What are unemployment benefits in Washington state - complete breakdown?

Oh wow I had no idea we were paying into insurance! So it's like money I already earned in a way?

Exactly! You and your employer both contributed to the unemployment insurance fund through payroll taxes. So you're not taking charity - you're claiming benefits you helped fund.

What does 'able and available' mean exactly? Like if I'm sick one day do I lose benefits?

Able and available means you're physically and mentally capable of working and ready to accept suitable employment. Being sick for a day or two usually won't disqualify you, but you need to report it on your weekly claim. Extended illness might affect eligibility though.

The job search requirements are real too - you need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep detailed records. Washington ESD can audit your job search log at any time.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They basically call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to an actual agent. I was skeptical at first but watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ) and decided to try it. Got through to ESD in like 20 minutes instead of spending hours on hold.

Really? That actually works? I've been calling the 800 number every morning for 2 weeks straight.

Yeah it's legit. They handle all the calling and waiting for you. Saved me so much time and stress dealing with the phone system.

I understand the frustration but the adjudication process exists for good reasons. They need to verify employment history and ensure claims are legitimate. Most claims do get processed within 3-4 weeks.

3-4 weeks?? Tell that to my landlord who wants rent money. The whole system needs to be rebuilt from scratch.

My claim took 5 weeks too but it did eventually get approved. Hang in there, the money comes retroactively once they approve it.

Wait, so if I get unemployment I have to pay taxes on it? That seems weird since I'm unemployed...

Yep, unemployment benefits count as income for tax purposes. It's better to have the taxes withheld each week so you don't get hit with a big bill later.

Do I need to file right away or can I wait a few days? I'm still processing getting laid off.

File as soon as possible! Benefits are not retroactive to when you became unemployed - they start from the week you file your claim. Every week you wait is money you lose.

This is so important! I waited 2 weeks to file because I thought I might get my job back and lost out on like $1400 in benefits.

How do I file the weekly claims? Is it online or do I have to call?

You can file weekly claims online through your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account or by calling the automated phone system. Online is usually faster and more convenient.

What counts as 'good cause' for refusing a job?

Good cause includes things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, wages below minimum wage, or work that conflicts with your religious beliefs. The job also has to be within reasonable commuting distance.

I thought it was if the job pays less than your unemployment benefits? That's what my friend told me.

That's a common misconception. You can't refuse work just because it pays less than your unemployment benefits. The 70% rule applies to your previous wages, not your benefit amount.

What kind of issues require talking to someone? Can't most things be handled online?

Things like identity verification problems, disputed job separations, or if your claim gets stuck in adjudication. The automated systems can't handle complex situations.

Your base year would be April 2023 through March 2024 (the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters). Since you started in March 2024, you might not have enough wages in your base year to qualify. You might need to request an alternate base year that includes more recent quarters.

That seems really complicated. Why don't they just use the most recent year of work?

It's because employers report wages quarterly and there's a lag time for processing. The system needs complete wage data to calculate benefits accurately.

Is WorkSourceWA the same as Washington ESD?

No, WorkSourceWA is the state's job search and training system. Washington ESD handles the unemployment benefits. They work together but are separate systems.

This is all so overwhelming but really helpful. Thank you everyone for explaining everything!

You've got this! The system seems complicated at first but once you get into the routine of filing weekly claims and doing your job search, it becomes routine. Good luck!

Good to know! So if I made like $500 a week at my job, I'd get about $350 per week in benefits?

roughly yeah, though the exact calculation is more complex. washington esd has a benefit calculator on their website that can give you a better estimate

Misconduct typically means willful or wanton disregard of employer interests, like theft, violence, or repeatedly violating company policies after warnings. Poor performance or honest mistakes usually don't count as misconduct.

That's reassuring. I was fired for not meeting sales targets but I was really trying, just not good at sales I guess.

That sounds like it might not be misconduct, but Washington ESD will investigate and make a determination. Your employer has to prove misconduct occurred.

Exactly! Some people think unemployment is welfare but it's insurance that workers pay into. There's a big difference.

That makes me feel better about applying for it. I was worried it was like asking for charity.

I'll definitely check out the website first. Thanks for all the help everyone!

Welcome to the club nobody wants to join! But seriously, unemployment benefits are there for exactly situations like yours. Don't feel bad about using them.