- Benefit programs
- ESD
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OLYMPIA – The Employment Security Department’s new website received a 2025 ClearMark Award from the Center for Plain Language. Employment Security launched its redesigned website in November 2024.
Employment Security, in partnership with consultant Anthro-Tech and developer WaTech, won the Short Materials category with the webpage “How to apply for unemployment benefits.” The Center for Plain Language announced award winners earlier this week.
The winning webpage directs customers through a step-by-step process on how to apply for unemployment benefits. It also includes links to helpful materials. A primary goal of Employment Security’s website, and the award-winning page, is to help customers fill out accurate benefit applications to receive timely benefits.
“Communicating in plain language is vital for our agency to help our customers understand what benefits they qualify for and how to apply for them,” Employment Security Commissioner Cami Feek said. “People often encounter our agency during one of the most stressful times in their lives – losing a job.
“Our new website aims to help customers quickly find the information they need and take action. Winning an award for this specific webpage is gratifying, knowing it truly increases access for our customers and their understanding of critical information.”
Employment Security’s new website includes:
- A centralized login page for numerous services.
- An advanced search function.
- Improved pathway pages that help users navigate the website more easily.
- On-page glossaries that define complex terms.
- Quizzes and checkers for claimants to determine eligibility for benefits.
For more information on the new website, see our Employment Security blog. Find comments from judges about the winning webpage on the 2025 ClearMark Awards page on the Center for Plain Language website.