Where does Washington ESD unemployment funding actually come from - confused about the system

So my current employer has been paying into this fund for me? What happens if they go out of business?

All your previous employers paid into it too. If a business closes, the fund still covers you because it's pooled from all employers statewide.

exactly this!! I felt the same way when I first filed but then realized employers budget for these taxes anyway

Thanks for the Claimyr info! I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my weekly claim certification.

How much does that service cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to reach our own state agency.

I get the frustration but honestly it saved me hours of calling. The website has all the details - I just needed to get my adjudication issue resolved.

That's interesting, I didn't know employers paid different rates. Does that mean some employers try to fight legitimate claims?

Unfortunately yes, some do contest claims to keep their rates low. That's why the adjudication process exists - to verify eligibility.

If you're disqualified for misconduct, it doesn't count against their experience rating. But if you successfully appeal and get benefits, then it would.

oh that makes sense why my old boss was so adamant about the 'misconduct' thing during my termination

The information is there but it's buried in policy manuals. Most people just want to know if they qualify and how much they'll get.

Yeah exactly! I just wanted to understand where my $487 weekly benefit was coming from.

Correct - programs like PUA and PEUC were federally funded, but those ended. Regular unemployment insurance is state-administered, employer-funded.

Good distinction. I was confused because I got federal pandemic benefits before.

States can borrow from the federal government if their trust funds are depleted. Several states had to do this during the Great Recession.

And then what, they raise employer taxes to pay it back?

Exactly. Both employer taxes and benefit levels can be adjusted to restore fund solvency.

Thanks, that really helps put it in perspective. I've been stressing about this for weeks.

I just watched that demo video - seems legit. Might try it if my pending adjudication doesn't resolve soon.

Same here, I bookmarked it. The regular Washington ESD phone line is impossible.

Employers pay unemployment taxes on all wages up to the taxable wage base, regardless of whether employees are part-time or full-time.

ok cool so even my old part time retail job was contributing to this fund

Glad it helped! That's exactly what the system is for - temporary support while you find new employment.

Agreed. A simple FAQ about funding sources would save a lot of confusion.

Maybe they assume people don't care about the details as long as they get their money?

Generally no, self-employed individuals don't pay into or qualify for regular unemployment insurance. There are some exceptions and special programs though.

That explains why my freelancer friends couldn't get regular UI benefits.

Same here! This has been really educational.

Bookmarked! My claim has been in adjudication for 5 weeks now and I can't get through to anyone.

That's exactly the situation I was in. Hope it helps you get answers faster than I did.

It's always good to understand how these systems work, especially when you're depending on them.

That's exactly right. Hope your job search goes well!

Best of luck with everything! You've got this.