In the wake of job loss, understanding the right steps to secure unemployment benefits is crucial. Washington state has specific requirements and procedures that must be followed to file successfully. The process can be intricate, and missing a step might delay your benefits or affect your eligibility. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through filing for unemployment in Washington state.
Step 0: When to File
Claims are filed from the Sunday preceding the date you file your claim - so if your last day is Monday, you will need to wait until the Sunday AFTER your last day of your employment. If you start your application before the Sunday following your last day of employment, you will need to start your application again, and the information is not saved from week to week. The application takes about 30 minutes to complete.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Before filing a claim, you must determine if you're eligible for unemployment benefits. Generally, to qualify, you must:
- Be unemployed through no fault of your own (as defined by Washington law).
- Be physically able to work.
- Be available for work.
- Be actively seeking employment.
More details regarding eligibility criteria can be found at the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) ↗ website and in the Unemployed Worker Handbook ↗.
Step 2: Gather Required Information
Preparing the necessary information beforehand will streamline your filing process. You'll need:
- Your Social Security number.
- Washington State Driver's License.
- Personal information (name, address, phone number, birth date, etc.).
- Employment history for the last 18 months (employer names, mailing addresses, and dates of employment).
- Your claim takes effect Sunday of the week you first apply, regardless of when you last worked.
- See all the details here: https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment/have-this-information-ready ↗
Step 3: Choose How to File
You can file for unemployment either online through the Washington ESD's SecureAccess Washington (SAW) ↗ portal or by calling their claims center. Online filing is available 24 hours a day, while phone filing follows specific hours listed on the ESD website.
Step 4: File Your Claim
Whether online or over the phone, accurately fill out your claim application using the information you've gathered. Be truthful and precise to prevent any delays in your application.
Step 5: Wait for the Determination
Once your claim is submitted, you will receive a notice of determination in the mail. This notice will inform you whether your claim has been approved or denied. If approved, it will detail your benefit amount and how to claim your benefits weekly. You will need to seek employment and log ↗ your activities ↗ even while you are waiting for your determination of whether you are entitled to unemployment.
Here is a screen shot of the weekly Job Search Log.
Although an obvious activity is an employer contact (e.g., job application, informational interview, job interview, follow-up conversation or email), this is not the only type of activity that is authorized. For example, you can "Complete a self-paced occupational skills or computer course" such as https://www.deeplearning.ai/short-courses/ ↗ (which is currently free). You cannot just "free learn" - you need to find something that allows you to "Screen shot or copy of the course completion page."
Step 6: Actively Seek Employment
To remain eligible for benefits, you must actively seek employment and record your job search activities. Failure to do so may result in the termination of your unemployment benefits.
Step 7 (optional): Consider Applying for Training Benefits
If you are in a low demand field, and you are interested in taking training to seek a high demand field, you can apply for Training Benefits which provides up to an additional 26 weeks of seeking employment. https://esd.wa.gov/jobs-and-training/training-benefits-program ↗
Other Notes
You can determine how much you will be paid using the Washington state unemployment calculator ↗. The maximum weekly payment is $1,019. The average maximum duration of unemployment benefits is 26 weeks.
If you have any problems setting up your account (e.g., if somebody else has already associated your SSN with a fraudulent email!) you can contact the help desk at 855.682.0785.
Challenges and Legal Concerns
Filing for unemployment might present challenges, including denied claims or disputes over eligibility. It's important to act swiftly in these situations. If you encounter difficulties, legal advice can be crucial in navigating the complexities of employment law.
Conclusion
Filing for unemployment in Washington state involves several specific steps, from determining eligibility to actively searching for employment while receiving benefits. By following this guide and utilizing the available resources, you can navigate the process more smoothly.
Navigating the legal intricacies of unemployment claims can be daunting. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. Each situation is unique, and legal outcomes can vary depending on the specific circumstances. For professional legal advice tailored to your situation, always consult with a qualified attorney.
