If your job closes can you get unemployment in Washington?

Yes, you can definitely get unemployment benefits if your job closes through no fault of your own. This is called an involuntary termination and you should qualify. You can't file until your last day of work though - Washington ESD requires you to be actually unemployed to start a claim.

Business closure is one of the clearest cases for unemployment eligibility. You'll need to file your initial claim within a few days of your last day of work to avoid any delays. Make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months ready.

I went through this when my company closed 2 years ago. The hardest part was actually getting through to Washington ESD to file the claim. Their phone lines are constantly busy and the website can be glitchy. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to help me get connected to an actual agent. They have this demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. It was worth it to avoid the endless busy signals.

Wait, I thought you had to be actively looking for work to get unemployment? If you know your job is closing in 6 weeks, shouldn't you be job searching now instead of waiting?

ugh the whole unemployment system is such a mess. i had to wait 2 months to get approved when my job closed and they kept asking for more documentation. hopefully your experience is better than mine was

Make sure you understand the difference between being laid off due to business closure versus being fired. Business closure is clearly involuntary, so you shouldn't have any issues with eligibility as long as you meet the wage requirements.

I'm dealing with something similar - my restaurant is closing next month. The owner said we might qualify for some kind of rapid response services? Has anyone heard of this?

Another question - if I find a new job before my current one closes, do I still qualify for unemployment if the new job doesn't work out?

File online at secure.esd.wa.gov if possible. The phone system is a nightmare and you'll save yourself hours of frustration. I tried calling for 3 days straight and never got through.

Make sure you file your weekly claims on time every week once you start receiving benefits. Missing even one week can cause delays in your payments. Set a reminder on your phone or something.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but the job market is pretty rough right now. Start applying for jobs immediately, don't wait for your last day. Unemployment benefits are helpful but they're not enough to live on long-term.

One more tip - when you do need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your claim, definitely consider using Claimyr. I was skeptical at first but it really saved me from spending entire days trying to get through on the phone. The service connects you directly to an agent without the wait.

Document everything! Keep copies of your termination notice, your last pay stub, any communication from your employer about the closure. Washington ESD might ask for proof later and you want to have everything ready.

Don't forget about the work search requirements once you start receiving benefits. You'll need to keep a log of your job search activities and register with WorkSource Washington.

My sister went through this last year when her company relocated out of state. She said the hardest part was the waiting - both for the initial approval and then for the weekly payments to come through. Just be patient and persistent.

If you're having trouble with the Washington ESD website or phone system, another option is to visit a WorkSource office in person. They can sometimes help you file your claim or at least point you in the right direction.

Business closure is actually one of the easier unemployment situations to deal with. You're not getting fired for performance issues or quitting voluntarily, so there shouldn't be any questions about your eligibility. Just make sure you file promptly after your last day.

I used Claimyr when I had issues with my unemployment claim getting stuck in adjudication. Even though your situation is straightforward, if you run into any problems reaching Washington ESD, it's a good option to know about. Their demo video shows exactly how the process works.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much more prepared now. I'm going to start gathering my documents and continue job searching while I wait for my last day. Hopefully I'll find something before then, but at least I know I have options.

I'm sorry to hear about your situation Andre. As someone who works in HR, I can confirm that business closures definitely qualify for unemployment benefits in Washington. Since you've been there for 3 years, you'll easily meet the wage requirements. One thing I'd add that others haven't mentioned - ask your employer if they're providing any severance pay, as this might affect the timing of when your unemployment benefits start. Also, if your company has 50+ employees, they're required to give 60 days notice under the WARN Act, so you might have more time than you think. Keep your chin up - this kind of transition is never easy but you're taking all the right steps!