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Unemployment benefits for federal workers during the partial federal government shutdown

Last Updated
If you are impacted by the partial federal government shutdown, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, depending on your situation.
  • Benefit programs
  • ESD

Washington’s minimum wage going up to $17.13 an hour in 2026

Last Updated
Today, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) announced Washington’s minimum wage will rise 2.8% next year, to $17.13 an hour. The increase takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.
  • Employers
  • Job seekers

Weekly job search requirements

Last Updated
Each week you claim unemployment benefits, you need to look for work unless we tell you otherwise. Learn more about the job search requirements.
  • Benefit programs
  • ESD
  • Job seekers

Correctly reporting why you are not working

Last Updated
When you apply for unemployment benefits, you need to report why you are not working. We call this your job separation reason. Learn how to correctly report why you stopped working.
  • Benefit programs
  • ESD

Employers love how SharedWork helps them and their employees

Last Updated
Earlier this year, we reached out to employers who participated in the SharedWork program. We asked them how it went, and 92% said they had a positive or better experience. Given that SharedWork helps save both businesses and jobs, we’re proud to report that.
  • Benefit programs
  • Employers
  • ESD

Unemployment Insurance Navigator program participants reach summit

Last Updated
Employment Security Department staff and community-based organizations celebrated the renewal of the Unemployment Insurance Navigators program earlier this summer during their third People’s Outreach Summit.
  • Benefit programs
  • ESD

When to apply or restart your claim for unemployment benefits

Last Updated
Losing your job can make your future feel uncertain. We’re here to help. If you lost your job through no fault of your own, unemployment benefits can help support you while you look for work or are in approved training.
  • Benefit programs
  • ESD

Washington answers National Hire-A-Vet Day call

Last Updated
More than 100 employers and community resource organizations met with nearly 200 veterans and military spouses at a National Hire-A-Vet Day event in Tacoma in July.
  • Employers
  • Job seekers

The Call Center Jobs Act gives employers new requirements when moving call center work out of the United States

Last Updated
As of July 27, 2025, employers have new responsibilities when moving call center work out of the United States. The state Call Center Jobs Act affects employers with 50 or more employees who intend to move a call center outside of the United States.
  • Employers

Washington state expands federal WARN Act requirements and penalties

Last Updated
As of July 27, 2025, the state expanded on the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act. The WARN Act requires companies planning a mass layoff to notify workers 60 days before the closure. The new law enforces stricter penalties for businesses that do not comply with it.
  • Employers