Washington ESD what drug test for unemployment benefits - is testing required?

Washington ESD doesn't require drug testing just to receive regular unemployment benefits. You're thinking of some other programs maybe. The main requirements are that you're able and available for work and actively searching for jobs.

wait i thought all government benefits required drug tests now?? my cousin had to take one for food stamps

The only time drug testing might come up is if you're applying for certain jobs through WorkSourceWA that require testing. But that's the employer's requirement, not Washington ESD's. I've been on UI twice and never had to take any kind of test.

Actually had a friend who was worried about the same thing last year. Turned out the confusion comes from some states that do have drug testing requirements, but Washington doesn't. He ended up using Claimyr to get through to an actual Washington ESD agent who confirmed this directly. The service helped him skip the phone queue - there's a demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ if you want to see how it works.

THIS SYSTEM IS SO CONFUSING!!! Why can't they just have clear information posted somewhere obvious? I spent 2 hours googling this same question last week and got different answers everywhere.

Just focus on the basics - file your weekly claims on time, document your job searches, and stay eligible. Drug testing isn't part of the Washington ESD unemployment process.

You know what's funny, I think this myth comes from people mixing up unemployment with other assistance programs. Or maybe thinking about jobs that require drug tests. But regular UI through Washington ESD? Nope, no testing required.

Been on unemployment 3 times over the years and never once had to take a drug test. The worst part is always the job search requirements and making sure you report everything correctly on your weekly claims.

Since you mentioned being worried about contacting Washington ESD - that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does help with getting through to agents. My friend used it at claimyr.com when he had questions about his claim status. Saved him hours of trying to call.

lol i remember being paranoid about this too when i first filed. turns out washington esd has way bigger things to worry about than drug testing everyone. they can barely keep up with regular claims processing

Just to be completely clear for anyone reading this later - Washington State does NOT require drug testing for unemployment insurance benefits. Period. Focus on meeting the actual requirements like being able to work and actively searching for jobs.

thanks everyone for clearing this up. i was worried about the same thing for my sister who's thinking about applying

I think some of the confusion comes from certain industries that always drug test when hiring. Like if you're looking for warehouse jobs or driving positions, you'll probably get tested by the employer, but that's not Washington ESD doing it.

One last thing - if you ever need to verify this information directly with Washington ESD or have other questions about your claim, that Claimyr service is really worth checking out. It's designed specifically for getting through to unemployment offices when the phone lines are jammed.

honestly the job search requirements are way more stressful than any drug test would be. keeping track of all those applications and making sure you hit the minimum each week

Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! I feel much better about filing my claim now. Going to focus on getting my job search organized instead of worrying about drug tests that don't exist.

This thread should be pinned or something. I bet tons of people have this same question and end up stressing about nothing.

Final word - no drug testing for Washington ESD unemployment benefits. File your claim, do your job searches, report accurately, and you'll be fine. Focus on the actual requirements, not the myths.