How To Apply For Unemployment In Washington State Online 2023 | Full Guide

Read this article to understand how to apply for unemployment in Washington State online.

All the information you need about the online application has been highlighted in this article with a little extra.

Read to the end, and we assure you it will be worth the while.

How To Apply For Unemployment In Washington State in 2023

Applying online is the most convenient and time-efficient choice. You may apply via phone but not in person. You are currently unable to apply in person.

To finish the procedure, follow the instructions indicated below.

Step 1: Eligibility

If you’re unemployed and it’s unclear whether you’re eligible for unemployment benefits, apply. Fill out the application as completely as possible, and EDA will contact you as soon as possible.

See also: How To File For Unemployment In Ohio

Step 2: Apply

Please submit your application online whenever possible to save time and receive financial assistance as quickly as possible.

The system will time out after 15 minutes to protect your security when applying. Use seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Because the program is not yet designed for mobile devices, we recommend using a laptop or desktop computer.

APPLY ONLINE RIGHT NOW

Step 3: After you apply

After reviewing your application, we will notify you of its acceptance, the amount of money you will get, and the following steps. ESD will also notify you if your application is declined.

After this;

  • Submit your weekly claims.
  • Report quietly.
  • Pay attention to and read any information we send you. If you have chosen to receive information from eServices, we will contact you when new information requires your attention. This information, which may be time-sensitive, may affect your eligibility for benefits.
  • Enrol in direct deposit or obtain a debit card to receive your weekly benefits faster and more securely.
  •  Begin seeking work.

Step 4: Look for work

You must hunt for a job and keep track of your search while receiving unemployment benefits.

  • Typical needs for job seeking
  • Job-seeking log

Now hiring: Visit the ESD’s available jobs page at careers.wa.gov and search for “Insurance.”

Get assistance with your career hunt.

WorkSource can help you find your next job, improve your job search skills, and establish a career strategy.

Step 5: Weekly claim

After submitting your unemployment benefits application, you must file a weekly claim for each week you intend to receive benefits. A weekly claim is for the previous week.

 A week is defined as Sunday through Saturday for unemployment purposes. You will be able to claim for a week once it’s over.

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

Make a weekly claim.

RESUME YOUR CLAIM

Only submit a fresh application if you were authorized for unemployment benefits within the last 12 months but did not claim for a week or more for whatever reason. You can restart your claim this week and resume weekly filing claims the following week.

To restart, log in.

How Do You Use The Online Service And Submit Claim?

To use our online services, you must create and activate a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account.

What can be done with a SAW?

  • Submit a weekly claim.
  • Manage your unemployment benefits claim
  • Restart a current claim
  • Make a benefit overpayment
  • Look into your previous earnings
  • Make an appointment with WorkSource

Do you already have a SAW account?

SecureAccess Washington (SAW) is the secure sign-on service used by most Washington state governments. You might already have access to it. Examine your SAW account to check whether you have one.

Create a new account.

See also: How To Apply For Unemployment In Michigan

Steps On How To Apply For Unemployment Benefits In Washington State Online 

  • Select Apply for unemployment compensation or manage your current and previous claims.
  • ESD will then question you. To proceed to the next screen, click Next. Choose Save to save your application and return later.
  • Fill out your address when you get to the Contact information screen. To verify your address, click the Check address button in the top right corner of the screen.
  • Choose an address from the list. You will most likely choose the Suggested address recognized by the US Postal Service.
  • To begin entering your occupation, click the Search occupation option.
  • Enter your job title on the left and click Search. You can find a list of available positions on the right. Choose the title that best describes your job.
  • You can review your answers before submitting your application by using the buttons on the left side of the screen.
  • When you’ve completed all of the questions, click the Submit button.

Take note of your confirmation number and carefully read the instructions that follow.

Tips for Applying for Unemployment Benefits Online in Washington State

1. We recommend applying for unemployment benefits within two weeks of quitting your job.

You can request that your claim be backdated so that it begins before the day you apply. Remember that they would inquire why you waited too long before applying.

Before considering whether to grant benefits for the backdated weeks, they may need to ask more questions.

2. Fill in your name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card.

For example, enter “Robert T Smith” as your Social Security number. Enter neither Robert Smith nor Bob Smith.

If you’ve married or changed your legal name but haven’t updated your Social Security card, enter your last name as it appears on your card.

3. Check your Social Security number and date of birth twice before clicking “Submit.”

4. Double-check the employers they mention for you if you need to recognize them.

Your employer’s name may differ in our databases from what you think. Larger firms’ franchises may use the corporate name for reporting but a distinct name locally.

Find out your employer’s legal business name or seek out their Federal Employer Identification Number before manually entering their information (FEIN). This is normally seen on your pay stub or W-2.

See also: How To File For Unemployment In Florida.

Before responding, thoroughly read the questions. 

These are the questions that are frequently asked:

Capable and willing to work. 

This is a question about you, not the current situation. It’s asking if you’re physically capable of working, not if your company or state laws allow you to. You can say “yes” if your employer offers you telework.

If you decline to work from home, you may not be deemed available for work and should respond “no.”

Caregiving as a result of school or childcare closures

If you cannot attend work or telework from home because you are giving constant and continuing aid or care to children due to school or daycare closures, you should respond “no.”

If your children do not require continual supervision or you can telework your typical hours at home, you should respond “yes.”

Attending school. 

This question inquires whether attending school, a training program or an apprenticeship affects your availability for work.

Answer “yes” only if you are enrolled in school, a training program, or an apprenticeship (including remotely).

Make sure you answer “yes” if you are a US citizen or have the legal right to work in the US. You will be able to supply current documents for verification.

Requirements for a job search Our website has the most up-to-date information on search requirements.

Compensation

Only respond yes to the workers’ compensation question if you actively receive benefits from the Department of Labor & Industries. Even if you used to get it but no longer do, say “no.”

Basic Qualifying Criteria On How To Apply For Unemployment In Washington State Online

Unemployment benefits supplement your regular earnings and help you meet your expenses while you look for work. It is not motivated by financial needs.

Did not work in the state of Washington.

If you have not worked in Washington in the last 18 months, you cannot apply for unemployment benefits or weekly file claims. The only exceptions are those who served in the military or for the federal government.

You must file your claim with the state(s) where you worked in the previous 18 months. Contact each state where you worked to learn about your claim options.

See also: How To File For Illinois Unemployment

Working in Washington state (or having been discharged from the military)

Washington State looks at the following factors to determine if you are eligible for unemployment benefits:

1. Whether you put in enough hours during your first year:

You must have worked at least 680 hours in your base year and earned at least a portion of your income in Washington state unless you recently left the military and are now residing in Washington state.

2. The reason for your unemployment or part-time work.

They’ll consider whether you quit your job, left your job, left the military, were involved in a strike or labour dispute, were on leave from work, or were laid off or fired.

3. Your availability to work during the weeks you claim.

FAQs on How To Apply For Unemployment In Washington State Online 2023 | Full Guide

Will I Stop Claiming My Unemployment Benefit In Washington State Once I Start Working Full-Time?

You are not required to call us to notify us that you have found work after being hired full-time or earning at least your weekly benefit amount.
You must, however, wait to submit weekly claims as soon as you start your new job, not when you receive your first salary.

What Will Federal Employees Do?

The following federal employees may be eligible for unemployment if;
If you have been a federal employee in the last 18 months
Your last federal employer’s official duty station was in Washington
You are currently a resident of Washington;
US citizen
Your last federal employer’s official duty station was outside the United States
You worked in Washington after leaving your previous employer.

Conclusion

The process of applying for unemployment in Washington state is quite easy. All you’ll need to do is to follow the steps in this article. Get back to us in the comment section if you have any questions.

References

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