What documents do you need to bring to Washington ESD unemployment office appointment?

Thanks! I have my termination letter but my employer never gave me a formal separation notice. Will that be a problem?

The termination letter should work fine. Just make sure it shows the reason you were let go and the date.

Wait, they wanted your job search log at the office visit? I thought you only submit that with your weekly claims online.

Yeah they reviewed it to make sure I was meeting the requirements. Bring a printed copy just in case.

Good to know! I've been keeping track in WorkSourceWA so I can print that out.

How much does that cost? I've been trying to call for weeks with no luck.

It was worth it for me since I couldn't get through any other way. The agent was able to look at my specific case and tell me exactly what documents they needed.

I worked three different jobs last year. Do I really need documentation from all of them or just the most recent one?

Bring everything you have. It's better to have too much documentation than not enough. They calculate your benefits based on your earnings from multiple quarters.

Oh no! What kind of bank statements did they want? How many months back?

They wanted 3 months of statements to verify I wasn't working under the table or getting unreported income. Also wanted to see any 1099s from gig work.

This is why the system is so messed up. They make it impossible to know what you need ahead of time.

This is super helpful! Should I bring originals or will copies work?

Bring originals. They'll make copies if needed but they want to verify the documents are authentic.

Also bring a notebook to write down anything they tell you. These appointments move fast and you don't want to forget important details.

Yes, you're required to search for work from the day you file your claim, even during adjudication. Bring your job search log or WorkSourceWA activity records.

I didn't know that! I thought you only had to search for work after your claim was approved. I better start documenting my job search activities right away.

Good point about medical docs. I was terminated while on FMLA and had to show my doctor's notes to prove it was legitimate medical leave.

I wasn't on medical leave but I did have some health issues that affected my performance. Should I mention that at the appointment?

Only if it's directly related to why you lost your job. Don't volunteer information that might complicate your case unnecessarily.

I got paid for unused vacation days. Does that affect my unemployment benefits?

It might delay when your benefits start. Bring documentation of exactly how much you received and what it was for.

I'm getting desperate enough to try anything at this point. The Washington ESD phone system is absolutely broken.

I felt the same way. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person who can look at your specific case. Check out their demo video to see how it works.

Really? My spouse works full time. Will that affect my unemployment benefits?

No, your spouse's income doesn't affect your UI benefits in Washington. But sometimes they ask about it during the interview process.

Good advice! How long did the actual meeting take once you got in?

About 45 minutes. They go through everything pretty thoroughly. Make sure your phone is charged in case they need you to access your online account.

I did one small freelance project last month. Do I need a 1099 for that or will my invoice work?

Bring whatever documentation you have. Invoice, payment records, anything that shows the amount and date of payment.

This is why I stopped doing any side work while on unemployment. Too complicated to keep track of everything.

Great tip! I'm going to put everything in a binder with dividers for each type of document.

Smart! Also make copies of everything before you go. Sometimes they keep originals and you want your own records.

They should provide interpretation services if you request it when you schedule your appointment. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification if you don't understand something.

Thank you! I'll call ahead to make sure they have an interpreter available.

I think I'm going to try that. I'd rather know exactly what to expect than show up unprepared like some of you did.

Good idea. Being prepared will make the appointment go much smoother and hopefully get your claim resolved faster.

I never thought about that. I can get everywhere by bus so I guess that opens up my job search area.

Exactly. They want to make sure you're searching for work within a reasonable distance from your home.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes. Your experience might help someone else in the same situation.

Definitely update us! I have an appointment coming up next month and this thread has been super helpful.

I'll post an update after my appointment. Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly!