Washington ESD unemployment eligibility after layoff - can you get unemployment for being laid off?

Thank you! That's such a relief. Do I file online or do I need to call somewhere?

File online at esd.wa.gov - it's much faster than calling. Just make sure you have all your employment info ready.

What happens if I don't file the weekly claims right away? Will I lose benefits?

You can lose those weeks of benefits if you don't file them. Always file your weekly claims on time, even if your main claim is still pending.

That sounds helpful! How does it work exactly?

Basically they handle the calling for you and get you connected to a real person at Washington ESD. Super easy to use and way better than sitting on hold for hours.

I agree the website could be better designed. Focus on the 'File a Claim' section first - that's where you start.

thanks, ill try that. just worried im going to mess something up

18 months? I've only been at this job for 8 months. Will that be a problem?

You need to include ALL employment in the last 18 months, even previous jobs. Washington ESD uses this to calculate your benefit amount.

What if you can't remember exact dates from previous jobs?

Do your best to estimate. You can always provide more accurate info later if needed.

How long did it take to start getting payments?

About 2-3 weeks for my first payment. Make sure you do the job search requirements right away though.

Do I need to start the job search immediately or can I take a week to decompress?

You need to start job search activities for any week you claim benefits. So if you want to take a week off, don't file a weekly claim for that week.

Wait, so you have to look for work even in your first week after being laid off? That seems harsh.

Yes, that's the requirement. You have to be able and available for work to receive benefits.

That's actually more than I expected. Will this affect my taxes?

Yes, unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay them when you file your tax return.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - it really does help with getting through to agents when you need to talk to someone.

never heard of that but anything has to be better than sitting on hold for 3 hours

What happens if they do contest it?

Then your claim goes into adjudication and takes longer to process. But for layoffs due to budget cuts, employers rarely contest.

They specifically said it was due to budget cuts and multiple people are affected. Should be fine right?

Yes, that's clearly a layoff. You shouldn't have any issues with eligibility.

Thank you for the encouragement. This whole situation is really overwhelming.

I totally understand. It's scary but unemployment benefits really do help bridge the gap while you find your next job.

Is that separate from the unemployment website?

Yes, it's a different site but they work together. WorkSource has job listings and career services.

I hadn't thought about that. Where do I look for information about other programs?

Start with the Washington state benefits website. They have a screening tool that shows what you might qualify for.

Thanks! I do feel weird about taking benefits but you're right, I did pay into it.

exactly! thats what its there for. dont feel guilty about using it

Seems like a lot of people have had good experiences with that service.

Yeah it's definitely worth it if you need to actually talk to someone at ESD. Saved me so much time and frustration.

Good point! My last day is Friday but I think I'm getting paid through the end of the month.

Right, so you'd file based on Friday being your last day of actual work, even if you get paid later.

That's reassuring. I keep psyching myself out about messing something up.

You can always correct mistakes later if needed. The important thing is to get your claim filed soon after your last day.

Will do! Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice. I feel much more prepared now.

You've got this! File that claim as soon as your last day hits and you'll be fine.

And remember if you need to talk to ESD directly, Claimyr is there to help get you connected without the hassle.