Should I collect unemployment - Washington ESD eligibility questions
I got laid off from my warehouse job last week and I'm wondering if I should file for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD. I've never done this before and honestly don't know if I qualify or if it's worth the hassle. I worked there for about 8 months full-time before they eliminated my position due to budget cuts. My manager said I could use them as a reference and that the layoff wasn't performance related. I have some savings but not enough to last more than a month or two while job hunting. Is the unemployment process in Washington state complicated? What should I expect if I apply?
49 comments


Amara Nwosu
You should definitely apply for unemployment benefits! Based on what you described, you likely qualify for Washington ESD benefits since you were laid off through no fault of your own and worked full-time for 8+ months. The process isn't too complicated - you'll need to file your initial claim online and then submit weekly claims. You'll also need to register with WorkSource WA and do job search activities. Don't wait to apply since there's a waiting week.
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Liam O'Donnell
•Thanks! How much can I expect to receive per week? And what kind of job search stuff do I need to do?
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Amara Nwosu
•Your weekly benefit amount depends on your past wages, but the maximum in WA is around $929/week. For job search, you need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a log of your activities.
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AstroExplorer
Definitely file ASAP! I was in a similar situation last year when my retail job got cut. The Washington ESD online system is pretty straightforward once you get through the initial application. Just make sure you have your employment history ready with dates and wages.
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Liam O'Donnell
•Good to know, thanks! Did you have any issues with the application process?
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AstroExplorer
•Not really, though it took about 2 weeks to get my first payment. The hardest part was keeping track of all the job search requirements.
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Giovanni Moretti
Yes, file immediately! I've helped several people through this process. You meet the basic requirements - involuntary job loss, sufficient work history. The key is to file your claim right away because you can't get benefits for weeks before you apply. Also, if you run into any issues with Washington ESD (like long hold times when calling), I recently discovered Claimyr.com - they help people get through to ESD agents quickly. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.
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Fatima Al-Farsi
•Never heard of Claimyr before. Is it legit or just another scam service?
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Giovanni Moretti
•It's legitimate - they just help you get connected to actual ESD staff when the phone lines are jammed. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.
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Liam O'Donnell
•That sounds useful. I'll keep that in mind if I have trouble reaching anyone at Washington ESD.
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Dylan Cooper
File now before you second guess yourself! The worst they can do is deny your claim, but from what you described you should qualify. I waited too long when I got laid off and lost out on benefits I could have received earlier.
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Liam O'Donnell
•How long did you wait? I'm worried about making mistakes on the application.
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Dylan Cooper
•I waited almost 3 weeks thinking I needed to find a job first. Big mistake! The application isn't that hard - just be honest about your work history and reason for separation.
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Sofia Perez
Absolutely file for unemployment! You paid into the system while working, so this is exactly what it's for. Washington state has decent benefits compared to other places. Just be prepared for the job search requirements - you'll need to apply for jobs and document everything.
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Liam O'Donnell
•What happens if I can't find 3 jobs to apply for in a week? My field is pretty specialized.
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Sofia Perez
•You can do other job search activities too like attending job fairs, networking events, or improving your skills. Washington ESD has a list of acceptable activities on their website.
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Dmitry Smirnov
ugh the unemployment system is such a pain but yeah you should file. took me forever to get through to anyone at ESD when I had questions about my claim status
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ElectricDreamer
•Same here! I spent hours trying to call them. Eventually used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and got through in like 10 minutes.
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Dmitry Smirnov
•really? might have to check that out if i have issues again
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Ava Johnson
Don't overthink it - just file the claim! I was nervous about applying too but it ended up being pretty simple. The weekly claims take like 5 minutes once you get the hang of it. Washington ESD's website walks you through everything step by step.
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Liam O'Donnell
•That's reassuring. I guess I'm just worried about doing something wrong and getting in trouble.
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Ava Johnson
•As long as you're honest and report any work/income, you'll be fine. They're not trying to trick you.
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Miguel Diaz
File ASAP! You're losing money every day you wait. I made the mistake of thinking I needed to exhaust my savings first - totally wrong. Unemployment is insurance you paid for while working.
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Liam O'Donnell
•Good point about it being insurance. I never thought of it that way.
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Zainab Ahmed
•Exactly! It's not welfare or charity - you earned this benefit through your payroll taxes.
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Connor Byrne
Yes definitely apply! Just be aware that the first week is usually a waiting week where you don't get paid, so factor that into your budget. Also make sure to file your weekly claims on time every week or you could lose benefits.
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Liam O'Donnell
•When do I need to file the weekly claims? Is there a specific day?
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Connor Byrne
•You can file them starting Sunday for the previous week, but they're due by the following Saturday. I always do mine on Sunday mornings so I don't forget.
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Yara Abboud
File today if possible! The Washington ESD system is actually pretty user-friendly compared to other states. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment info for the past 18 months. Having your last pay stub helps too.
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Liam O'Donnell
•I should have most of that info. Do I need anything from my former employer?
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Yara Abboud
•Not initially - Washington ESD will contact your employer directly to verify the reason for separation. You might get contacted later if there are any issues.
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PixelPioneer
Definitely file! I was hesitant too when I first got laid off but unemployment benefits really helped bridge the gap while I found a new job. The process in Washington is straightforward and the staff are generally helpful when you can reach them.
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Keisha Williams
•That's the key - WHEN you can reach them. I had issues with my claim and spent days trying to get through on the phone.
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PixelPioneer
•Yeah the phone system can be frustrating. I heard about Claimyr from someone on here and it actually worked great for getting connected to a real person quickly.
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Paolo Rizzo
You should absolutely file! Don't let pride or misconceptions stop you. This is exactly what the unemployment system is designed for - people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Washington has good benefits and the online system works well most of the time.
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Liam O'Donnell
•Thanks for saying that about pride. I guess I do feel a little weird about it even though I know I shouldn't.
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Paolo Rizzo
•Totally normal to feel that way, but remember you paid into this system with every paycheck. You've earned these benefits.
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Amina Sy
File immediately! Every week you wait is money you're losing. The Washington ESD website has a good calculator where you can estimate your weekly benefit amount based on your past wages. That might help you plan your budget while job searching.
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Liam O'Donnell
•Oh that's helpful! I'll check out the calculator before I apply.
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Amina Sy
•Yeah it's under 'How much will I receive' on their main page. Gives you a good idea of what to expect.
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Oliver Fischer
100% yes file for unemployment! I was laid off from a similar warehouse position a few months ago and the benefits really helped while I transitioned to a new job. Just make sure you understand the work search requirements from the start - 3 job contacts per week minimum.
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Liam O'Donnell
•Did you have any trouble finding warehouse jobs to apply for? I'm worried about the job search requirements in my field too.
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Oliver Fischer
•Not really - there are usually plenty of warehouse, shipping, and logistics jobs posted. Plus you can expand to related fields like delivery, inventory, or production work.
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Natasha Ivanova
File now! Don't wait another day. Washington ESD benefits can really help during your job search. Just be prepared that your first payment might take 2-3 weeks after you file, so budget accordingly. The system works but it's not instant.
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Liam O'Donnell
•Good to know about the timing. I was hoping it would be faster than that.
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Natasha Ivanova
•Yeah there's processing time plus the waiting week. But once it starts, payments are pretty regular if you keep up with your weekly claims.
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NebulaNomad
Absolutely file for unemployment! You clearly qualify based on what you've described. The Washington state system is actually pretty good once you get started. My only advice is to keep detailed records of everything - your job search activities, any contact with ESD, dates you file claims, etc.
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Liam O'Donnell
•Thanks for the advice about keeping records. I hadn't thought about that but it makes sense.
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NebulaNomad
•Yeah it helps if any questions come up later. Plus you need to track job search activities anyway for the weekly claims.
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