When you get laid off can you collect unemployment in Washington?

Yes, being laid off typically qualifies you for unemployment benefits in Washington. Since you were terminated due to company restructuring and not for misconduct, you should be eligible. You'll need to file your claim online at esd.wa.gov as soon as possible - there's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start.

Layoffs due to restructuring definitely qualify for UI benefits. You'll need your social security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months when you apply. Make sure you have your last employer's contact information too.

I was in a similar situation last year when my company downsized. The hardest part was actually getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my claim. Their phone lines are constantly busy and I'd get disconnected after waiting for hours. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to help me get through to an actual agent - they have this system that calls for you and gets you connected. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

wait so if I get laid off I automatically get unemployment? what if the company says I was fired instead of laid off?

One important thing - make sure you understand the job search requirements. You'll need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep records of your activities. This starts immediately when you begin claiming benefits.

THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! I've been waiting 6 weeks for my adjudication to clear and they won't tell me anything. Good luck getting any help from Washington ESD - they don't care about working people!

I got laid off from Boeing last month and my claim was approved within a week. The key is being honest and accurate on your application. Don't try to embellish anything - just stick to the facts about why you were separated.

been there done that, layoffs suck but at least you get benefits. just file asap and don't overthink it

Just to clarify the eligibility requirements - you need to have earned at least $1,680 in your base year and your total base year wages must be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter earnings. Based on your 2 years of employment, you should easily meet these requirements.

Another thing about calling Washington ESD - if you do need to reach them, avoid calling on Mondays and Tuesdays. Those are the busiest days. I learned this the hard way before I found Claimyr. Wednesday through Friday mornings tend to be a bit better.

this is all so confusing. why can't they just make it simple? I just want to know if I'll get money if I lose my job

My advice is to screenshot everything when you apply and keep records of all your communications. The system can be glitchy and you want to have proof of what you submitted and when.

Wait, I thought there was a waiting week where you don't get paid? Is that still a thing?

One more thing - make sure your employer doesn't try to contest your claim. Sometimes companies will dispute unemployment claims to keep their tax rates low. If that happens, you might need to provide additional documentation about your layoff.

I got laid off 3 months ago and my claim was approved no problem. The weekly benefit amount is based on your earnings, so make sure you report your wages accurately when you apply. I was making about $55k and get around $600 per week.

Pro tip: register with WorkSourceWA when you file your claim. It's not required immediately but you'll need to do it eventually, and it shows you're serious about finding work if there are any questions about your claim.

honestly just file online and see what happens. if you were laid off legitimately you should be fine. don't overthink it

Just wanted to follow up on the Claimyr thing - I used them twice last year when I had questions about my claim status and when I needed help with an issue about my job search log. Both times they got me connected to an actual person at Washington ESD within a few hours instead of me spending days trying to call. Definitely worth considering if you run into any problems.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much more confident about filing now. I'm going to apply online tomorrow and make sure I have all my employment information ready. Hopefully it goes smoothly but it's good to know there are options like Claimyr if I need help reaching someone at Washington ESD.

Update us when you hear back! I'm always curious how long it takes for straightforward layoff cases to get approved these days.