What do you need to apply for unemployment in Washington - complete checklist?

Do I need pay stubs or just the employer information? I have some but not all of them.

Pay stubs help but aren't required if you have the basic employer info. Washington ESD will verify wages with employers directly.

Can I get payments by check instead of direct deposit?

Yes but direct deposit is much faster. Checks can take weeks to arrive and get lost in the mail.

What counts as job search activities? Just applying to jobs or other stuff too?

Job applications, networking events, career fairs, interviews, creating profiles on job sites - there's a whole list on the Washington ESD website.

You need to log at least 3 job search activities per week and keep records in case they audit you.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true with how impossible it is to reach anyone there.

Yeah it's real, I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They basically call for you and connect you when they get through.

I've heard of this service but never tried it. How much does it cost?

I got two weeks severance, does that mean I can't file right away?

You can file but your benefits might not start until after the severance period ends. File anyway to get your claim started.

What's the waiting week? Do you not get paid the first week?

Correct, there's a one week waiting period where you file weekly claims but don't get paid. It's just how the system works.

Do they check this stuff right away or later in the process?

They verify eligibility requirements during the initial processing, so have everything ready when you apply.

I only worked in Washington so I should be good there.

Yeah then just file normally with Washington ESD. It's only complicated if you worked across state lines.

Good advice, I learned this the hard way when my claim went into adjudication and I couldn't remember details.

What's adjudication? That sounds scary.

It's when they need to investigate something about your claim before approving it. Can take weeks but usually gets resolved if you provided accurate info.

How soon do they usually call? Same day or later?

Depends on your situation but could be within a few days if there are questions about your separation or work history.

I was laid off due to company downsizing, so that should be straightforward right?

Yes layoffs are usually approved as long as it wasn't for misconduct. You should be fine if it was a legitimate company downsizing.

Just make sure your employer doesn't contest the claim saying it was for cause. That can complicate things.

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. Hopefully I won't need it but good to know there's an option.

I tried calling Washington ESD for three weeks straight before finding that service. Wish I'd known about it sooner.

That's reassuring, I was worried about making mistakes and messing up my claim.

Minor mistakes can usually be corrected. Just be honest and accurate with the information you do provide.

Is that the same login for all Washington state services?

Yes, SAW is the single sign-on for most Washington state online services including unemployment benefits.

What happens if you miss filing a weekly claim?

You lose that week's benefits permanently. There's no way to go back and claim missed weeks except in very limited circumstances.

Good to know, I'll make sure to set a reminder every week.