Is Washington ESD unemployment affected by government shutdown - still processing claims?

That's such a relief! I was panicking thinking I might not get paid next week.

wait but don't some unemployment programs get federal money? like what about extended benefits?

Good to know! I was about to call Washington ESD to ask but figured their phones would be even busier than usual.

Actually if you need to reach Washington ESD agents, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through their phone system. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than trying to call on your own.

What about people who work for federal agencies and get laid off during shutdowns? Do they qualify for unemployment?

Yes, federal employees can file for unemployment during furloughs, but it gets complicated if they receive back pay later. Washington ESD has specific procedures for federal worker claims.

Washington ESD doesn't typically adjust job search requirements for shutdowns. You still need to complete your required job contacts each week, but you can expand your search to private sector opportunities.

That seems unfair when a big chunk of available jobs disappear overnight because of political games in DC.

LOL so true! I've had better luck calling them directly but even that's a nightmare with their phone system.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD, there's a service that helps with that. I used Claimyr last month when I needed to talk to someone about my adjudication delay. Way easier than spending hours on hold.

I was thinking about the federal shutdown stuff I keep seeing in the news. Didn't even consider that states could shut down too!

State shutdowns are much rarer but they do happen. During a state shutdown, Washington ESD would likely have limited operations since it's a core service, but payments might be delayed.

Make sure you file as soon as you get laid off! There's usually a waiting week before benefits start.

Actually Washington eliminated the waiting week a few years ago. You can get paid for your first week of unemployment now.

At least unemployment is handled at the state level. Can't imagine the chaos if Washington ESD shut down every time Congress can't agree on a budget.

Don't give them any ideas! The last thing we need is more bureaucratic complications with unemployment benefits.

How did you manage to get through to an actual person? I've been trying for weeks!

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Worth every penny to skip the hold time and actually talk to someone at Washington ESD.

Good point! I use WorkSource for job search activities. Would hate to lose access to their computers and job posting system.

WorkSource WA locations might have reduced services during federal shutdowns since they receive some federal workforce funding. But Washington ESD accepts online job search activities too, so you have alternatives.

Never skip filing your weekly claim! That's the fastest way to mess up your benefits. Always file even if you're not sure.

Exactly! Missing a weekly claim filing can cause all sorts of problems with Washington ESD. Better to file and have it rejected than not file at all.