Data sharing requests

Much of the information we collect is available only to certain people rather than to the public. Learn who can request this information and how.

When administering Unemployment Insurance programs and benefits, we collect information from individuals, employers and WorkSource service providers. Some of that information is public; most is confidential. Information that identifies a person or an employer is protected by Employment Security, according to stringent state and federal laws. Those laws allow us to release some confidential information if the request or requester meets specific requirements.

This page is not for making a public records request. To make a request, go to requesting public records.

How to request confidential information

  1. Complete and submit the online request form.
  2. We will notify your by email as soon as we receive your request. The email will contain the information you entered into the form.
  3. We will then review your request to determine if we may legally release the information.
  4. If your request falls within our legal limits, we will send a Data Sharing Information Technology Questionnaire within 30 days. Complete and return the questionnaire to help us make sure you have the proper safeguards for our confidential data. If the proper safeguards are in place and you are approved, we will begin data-sharing contract negotiations within 10 business days of approval.
  5. If denied, we will send you an email within 30 business days to let you know.

About contracts

Contracts are legally binding. They spell out conditions for using data and the penalties and costs for disclosing it, whether intentional or unintentional. Recipients of confidential information will be responsible for reimbursing all costs arising from violations of the term and conditions. These costs include, but not limited to, investigation, prosecution and costs incurred by the department for resolving customer complaints resulting from the violation.

Laws that apply

Who may be eligible to receive confidential data and information

  • Local, state or federal public officials.
  • Local, state or federal governmental agencies for official purposes. Go to the GovInfo website to read a law that applies (20 CFR 603.5). Also visit the state Legislature's website to read laws that apply: RCWs 50.13.050, 50.13.060, 50.13.070, 50.38, 39.34 and 9.94A.760.
  • WorkSource partners. Read the law that applies (RCW 50.13.060(11)) on the state Legislature website. 
  • Private contractors and researchers hired by U.S. Department of Labor to evaluate federal Office of Management and Budget approved Unemployment Insurance or Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs.
  • Private contractors and researchers hired by Employment Security. Informed-consent release required.
  • Private organizations or individuals or an agent/attorney for an individual or employer. Informed-consent release required.
  • Anyone seeking aggregated information about groups or industries that do not identify individuals or businesses.

About informed-consent release

Requester must have signed permission from individuals or employers before we release confidential information.

The requester must:

  • Identify the information to be disclosed.
  • Acknowledge that state government files will be accessed to get the information.
  • Identify the purpose for getting the information.
  • List the parties who may receive the information.

Information we collect

Publicly available

  • Aggregated information where individuals and businesses can't be identified.
  • Industry information.
  • Total wages for groups or industries.
  • Taxable wages for groups or industries.
  • Information obtained during hearings and appeals decisions, unless closed by presiding officer (RCW 34.05.449(5).

Confidential

  • Social Security numbers; other state and federal identification numbers.
  • Names of individuals and businesses.
  • Addresses of individuals and businesses.
    If an individual is in the Address Confidentiality Program, we withhold actual addresses, even if requestor is approved to receive confidential information.
  • Wages paid to individuals.