When does an employer have to pay unemployment - confused about Washington ESD employer obligations

So they're not writing me a check each week but it still costs them money? That makes more sense why they'd want to fight it.

exactly, it's all handled through the state but your employer's account gets charged for the benefits you receive

this is why some employers try to claim you quit instead of being laid off - they want to avoid the charges to their account

That's exactly what I was worried about! They better not try to say I quit when I was clearly laid off due to slow business.

How long did the whole process take once you got through to someone?

Once I actually talked to an agent, it was resolved within a few days. The hard part was getting through in the first place!

Never heard of Claimyr but anything that helps get through to Washington ESD sounds worth trying

That's not entirely accurate - employers do pay substantial unemployment taxes, especially those with high claim rates. The system tries to balance protecting workers with keeping costs reasonable for employers.

Tell that to someone who got denied benefits because their employer lied about the reason for termination!

Your employer pays unemployment insurance taxes quarterly. When you claim benefits, those costs get charged back to their account. So technically the state pays you, but your employer's account gets debited.

oh ok so like indirect payment. makes sense why they care about claims then

This is why seasonal employers often have really high rates - lots of layoffs every year

So if I was legitimately laid off, they probably can't win a contest right? I have the layoff notice in writing.

With documented layoff due to business reasons, you should be fine. Keep that paperwork handy in case Washington ESD needs it during adjudication.

That's reassuring to hear from someone on the employer side. I was worried they'd contest just to be difficult.

What would be considered 'unusual circumstances' for a layoff?

Things like if the employee refused offered work, turned down a transfer, or if there were performance issues leading up to the layoff. But pure workforce reduction usually isn't contested.

Weeks? I really need these benefits to start soon. Is there any way to speed it up?

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - when you can actually talk to an agent instead of waiting for callbacks, things move much faster.

It's both federal and state. Federal taxes fund administrative costs and extended benefits during recessions. State taxes fund regular benefits and vary by employer experience rating.

No wonder employers care so much about claims - it directly affects their bottom line

The state unemployment trust fund covers benefits when employers can't pay. Your friend should still be eligible as long as the employer was paying unemployment taxes before closing.

Thanks, I'll let her know she should still file a claim

So good employers actually pay less? That seems fair I guess.

Exactly - it rewards employers who maintain stable employment. Rates can range from under 1% to over 5% depending on claim history.

Employers pay unemployment taxes on all wages regardless of how employment ends. The taxes fund the system for everyone who becomes eligible. You can't get benefits if you quit without good cause, but the taxes still get paid.

oh ok so it's like insurance, everyone pays in but only some people can claim benefits

That's good to hear! Maybe my employer will be reasonable too since our layoffs were clearly due to losing a major contract.

Most employers won't contest legitimate layoffs - it's usually not worth the administrative hassle unless there are serious concerns about the claim.

Seriously check out Claimyr if you need to actually talk to someone. I was skeptical at first but it worked way better than calling directly.

At this point I'll try anything. The waiting is killing me financially.

The temp agency is your employer for unemployment purposes, not the client company. If they don't have other work available for you, it's usually treated like a layoff.

Good to know, I was confused about who would be responsible for the claim costs

Except sometimes layoffs aren't the employer's fault - economic downturns, lost contracts, etc. Seems unfair to penalize them for external factors.

True, but the system needs to be funded somehow and experience rating is better than just flat rates for everyone.

So some employers do pay benefits directly? I knew there had to be exceptions to the insurance system.

Yes, but only certain types of employers can choose this option - nonprofits, government entities, and some others. Most regular businesses have to pay insurance taxes.

Thanks everyone for all the explanations. I feel much better about my situation now. Going to keep my layoff paperwork handy just in case.

Good luck with your claim! The adjudication should go smoothly with proper documentation.

That's a relief - at least I won't be left with nothing while they sort it out. Thanks for all the help everyone!

Just make sure to keep filing your weekly claims even during appeals - you can't get paid for weeks you don't claim.