Washington ESD unemployment benefits - can you get unemployment if you can't find a job?

You absolutely can get unemployment benefits if you lost your job through no fault of your own - being laid off definitely qualifies! You don't need to be fired. Washington ESD covers people who are unemployed due to layoffs, reduction in workforce, company closures, etc. You just need to file your initial claim and then file weekly claims showing you're actively searching for work.

def apply ASAP! I waited like 2 months thinking I'd find something and kicked myself for not filing sooner. You can get benefits backdated but only to when you actually file the claim, not when you first became unemployed.

The job search requirement is key - you need to be able and available for work and actively seeking employment. Since you've already been looking that shows good faith. When you file your weekly claims you'll need to report your job search activities. Keep detailed records of where you applied, when, and what type of contact it was.

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I needed to check on my claim status. Spent hours on hold and kept getting disconnected. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) which connects you directly to ESD agents without the wait. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process so much easier.

make sure you file online through the washington esd website, not by phone if you can help it. the online system is much faster and you can track everything better

Also important to know - your benefit amount will be based on your earnings from the past 5 quarters. Since you were working at the warehouse, you should qualify for a decent weekly benefit amount. The maximum weekly benefit in Washington is currently $999 but most people get somewhere between $200-600 per week.

Just want to add - don't let anyone tell you that unemployment is 'just for people who got fired' or anything like that. Layoffs are exactly what unemployment insurance is designed for. You paid into this system through your paychecks, so you've earned these benefits!

One thing to watch out for - if you have any issues with your claim getting stuck in adjudication or verification, it can take weeks to resolve if you can't get through to talk to someone. I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and it saved me so much time and frustration.

The system can be really confusing at first but once you get into the routine of filing your weekly claims it becomes second nature. Make sure you file on time every week - if you miss a week you might not be able to get benefits for that week even if you file late.

washington esd has gotten better over the years but there are still lots of glitches and delays. just be patient and keep records of everything

I'm in a similar boat - laid off 3 weeks ago and just filed my claim last week. The process wasn't as bad as I expected but I'm still waiting for my first payment. They said it could take 2-3 weeks for the first payment after you file.

Don't forget about WorkSourceWA too - they have job search resources and sometimes attending their workshops can count toward your job search requirements. Plus they might have leads on jobs in your field.

ugh the whole system is such a pain. I had to call like 50 times before I could get through to anyone when my claim got flagged for some random reason

The most important thing is to be honest and accurate on your application. Don't try to game the system or leave anything out - it'll just cause problems later when they verify your information.

Good luck OP! Sounds like you're doing everything right with the job search. Filing for unemployment will at least give you some breathing room while you keep looking.