What do you need to collect unemployment benefits in Washington - complete requirements list

Do I need exact addresses for all my previous employers or just the company names?

You need the complete addresses. Washington ESD will verify your employment history with each employer, so accuracy is important.

I'm a US citizen and only worked regular jobs so I think I'm good on that part, thanks!

How soon do I need to start looking for work? Can I take a week to get organized first?

You need to be actively searching for work starting the week you file your claim. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week and you have to keep a log.

That's ridiculous, people need time to process getting fired before jumping back into job hunting!

Is that like a paid service? I'm trying to save money since I just lost my job.

It is paid but honestly worth it when you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD and can't get through. Way less stressful than calling for hours.

What kind of earnings info do they want exactly? Just my total from last year?

They want quarterly earnings for your base period, which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters. Your pay stubs help verify this.

The base period thing is so confusing, I never understood how they calculate it

I was laid off because they're closing the warehouse, so I have the letter explaining that. Should be straightforward.

Perfect, that's a clear case of lack of work. Your claim should process smoothly with that documentation.

Is there a best time of day to file or does it not matter?

Early morning or late evening tend to have less traffic on the website. Avoid Monday mornings and Friday afternoons when everyone's trying to file.

Six weeks?! How am I supposed to pay rent if it takes that long?

Not everyone waits that long. If your case is straightforward with proper documentation, it can be much faster. The delays usually happen when there are complications or missing information.

Maybe, but they don't communicate anything during the wait. You're just left hanging.

You need 3 job search activities per week, which can include applications, networking, job fairs, or training. They should be reasonable for your background and skills.

That makes more sense, I thought it had to be 3 applications no matter what

keep detailed records of everything you do for job searching, they can ask to see your log anytime

Good luck with your claim! At least we're figuring this out together.

I did some DoorDash between jobs last year, do I need to report that?

Yes, report all work including gig work. You'll need your 1099 forms for any contractor work you did.

Gig work can actually help your claim if you earned enough, don't leave it out

How much does it cost though? Some of us are broke after losing our jobs

I get that money's tight, but think about the time you save. I was calling Washington ESD for 3+ hours a day trying to get answers. Sometimes it's worth paying to solve the problem quickly.

This is super helpful, thank you! I feel much more prepared now. Going to gather all my documents tonight and file tomorrow.

Good plan! Take your time with the application to make sure everything is accurate. It's better to spend extra time getting it right than to have delays later.

Good point, I just moved last month so I need to make sure I use my new address.

Minor mistakes can usually be corrected by calling Washington ESD or through your online account. Major errors might require restarting the application, which is why accuracy is so important upfront.

I had to correct my address after filing and it was pretty easy to do online, just make sure you do it quickly

What causes a claim to go into adjudication? I want to avoid that if possible.

Adjudication happens when there are questions about your eligibility - like unclear separation reasons, wage discrepancies, or if your former employer disputes your claim. Being accurate and having good documentation helps avoid it.

That's exactly when Claimyr helped me - I was in adjudication for weeks with no communication. Finally got through to an agent who explained what they needed from me to resolve it.

Same here! Everyone's advice has been great. Feeling much less overwhelmed about the whole process.

Definitely doing this, thanks for the reminder. Better safe than sorry with government paperwork!

yes! i learned this the hard way when they asked me to verify something i submitted months earlier

How do I know when to file my first weekly claim?

Washington ESD will tell you when to file your first weekly claim, usually for the week after you submit your initial application. You'll get instructions by email or in your online account.

You need to register at WorkSourceWA.com within a few days of filing your claim. It's part of the job search requirements and helps track your work search activities.

The WorkSource registration is mandatory for most claimants. You'll use it to log your job search activities and access career services.