Closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 25 and 26, for Thanksgiving; online services remain available
ALERT:
(en español)
Closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 25 and 26, for Thanksgiving; online services remain available
Updated Nov. 23, 2021
All Washington state agencies will be closed on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 25 and 26, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, as will the U.S. Postal Service and most banking institutions.
Please noteWeekly benefit payments will be delayed slightly due to holiday closures that may affect banking institutions.
As a reminder
You can still apply for …
WA Cares email from ESD?
ALERT:
WA Cares email from ESD?
November 22, 2021
Over the weekend, Employment Security Department’s system automatically generated email notifications to many customers who’ve applied for exemption from WA Cares Fund.
We’re looking into this issue and will communicate directly with customers if they need to take any action. For now, customers will see the most current and accurate information about their application in their exemptions account.
For system notices, visit the WA …
Unpaid waiting week going back into effect
ALERT:
Unpaid waiting week going back into effect
(en español)
Sept. 10, 2021
Typically, you do not get paid for the first week you are eligible for unemployment benefits. This is called the waiting week.
The waiting week will be reinstated starting with the week ending Sept. 11, 2021, which means:
If you apply for a new regular unemployment insurance claim during or after the week ending Sept. 11, 2021: The waiting week will be in effect and you will not get paid for the first …
Federal pandemic unemployment benefits ended
ALERT:
Federal pandemic unemployment benefits ended
(en español)
Sept, 5, 2021
The CARES Act and other federal programs that expanded and extended unemployment benefits expired.
The week ending Sept. 4 is the last payable week of benefits from these programs:
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) – For the self-employed, freelancers, independent contractors and others who don’t qualify for regular unemployment benefits.
Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) - Extends …
Having access issues due to two-step verification?
ALERT:
Having access issues due to two-step verification?
(en español)
Updated Aug. 16, 2021
We understand that some people no longer have access to the email address used to set up their SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account. To re-establish your SAW account with a current email address you can access, call the SAW help desk at 855-682-0785 (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Be advised, we are experiencing very long wait times. Mondays and Tuesdays have the highest call volumes. …
PUA documents required
ALERT:
Past and present PUA recipients: Watch for a notice about submitting required documents
(en español)
July 27, 2021
Starting July 28, we will begin asking some past and present recipients of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) to submit documents about their work history. The information is required by the federal Continued Assistance Act.
Why it’s important to submit the documents if we request them
The federal government requires the information to prove that you are or were …
Potential new claim alert
ALERT:
Potential new claim
(en español)
Updated June 14, 2021
Important action required for some past and current claimants
Starting June 11, and on most Fridays afterward, ESD is running a scan within the unemployment benefits system (UTAB) to ensure claimants are or were receiving benefits from the correct program. We’re required to do this by federal law, even if claimants have stopped filing weekly claims.
Many current and former claimants will be required to answer additional …
Job search requirement is now back in effect
ALERT:
Job search requirement is now back in effect
(en español)
Updated July 9, 2021
With the economy recovering, the job search requirement has now gone back into effect. This means in order to remain eligible for unemployment benefits, you are required to look for work and keep track of:
At least three approved job search activities each week if you are receiving regular unemployment insurance benefits or Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC).
At least one approved …