Washington ESD unemployment benefits after layoff - can you collect if you get laid off?

Yes, you can definitely collect unemployment if you get laid off through no fault of your own. Washington ESD considers layoffs as involuntary job separation, which makes you eligible for UI benefits. You'll need to file your initial claim online at esd.wa.gov as soon as possible after your last day of work.

I got laid off last year and collected for about 6 months. The process isn't too bad once you get started. You'll get about 60% of your average weekly wage, up to the maximum benefit amount. Make sure you have all your employment info ready - Social Security number, employer details, dates of employment, and reason for separation.

Just be prepared that calling Washington ESD can be a nightmare if you need help. I spent hours trying to get through when I had questions about my claim. If you run into issues, there's this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach ESD agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration when my claim got stuck in adjudication.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements too. You'll need to be actively looking for work and document your job search activities. I think it's 3 job search activities per week now, but double check that when you file.

One thing nobody tells you is that your benefits might be taxable. I got hit with a tax bill the next year because I didn't have taxes withheld from my UI payments. You can choose to have taxes taken out when you file your weekly claims.

The weekly claims are important too - you have to file every week even if you haven't heard back about your initial claim approval yet. Miss a week and you might lose benefits for that week permanently.

I'm going through this same thing right now! Got laid off 3 weeks ago and already collecting benefits. The hardest part was just getting over the initial anxiety about filing. Once you do it, it's pretty straightforward.

Also want to mention that if your employer offers any kind of severance package, that might affect when you can start collecting benefits. Severance pay is usually considered wages and might delay your eligibility.

Don't forget about WorkSource too. You might need to register with them for job search services depending on your situation. They have career counseling and job placement help.

ugh the washington esd system is such a pain. i got laid off during covid and it took MONTHS to get my benefits sorted out. hopefully things are better now but dont count on getting help easily if something goes wrong

I used Claimyr last month when my weekly claim got stuck and I couldn't figure out why. Got connected to an ESD agent in like 15 minutes instead of calling for hours. Totally worth it when you're stressed about benefits.

Make sure you keep all your documentation too - your layoff notice, final paystub, any communication from HR about the reason for layoff. You might need it if ESD has questions.

The benefit amount calculation is based on your highest earning quarter in your base period, not your most recent pay. So if you got a raise recently, your benefits might be lower than you expect.

Also remember that you can work part-time while collecting benefits, but they'll reduce your weekly benefit amount. Might be worth picking up some temporary work if you can find it.

been there, it sucks but youll get through it. just file as soon as you can and stay on top of your weekly claims. the money helps but finding a new job is the real goal

One more tip - if your claim gets denied for any reason, you can appeal the decision. Don't just accept it if you think you're eligible. I know someone who successfully appealed after initially being denied.

If you're in a union, check with them too. Sometimes they have additional resources or can help with the ESD process. My union rep helped me understand my rights when I got laid off.

The waiting week is gone now which is nice. You used to have to wait a week before benefits started but they eliminated that. So you can get paid for your first week of unemployment.

Last thing - if you have questions about your specific situation, the ESD website has a lot of good information. Start there before trying to call. But if you do need to talk to someone and can't get through, that Claimyr service people mentioned actually works.