When a worker files for unemployment

We decide to allow or deny benefits based on information employers and claimants provide us. Employers may need to submit supporting documents or details to help us review the worker’s eligibility, including information about their employment.

What we send to all employers

The decision to allow or deny benefits is based on the information we receive. That's why it is so important for you as an employer to provide timely information about the worker’s employment and separation.

After a worker applies for unemployment benefits, we send a Request for Separation Information (RSI) to their former employers, or if applicable, through the State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES). The RSI tells employers that a worker filed for unemployment and asks them to review the reason the worker gave for being unemployed.

If the worker reports “I am on strike” when applying, we send an Employer Labor Dispute questionnaire instead of an RSI. Learn how we administer benefits for striking workers who are eligible.  

Employers must review the worker's job separation information and provide more information as necessary. 

If you don't return your completed RSI or Employer Labor Dispute questionnaire or respond to our electronic request by the date noted in the letter, we will make a decision based on the information we have. Failing to respond may impact your experience rating. 

Usually, our review process goes as follows:

  1. We review all documentation and fact-finding in the case. Fact-finding is any verbal or written communication with us that relates to the separation, such as phone interviews we conduct and responses to notices we send out.
  2. We then weigh the available information, considering all corresponding state laws (RCWs) and rules (WACs).
  3. If necessary, we will contact the claimant, the employer or both to get more information. If we contact you and you are not available, we will give you at least 2 business days to respond. If you do not respond, we will base our decision on the available information, which is usually the claimant's statement.
  4. We mail our decision to both the claimant and the employer.

If either party disagrees with the decision, each has the right to appeal to the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), which is an independent state agency.

How to respond when we ask you for information

You can respond to an RSI or an Employer Labor Dispute questionnaire in one of 3 ways: using eServices, the State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES) or the request we mailed you.

Using eServices

To respond to the request in eServices, you need to have access to locked services in Employer Account Management Services (EAMS). To learn how to gain access, go to the how to request access to locked services in EAMS page.

Using SIDES E-Response

SIDES E-Response allows you to respond to separation requests via a separate website.

You can sign up for SIDES E-Response after logging in to eServices. You'll receive notifications when an employee files for unemployment benefits. Once you respond to a notification, you'll receive a confirmation number and a downloadable PDF for your records.

To log into SIDES E-Response, you need your:

  • Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) without the hyphen.
  • ESD number.
  • SIDES personal identification number (PIN).

If you don't know this information, you can find it by logging in to eServices and selecting "SIDES E-Response." For more help on using SIDES E-Response, view their SIDES user guide (PDF, 731KB).

Using the request we sent you

If you would rather mail the information, complete and return the RSI letter or Employer Labor Dispute questionnaire we sent to your address via U.S. mail by the date in the letter.

Examples of information requests

In some cases, the letter is more generic than the examples.

Disputing a benefits claim

Let us know if you think we should deny your former employee's benefits claim when you respond. How quickly you respond affects what we will do:

  • If you respond by the due date, we will review the information and decide if there are eligibility issues that require more fact-finding.
  • If you respond after the due date, we may make a decision based on the information already available, which may affect your experience rating
  • If you fail to respond and we issue a determination letter, you have the right to file an appeal. 

Benefits paid due to an incorrect quarterly report

If your former employee received benefits based on incorrect or incomplete information you provided on your quarterly tax report, we will charge you for those benefits.


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What happens next

We will send you more details about how the claim will affect your account. What we send you depends on whether you are a taxable or reimbursable employer.

Taxable employers can learn more on the removing benefit charges from employer accounts page. Reimbursable employers can learn more on the reimbursable employers page.

When a worker applies for benefits during a labor dispute

 

As of January 1, 2026, when a worker who is on strike applies for benefits, we will ask you to complete an Employer Labor Dispute questionnaire. 

Employers with eligible workers who claim unemployment benefits during a strike will be charged 100% of benefits. The employer is not eligible for relief of charges.  

If a state or federal court issues a final judgement rules that a strike is prohibited by law, you must notify the department and provide a copy of the court’s judgment. We will review the judgment to redetermine eligibility for benefits. If it is determined the strike was illegal, this may result in an overpayment for the claimant. 

Laws and rules