What type of unemployment benefits can I apply for in Washington state?

There are several types of unemployment benefits in Washington. Regular UI (unemployment insurance) is the most common - that's for people who lost their job through no fault of their own, like layoffs or company closure. Standby is different - that's when you're temporarily laid off but expect to return to the same employer within a specific timeframe. Partial benefits are for people still working but with reduced hours.

Thank you! I think regular UI is what I need since I was permanently laid off. How do I know for sure which one to apply for?

Since you were permanently let go due to downsizing, regular UI is definitely what you want. You apply through the Washington ESD website at esd.wa.gov.

Just went through this myself last month. Regular unemployment is the standard one most people get. You file your initial claim online and then have to do weekly claims every week to get paid. Make sure you have all your employment info ready - dates, wages, reason for separation.

How long did it take for your claim to be approved? I'm worried about paying bills while waiting.

Mine took about 2 weeks but some people wait longer if there are issues with their claim.

Don't forget about the job search requirements! With regular UI you have to actively look for work and log your job search activities. It's 3 job search activities per week unless you're in a training program.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs?

Job applications, networking events, career fairs, informational interviews, even updating your LinkedIn profile counts. You track it all in WorkSourceWA.

I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks to ask about my claim type and can never get through! The phone system is impossible. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there?

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr.com - it's a service that helps you get through to ESD agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Really? Does it actually work? I'm desperate at this point.

Yes! I used it twice now and got through both times. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

there's also shared work programs if your employer reduces everyone's hours instead of laying people off. but sounds like that doesn't apply to your situation since you were fully laid off

No, I was completely let go. But good to know about that option for others.

One thing to clarify - when you file your initial claim, Washington ESD will determine which benefit type you qualify for based on your work history and reason for separation. You don't really choose the type yourself, they assign it based on your eligibility.

Oh that's helpful to know. So I just file the regular application and they figure out what I qualify for?

Exactly. Just complete the initial claim application honestly and they'll determine your benefit type and weekly amount.

Make sure you apply as soon as possible! There's a one week waiting period and benefits don't start until after that. The sooner you file, the sooner your benefits can start.

I didn't know about the waiting period. I'll file today then!

Good idea. And remember you can backdate your claim up to one week if needed.

WASHINGTON ESD MAKES EVERYTHING SO COMPLICATED!! Why can't they just have one simple unemployment program instead of all these different types?? It's so confusing when you're already stressed about losing your job!

I get the frustration but the different types exist for good reasons - like standby helps people who will return to work soon avoid the full job search requirements.

I guess that makes sense but it's still overwhelming when you're trying to figure it out

quick question - do you qualify for unemployment if you quit your job? or is that only for people who got fired/laid off?

Generally you have to be separated from work through no fault of your own to qualify. But there are some exceptions like quitting for good cause - domestic violence, unsafe working conditions, etc.

ok thanks, was just curious

I applied for regular UI three weeks ago and my claim is still in adjudication. Is this normal? Should I have applied for a different type?

Adjudication delays are unfortunately common, especially if there's any question about your separation reason. The claim type isn't the issue - it's just the review process taking time.

If you need to check on your adjudication status, that's another situation where Claimyr can help you reach an ESD agent to get an update on what's happening with your claim.

Thanks, I might try that. This waiting is driving me crazy.

For anyone wondering about benefit amounts - regular UI pays up to $929 per week in 2025 depending on your past wages. Partial benefits are calculated differently based on your reduced hours.

How do they calculate how much you get? Is it based on your last job's salary?

It's based on your highest earning quarter in your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 quarters before you filed). They use a formula to determine your weekly benefit amount.

just a heads up that if you worked in multiple states you might need to file an interstate claim. washington esd handles this but it can be more complicated

I only worked in Washington so that shouldn't be an issue for me.

Don't forget you'll need to register with WorkSourceWA too - that's where you do your job search logging and access other employment services. It's required for regular UI claims.

Is that separate from the Washington ESD application?

Yes, WorkSourceWA is a different system but you'll need both. ESD for your claim, WorkSourceWA for job search requirements.

I was on standby unemployment last year when my restaurant temporarily closed. It was nice because I didn't have to do job searches since I knew I was going back when they reopened.

That sounds convenient. Too bad my company is permanently closing so standby isn't an option.

Yeah, standby only works if you have a definite return date. Regular UI is what you need.

watch out for scam websites when you're looking up unemployment info. only use the official esd.wa.gov site to apply. there are fake sites that steal your info

Good warning! I'll make sure I'm on the right site.

Can confirm that Claimyr works for getting through to ESD. Used it last week when I had questions about my weekly claim and got connected to an agent in like 10 minutes instead of calling for hours.

Ok I'm definitely trying this. The regular phone system is useless.

Yeah, totally worth it. Check out their demo video first to see how it works.

Also keep in mind you have to file your weekly claims every week even if you haven't been paid yet. Don't skip weeks or you could lose benefits for those weeks.

When do I start filing weekly claims? Right after I submit my initial application?

You'll get instructions after your initial claim is processed. Usually you start filing for the week after you applied.

this whole thread has been super helpful! i was confused about the different types too but sounds like most people just need regular UI

Agreed! I feel much more confident about applying now.

To summarize for the OP: Based on your situation (permanent layoff due to downsizing), you want to apply for regular unemployment insurance through Washington ESD. File your initial claim at esd.wa.gov, register with WorkSourceWA for job search requirements, and be prepared to file weekly claims. The system will determine your exact benefit type and amount based on your work history.

Perfect summary! Thank you everyone for all the helpful information. I'm going to file my application today.