Unemployment benefits
What are unemployment benefits?
Unemployment benefits provide you with temporary income when you lose your job through no fault of your own. The money partly replaces your lost earnings and helps you pay expenses while looking for new work. The benefits, from taxes your former employer(s) paid, are not based on financial need. While you receive benefits, your job is to get back to work as quickly as possible.
How to apply for unemployment benefits
The best and fastest way to apply is online. You can apply by phone, but not in person. At this time, you cannot apply in person. The steps below will guide you through the process.
Get ready to apply
Before applying, gather information you’ll need. Visit the Have this information ready webpage or see page 1 of the Unemployed Worker Handbook.
Reasonable accommodation. Information on reasonable accommodation is available for unemployment benefits customers with disabilities.
Step 1: Eligibility
If you're out of work and not sure if you're eligible for unemployment benefits, apply anyway. Complete the application as best you can, and we will follow up with you as soon as possible.
• Learn more about basic eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Apply
If possible, please apply online to save time and receive financial support fastest.
When applying, the system will time out after 15 minutes to protect your security. Apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We suggest you use a laptop or desktop computer—our application is not designed for mobile devices at this time.
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Step 3: After you apply
We will notify you if your application has been approved and let you know how much money you will receive and what to do next. You will also be notified if you are not approved.
Other important information
- Submit your weekly claims.
- Report honestly.
- Watch for and read any information we send you. If you chose to receive information via eServices, we will email you when there’s new information that requires your attention. This information may be time sensitive and affect your eligibility for benefits.
- Sign up for direct depositor a debit card to receive your weekly benefits faster and more securely.
- Start your job search.
Read the Unemployed Worker Handbook to learn about the requirements.
Step 4: Look for work
You are required to look for work and document your search when receiving unemployment benefits.
Job-search requirements
Now hiring: See ESD's available jobs page at careers.wa.gov, and filter for Job Category “Insurance.”
Get job-search assistance
Step 5: Weekly claim
After you submit your unemployment benefits application, you must submit a weekly claim for every week you wish to receive benefits. A weekly claim covers the prior week. For unemployment purposes, a week is Sunday through Saturday. You can’t claim for a week until it’s over.