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Affected by COVID-19?

The federal stimulus bill that extends CARES Act unemployment benefits was signed into law. Visit the COVID-19 page for the latest information. Please try not to call our Unemployment Claims Center with questions as call volume remains very high.

Unemployment benefits

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Affected by COVID-19

The federal CARES Act expands unemployment benefits to people affected by COVID-19. If you are not eligible for regular unemployment, learn more about Pandemic Unemployment Assistance here:

NEW: Tax information

Learn about your 1099-G form, how to report your unemployment benefits when filing your 2020 taxes, and what to do if you’re a victim of fraud.

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 wait times are very long because of COVID-19. At this time, you cannot apply in person. The steps below will guide you through the process.

Get ready to apply

Before applying, download the unemployment application checklist to prepare.

Download Checklist

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, please use the eligibility checker for information about your possible eligibility.

If you were laid off as a result of COVID-19, you are likely eligible for regular unemployment benefits.
If you are unsure of your eligibility after completing the checklist, apply anyway. Complete the application as best you can and we will follow up with you as soon as possible.

Check eligibility

Step 2: Apply

We are experiencing extremely high call volumes. If possible, please apply online to save time and receive financial support fastest.

Before you start applying online, gather the required documents.

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—not a mobile device or tablet.

Need help? Check the eServices User Guide or technical support FAQs.

APPLY ONLINE NOW

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 deposit or a debit card to receive your weekly benefits faster and more securely.
Start your optional job search.
Read the Unemployed Worker Handbook to learn about the requirements.

Run out of regular unemployment benefits? Visit the benefit extensions page to learn more about extension programs.

Step 4: Look for work (optional)

Usually, people receiving unemployment benefits are required to look for work and document their search. However, job search requirements are currently optional until the Pandemic State of Emergency is lifted. You may answer "no" to the job search questions on your weekly claim.

Many employers are still hiring, even now, so we encourage anyone who has lost work to continue searching.

Now hiring: See ESD's available jobs page at careers.wa.gov, and filter for Job Category “Insurance.”

Job-search requirements

Typical requirements
Job search-log (PDF)

Get job-search assistance

WorkSource can help you improve your job-search skills, find your next job and plan your career path.

Step 5: Weekly claim

After you are approved for unemployment benefits, 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.

SUBMIT ONLINE

The fastest way to submit your weekly claims is online, 24 hours day, seven days a week.

Submit weekly claim

RESTART YOUR CLAIM

If you were approved for unemployment benefits within the past 12 months, but stopped claiming for a week or more for any reason, don't submit a new application. You can restart your claim this week, then begin filing weekly claims next week, as normal.

Login to restart