Welcome to the Washington State Employment Security Department 

Supporting workers when they need it the most, and helping employers build their workforce

August 2025
Unemployment rate
Seasonally adjusted
4.5%
0%
August 2025
Total unemployment
Seasonally adjusted
180,450
401
August 2025
Payroll employment
Seasonally adjusted
3,641,600
13,600

Featured news

Posted on Oct. 24, 2025
Washington state federal workers and others who have been furloughed or laid off as a result of the federal government shutdown are invited to another free virtual webinar on Oct. 30 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Posted on Oct. 16, 2025
As the federal government shutdown continues, more federal workers are applying for unemployment benefits with the Employment Security Department.
person walking down a trail

When we have questions about your claim

If we have questions about your eligibility for unemployment benefits, we may set an "issue" on your account. Learn what you need to know when your claim has an issue.

View the blog post