Definitions of terms

The date your claim began. Your effective date will always be a Sunday.

Unemployment claimants who meet all eligibility requirements can receive benefits.

the condition of having paid work.

You can work and receive unemployment benefits at the same time. But if you earn too much or work too many hours in a week, you will not be eligible to receive benefits for that week. That's when you will see the terms "excess hours" or "excess earnings." Your situation could change each week, depending on how much you work. Continue filing weekly claims. We evaluate your eligibility each week.

A benefit program that becomes available during times of high unemployment. It is for claimants who have used up all other available unemployment benefits and do not qualify for a new unemployment claim in Washington or any other state. The U.S. Department of Labor tells states when EB is available, depending on each state's unemployment rate.

The last unemployment benefit payment you receive before you use up your benefits on each claim or benefit program. This payment might be smaller than your regular weekly payment. Continue filing weekly claims if benefit extensions are available. If approved, we will pay you for any weeks you claimed and are eligible.

A "fiscal year" is July 1st to June 30th each year.

Regarding discharge from work:

• Shockingly bad or offensive disregard for the law, morals or rights of others.
• Behavior that is so contrary to what is right or proper that it is easy to identify.  
   

Giving false information, misrepresenting or knowingly withholding information.

 A union that does not allow you to look for non-union work within your trade. These unions require you to get all your work through them.

Reasons that would cause a sensible person in similar circumstances to act in the same manner. We use good cause to decide issues on your unemployment claim, such as reasons for quitting your job or failing to open your claim on time.

You do not qualify for unemployment benefits. To qualify for unemployment benefits in Washington, you must have worked a minimum of 680 hours in your base year. If you believe the information we have is not correct, contact the Unemployment Claims Center and request a monetary redetermination. You cannot request a monetary redetermination online.

Based on the information we have right now, you do not qualify for unemployment benefits. Your claim might be in "ineligible pending" status because we are waiting for more information about your eligibility to work in the U.S. Or we might be waiting for more information about your military, federal or out-of-state wages. If you believe you are eligible for benefits, you should continue filing weekly claims.

You are not eligible to receive benefits for this week. However, you could be eligible for future weeks and should continue filing weekly claims.

You are filing weekly claims on an unemployment claim for which you do not qualify.

While collecting unemployment benefits, you need to look for suitable work and keep a record of your job search to remain eligible for benefits, unless we tell you otherwise. It is very important that you understand your responsibilities to look for work and document your job search. We want to help you avoid mistakes that could result in having to repay benefits you received. Learn more about job search requirements. 
 

The document you use to record and track your weekly job search contacts and activities. We recommend using our job search log to do this.

An area within a reasonable commuting distance of your home where job opportunities exist in your occupation. The area can vary in size, depending on available jobs and your occupation.

The maximum amount of benefits you may receive during a benefit year. In Washington, your MBA is 26 times your weekly benefit amount or 1/3 of your base-year wages, whichever is less.

Behavior that results in being fired or suspended from your job. This behavior includes acts that show a deliberate disregard for the rights and interests of the employer or a fellow employee. Learn more about being laid off or fired and read examples of misconduct. 
 

If you have an unemployment claim that expired, you may be eligible for a new claim. All claims begin on Sunday of the week you contact ESD. New claims may be backdated under certain conditions, but never before the expiration date of your previous claim.

Benefits we paid you before we found you were not eligible to receive them.

We issued you an unemployment benefits payment. Once we issue a payment, you typically receive it between 1 and 3 business days. Direct deposit could take longer, depending on how long it takes for your bank or credit union to process the transaction. Find more information about direct deposit and debit cards on our website.

ESD manages this program, which is also known as "Paid Leave." It provides payments when a serious health condition prevents you from working. It also applies when you need time to care for a family member, bond with a new child or spend time with a family member preparing for military service overseas.

It is different from the federal Family Medical Leave Act. Learn more on the Paid Leave website.

You earned wages in employment for at least 40 weeks during your base year. And you did not work more than 17 hours during any week of your base year. You must look for work and be willing to accept work for up to 17 hours each week.