely on it as your only income source if possible.

Once you file, you'll get a determination letter in the mail (or online) telling you if you're approved and how much your weekly benefit will be. Don't panic if it takes a week or two to arrive - that's normal.

THE WASHINGTON ESD PHONE SYSTEM IS TERRIBLE!! I've been trying to reach them for weeks about my claim and can never get through. If anyone knows a better way to contact them please let me know because I'm about to lose my mind!

Welcome to the wonderful world of unemployment bureaucracy! Seriously though, you'll probably be fine since you were laid off. Just file the claim and start your job search. The system works, it's just slow and frustrating.

Don't forget you'll need to file a weekly claim every week to keep getting benefits, even if you haven't received your first payment yet. Mark your calendar because if you miss a week, you lose that week's benefits.

I was laid off from my restaurant job last month and got approved pretty quickly. The key is being honest about everything and keeping good records. Start a notebook to track your job searches because you'll need to report them every week.

just file already! every day you wait is money lost. the process isn't that complicated, just tedious. you'll be fine since you got laid off

Good luck! The unemployment benefits helped me get through a tough period after my layoff. It's not a lot of money but it definitely helps cover the basics while you look for work. Just remember it's temporary so keep focused on finding your next job.

Last piece of advice - if you get a job offer while collecting unemployment, take it even if it's not perfect. You can always keep looking for something better, but turning down suitable work can disqualify you from benefits.