Moved from WA to Arkansas in 2022 - Where to file unemployment after being laid off?

You should file in the state where you physically worked. Since you've been working remotely from Arkansas since November 2022, even though your employer is based in Washington, you would file with Arkansas. The general rule is you file where the work was performed, not where the employer is located. Arkansas Division of Workforce Services handles their unemployment claims.

ugh no thats not right actually. u need to file in washington cause thats where ur employer pays unemployment taxes for u. doesnt matter where u live now. my cousin moved to florida but still had to file in washington bc thats where her company was based. dont listen to wrong info!!

Actually, this is a case where either answer could be correct depending on specific details. Washington follows what's called the "localization of work" rule. If your employer is headquartered in WA but you've been physically working in Arkansas for over a year, it gets complicated. Here are the steps you should take: 1. Check your paystubs to see which state has been withholding unemployment insurance taxes. 2. Contact your HR department and ask which state they've been reporting your wages to for unemployment purposes. 3. File in the state where your wages have been reported. If your employer has been improperly reporting your wages to Washington when you've been physically working in Arkansas, that creates another issue that may need to be addressed separately.

Yes, if your employer has been paying Washington unemployment insurance on your behalf and reporting your wages to Washington, then you should file your claim with Washington ESD. Just be prepared to explain your remote work situation during the application process, as they may have additional questions about your work arrangement and residency status.

I had a similar issue but reversed (moved TO Washington FROM another state). The key is where your wages were reported for UI tax purposes. If that was Washington, file with ESD. But be ready for extra scrutiny and possible delays since you're physically in another state now. They might question your availability for work in the Washington job market since you're living in Arkansas.

If you do end up needing to file with Washington ESD, good luck actually getting through to them if you have any questions or problems with your claim. I spent WEEKS trying to reach someone at ESD earlier this year. After getting disconnected dozens of times, I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual agent within an hour. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Saved me so much frustration, especially since I had a complicated situation that needed a real person to resolve.

dont 4get that u also gotta do the job search requirements, its like 3 activities a week in washington. dunno what arkansas requires but make sure u keep track of everything!

One more important thing to consider - once you determine which state to file in, you'll need to make sure you're following that state's weekly claim filing and job search requirements. Washington requires 3 job search activities per week that you must document and be ready to present if audited. They can deny benefits retroactively if you haven't been maintaining proper job search records. Also, when you apply with Washington ESD, be completely transparent about your Arkansas residency. Trying to hide that fact could lead to an overpayment determination later if they discover it.