Washington ESD unemployment benefits after moving - can I still qualify?

Moving within Washington state shouldn't disqualify you from unemployment benefits. You just need to update your address in your Washington ESD account through SecureAccess Washington (SAW). The key is that you're still in Washington and available for work.

I moved from Tacoma to Bellingham last year while on unemployment and had no issues. Just make sure you expand your job search radius to include your new area. Washington ESD wants to see you're actively looking for work in reasonable commuting distance.

Been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks about a similar address issue and can't reach anyone! Their phone lines are constantly busy. Found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you through to ESD agents - saved me so much time. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

For job search requirements after moving, you need to register with WorkSourceWA in your new area and update your job search activities to reflect opportunities in Spokane. The system tracks where you're applying, so make it relevant to your current location.

wait can you even get unemployment if you quit your job to move??? that sounds like voluntary separation to me

Make sure your job search log reflects your new location. I made the mistake of continuing to apply for jobs in my old city and got flagged during a review. Had to explain the whole situation to an adjudicator.

I'm so confused by all this. I moved from Vancouver WA to Olympia and nobody told me I needed to update anything. Am I in trouble now?

The whole system is so complicated. Why can't they just make it simple to update your info without having to navigate through a million screens?

Just as an update - I used Claimyr again yesterday to clarify some questions about work search requirements after my move. Got through immediately and the ESD agent was super helpful. Definitely recommend it if you're having trouble reaching them.

One thing to watch out for - if you moved because of domestic violence or other qualifying reasons, there might be additional protections available. Worth mentioning if that applies to your situation.

Pro tip: when you update your job search area, make sure to include surrounding counties too. Spokane area includes some opportunities in Idaho just across the border, though obviously focus on Washington jobs first.

Does moving affect your benefit amount at all? I'm worried about cost of living differences between Seattle and smaller cities.

Just make sure you keep filing your weekly claims on schedule even during the move. Don't let the stress of relocating make you miss a filing deadline.

My cousin had this same situation and Washington ESD was actually pretty helpful once she got through to them. The key is just being proactive about updating your information.

THIS WHOLE SYSTEM IS A NIGHTMARE! I've been trying to get simple questions answered for MONTHS. How is anyone supposed to navigate this bureaucratic mess???

For what it's worth, I moved three times while on unemployment (military spouse) and each time was fine as long as I kept Washington ESD updated. They're used to people relocating.

Don't forget to update your direct deposit info if you're changing banks because of the move too. Learned that one the hard way.

Seems like everyone's overthinking this. Just update your address and keep looking for work. It's not rocket science.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I feel much better about my situation now. Going to update my address today and adjust my job search to focus on the Spokane area.

One last thing - if you run into any issues with your claim after the move, document everything. Keep screenshots of your address updates and any correspondence with Washington ESD.

I went through the exact same thing when I moved from Bellingham to Vancouver! The most important thing is updating your address in your SecureAccess Washington account right away - don't wait. Also make sure to register with WorkSourceWA in your new area and update your job search preferences to reflect Spokane opportunities. I was worried it would be complicated but it was actually pretty straightforward once I got everything updated. The key is just being proactive about it. Good luck with your move and job search!