What you need to file for unemployment - Washington ESD requirements checklist

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

Washington ESD needs complete addresses and phone numbers for each employer. They'll contact them to verify your wages and work history.

Good point! Is there anything else about the bank info I should know?

just make sure its a checking account, they dont do savings accounts for UI benefits

What if I can't remember the exact dates I worked somewhere from like 15 months ago?

Check your tax records, old pay stubs, or contact the employer's HR department. Washington ESD uses your base period wages to calculate your weekly benefit amount, so accuracy is crucial.

I had to call so many old employers to get this info when I filed last year. Took forever to get through to some of them.

That sounds helpful! Did they charge you for that service?

They focus on getting you connected rather than cost, and it was worth it to avoid the usual Washington ESD phone runaround. Much better than hitting redial for 3 hours.

I've heard of this too. My friend used it when her claim got stuck in adjudication and she needed to talk to someone at Washington ESD.

You should file as soon as possible after your last day of work. Benefits are paid from the date you file your claim, not from when you became unemployed.

So if I wait a week to file, I lose that week of benefits completely?

Exactly. Washington ESD doesn't pay retroactive benefits for weeks before you filed your initial claim, so file immediately when you become unemployed.

What if I was laid off due to lack of work? That should be straightforward, right?

Yeah, lack of work layoffs are usually approved quickly. Just make sure your employer reports it the same way to Washington ESD.

Do I have to register with WorkSource before I file my claim or after?

You can file your unemployment claim first, but you'll need to register with WorkSource within a few weeks and start your job search activities to continue receiving benefits.

This is super helpful! Should I print this out and have it with me when I file?

Definitely keep this info handy. The online filing system will ask for all of this information and you don't want to have to stop halfway through to find documents.

Where do you find the FEIN numbers?

They're usually on your W-2 forms or pay stubs. If you can't find them, Washington ESD can look them up but it takes longer.

Yes, you need to report ALL employment during your base period, even part-time or temporary work. Washington ESD uses all your wages to calculate your benefit amount.

Even if I only worked like 5 hours a week at one place?

Every job counts. The more wages you earned during your base period, the higher your weekly benefit amount will be.

Was it worth using Claimyr just to ask questions about filing requirements?

For me it was. I had a complicated work situation and needed to make sure I was filing correctly. Better to get it right the first time than deal with adjudication issues later.

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

How long did it take to get your benefits once you provided all the missing information?

About 2 weeks after I submitted everything correctly. Could have been faster if I'd been prepared from the start.

Does the system crash often?

It happens sometimes, especially during high volume periods. Just be patient and try again if you get kicked out of the system.

Even if the severance was just a few hundred dollars?

Yes, any separation pay needs to be reported. Washington ESD will determine how it affects your benefit eligibility and timing.

Thanks for mentioning that again. Sounds like it might be worth checking out if I run into problems.

You can usually correct minor errors by calling Washington ESD or through your online account. Major errors might require additional documentation or could trigger an adjudication review.

That's what I'm worried about - triggering an adjudication and having my claim delayed for weeks.

Good advice. I'll make sure to review everything twice before hitting submit.

Should I print physical copies or are digital copies okay?

i do both just to be safe. never know when youll need to reference something

Good luck! Remember to file your weekly claims on time once your initial claim is processed.

You've got this! Having everything prepared beforehand will make the process much smoother.