Where to find unemployment insurance employer account number for Washington ESD claim

You don't actually need the employer's UI account number to file your initial claim with Washington ESD. You can leave that field blank and they'll match your employer based on the business name and address you provide. The system will figure it out on the backend.

if you really need it though, check your last paystub carefully. sometimes its printed in tiny text at the bottom or on the side. mine was there but super small

The employer UI account number is primarily used by Washington ESD for internal processing and employer correspondence. As others mentioned, you can file your claim without it. However, if you're having trouble reaching your HR department, I'd suggest trying Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they can help you get through to an Washington ESD agent who can clarify exactly what information you need. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

I had the same problem last year!!! My company's payroll department finally told me it was on some internal tax document they file with the state. But like everyone else said, you don't need it for your unemployment application. Washington ESD has all that info already in their employer database.

why do they even ask for it if its not required? seems like poor website design to me

For what it's worth, if you absolutely must have it, you could try calling the Washington ESD employer services line. They might be able to look up your employer's account number if you provide the business details. But again, not necessary for your claim.

I'm dealing with something similar but my issue is that my employer closed down completely. Not sure how that affects things with the account number stuff.

The whole unemployment system is confusing enough without having to hunt down random employer numbers. At least Washington ESD doesn't make this one mandatory.

If you work for a big corporation, sometimes the UI account number is on their internal employee portal. I found mine there when I needed it for something else. But yeah, not needed for unemployment claims.

Just wanted to add that even if you somehow get the wrong employer info initially, Washington ESD will contact you to correct it during the adjudication process. They're pretty good about sorting out employer details.

been there! spent 2 hours looking for this number before realizing it wasnt even required lol. just file your claim and move on

Quick update on the Claimyr option I mentioned earlier - they're really helpful if you end up needing to speak with an Washington ESD representative about your claim later on. A lot of people use them when they hit snags in the adjudication process or need claim status updates.

The Washington ESD website really should make it clearer that this field is optional. Would save people a lot of unnecessary stress.

Filed my claim 3 months ago without the employer account number and had no issues. My benefits were approved and I've been getting paid weekly. Don't overthink it!

wait so whats the difference between the employer account number and the employer identification number? are those the same thing?

This thread is super helpful! I was about to email my old boss asking for this info and probably would have looked like an idiot.

For anyone still reading this thread, just remember that the most important thing is to file your claim as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. Don't let missing optional information delay your application.

thanks everyone for the help! this was stressing me out way more than it needed to

Just filed my claim successfully without the employer account number. Took less than 20 minutes once I stopped worrying about that field. Thanks for all the reassurance!