What are the requirements to collect unemployment in Washington state?

Thank you! That's really helpful. What exactly counts as 'actively searching for work'? Is there a minimum number of applications I need to submit?

You need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a detailed log of your search activities. This includes applying for jobs, networking, attending job fairs, etc. You'll report this when you file your weekly claim.

Thanks! What exactly counts as 'actively searching for work'? Do I have to apply to a certain number of jobs each week?

Yes, you need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a detailed log. This can include applying to jobs, networking contacts, or attending job fairs. You'll report these activities when you file your weekly claim.

Wow, they actually check? That's kind of scary. How detailed do the logs need to be?

Very detailed. Include the job title, company name, how you applied (online, in person, phone), date, and any follow-up. I use a spreadsheet to track everything.

This is why I gave up on unemployment honestly. Too much paperwork and requirements just to get benefits I paid into.

Never heard of that before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit. I was skeptical too but it got me through to a real Washington ESD agent in like 15 minutes instead of spending all day redialing.

Interesting, might have to check that out. I've been trying to call for weeks about my claim status.

That's what I'm worried about. My situation seems straightforward but what if something goes wrong with my application?

I had a friend who used Claimyr recently when she couldn't get through to Washington ESD. It's a service that helps you actually connect with agents by phone. She said it saved her weeks of frustration trying to call on her own. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ if you want to see how it works.

Wait, so I don't get paid for the first week I'm unemployed? That seems unfair when I need money right away.

Exactly. It's frustrating but that's how it works. You still have to file that first week and do your job search activities, you just don't get paid for it.

I did get two weeks of severance. Does that mean I have to wait two more weeks before I can collect?

Possibly. You need to report that severance when you file your initial claim. Washington ESD will determine how it affects your benefit start date.

Yeah, they calculate it based on your regular weekly wage. If your severance covers what you would have earned, those weeks aren't payable.

I definitely worked the whole time and made way more than those minimums, so I think I'm good there. What happens if I start a part-time job while collecting? Do I lose benefits completely?

No, you can work part-time and still collect benefits, but your weekly benefit amount will be reduced based on your earnings. You need to report all work and earnings when you file your weekly claim.

Wait, there's a WorkSourceWA requirement too? What's that about?

Yes, you must register with WorkSourceWA within 4 weeks of filing your initial claim. It's Washington's job search website and they use it to track your job search activities. You'll also need to complete a reemployment plan if you're selected for additional services.

And if you don't do the WorkSourceWA stuff they'll deny your claim! Found that out the hard way...

How do I figure out what my base year earnings were? I don't keep track of that stuff.

Washington ESD will calculate it when you file your claim. But you can also check your quarterly wage statements if you saved them, or log into your Social Security account online.

I don't have any restrictions like that, but good to know. How do they determine what 'suitable work' means?

generally it has to match your skills and experience level, at least initially. but after a few months they expect you to accept jobs that pay less or are outside your field if nothing else is available

Since I was laid off due to company downsizing, would that still require adjudication?

Probably not if it's a clear layoff, but sometimes they investigate anyway. If you do end up in adjudication and need to speak with someone at Washington ESD, that's where services like Claimyr really help. The regular phone lines are nearly impossible to get through.

What if I have kids and need childcare? Does that count as not being available?

Not necessarily, but you need to have childcare arrangements in place so you could start work if offered a job. You can't use lack of childcare as a reason to turn down suitable work.

This is such BS. Like single parents don't have enough to worry about already.

Good point. I guess I'll file this week and see what happens. How long does it usually take to find out if you're approved?

Usually 2-3 weeks if there are no issues with your claim. Sometimes longer if they need to verify your earnings or investigate why you left your job.

When do I file the weekly claims? Is there a specific day or deadline?

You can file starting Sunday for the previous week. The deadline is Saturday night at 11:59 PM. Most people do it Sunday morning to get it out of the way.

Even if I don't know if I'm approved yet? That seems weird.

Yes! You're basically holding your place in line for those weeks. If you get approved, you'll get paid for all the weeks you filed. If you don't file, you can't get paid for those weeks later.

This happened to my brother. He waited to file his weekly claims until he got approved and lost out on like $2000.

That sounds terrifying. What happens if you can't prove your job search activities?

They can disqualify you and make you pay back benefits. I've heard of people owing thousands of dollars because they couldn't document their job search properly.

This is why I screenshot everything now. Every job application, every email, every phone call I make about work.

Good tip! I'll definitely apply online. How long does it usually take to get approved?

if everything goes smoothly, maybe 2-3 weeks for your first payment. but like others said, if anything triggers adjudication it could be months

I was laid off so that shouldn't be an issue for me, but good to know for the future.

Yeah, layoffs are usually straightforward. Just make sure you report it accurately when you file - they'll verify with your employer anyway.

Good to know there are options if I run into problems. Hopefully my claim will be straightforward though.

Nothing with Washington ESD is ever straightforward unfortunately. But at least there are ways to get help when you need it.

That sounds awful! What kind of documentation did they want?

Pay stubs, separation notice, tax forms, proof of job search - basically everything. And then they wanted clarification on dates and details. It was like they were looking for reasons to deny the claim.

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. When you're dealing with document requests and adjudication issues, being able to actually speak with an Washington ESD agent makes all the difference. The claimyr.com service connects you directly with agents so you can get real answers instead of waiting weeks for responses.

This has been incredibly helpful everyone. I feel much more prepared to apply now. One last question - is there a waiting period before benefits start?

Yes, there's a one-week waiting period. So you won't get paid for your first week of unemployment, but you still need to file a claim for that week to establish your claim.

You don't need to be a US citizen, but you must be authorized to work in the US. Someone with a valid work visa who loses their job through no fault of their own can typically qualify for unemployment benefits.

thanks! that's what I thought but wasn't sure

How detailed do the job search records need to be? Like do I need to save copies of applications?

You need company name, contact information, date of contact, method (online, in person, etc), and position applied for. Screenshots of online applications are good to keep too.

That's reassuring! Did you have any issues with your initial application?

nope, pretty straightforward since I was laid off. just had to wait for the determination letter and then started filing weekly claims

Good advice. Where's the best place to get accurate information if I have specific questions?

The Washington ESD website has a lot of info, but if you need to talk to someone, that's where the phone challenge comes in. Sometimes you have to try for days to get through.

Or use Claimyr if you need to reach them urgently. I keep mentioning it because it really works - my friend went from spending hours on hold to talking to an agent in minutes.

I hadn't thought about that distinction. So if I had a vacation planned, I'd need to cancel it or not claim benefits for those weeks?

exactly! if you're not available to work, you can't claim benefits for those weeks. you can still file the weekly claim but you'd answer 'no' to the availability question

You're very welcome! Good luck with your application and job search. Feel free to come back if you run into any issues.

hope everything goes smoothly for you! the system isn't perfect but it does help when you need it

Best of luck! And remember, if you do need to contact Washington ESD for any reason, services like Claimyr are there to help you actually get through to someone.

How do they define that? Like, do I have to take any minimum wage job even if I was making $25/hour before?

Not immediately, but the definition of suitable work expands over time. At first you can hold out for jobs similar to your previous position, but after several weeks you might be expected to consider lower-paying work.

Generally they expect you to accept work that pays at least 80% of your previous wage for the first few weeks, then it gradually decreases from there.

Thanks everyone for all the help! This gives me a much better idea of what I'm getting into. Wish me luck!

Good luck! Just remember the three keys: file consistently, search actively, and document everything. You've got this!

And don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. There are resources out there like that Claimyr thing if you get stuck.