Where to file and what you need before you start

Washington State processes unemployment claims through the Department of Employment Security (DES). You file online through their portal at esd.wa.gov, by phone at 1-800-318-6022, or in person at a WorkSource office. The online portal is fastest — most people complete it in 15 to 20 minutes — and you get a confirmation number when ready.

Before you file, gather these documents: your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, your most recent pay stub, and the name and address of your current or most recent employer. If you were laid off, have the separation notice or letter. If you quit, write down the date you left and why. Washington does not require you to upload documents when you file, but DES will ask for them later, so having them ready speeds up the process.

You can file as soon as you stop working or become unable to work. There is no waiting period before you can submit a claim — the sooner you file, the sooner your claim enters the system. DES processes claims in the order they arrive, and the first week you claim is usually a waiting week where you receive no payment, though you still need to report it.

Key Takeaways

  • File online at esd.wa.gov, by phone at 1-800-318-6022, or at a WorkSource office; online is fastest and gives you a confirmation number right away.
  • Have your Social Security number, ID, most recent pay stub, and employer information ready before you start.
  • You must report your work search activities each week — Washington requires you to look for work or participate in approved training to keep receiving payments.
  • DES will contact you if they need more information, usually within one to two weeks, so check your email and mail regularly.
  • Your first week claimed is typically a waiting week with no payment, but you still must report it.

What happens after you file

After you submit your claim, DES sends you a confirmation email with your claim number. Within one to two weeks, you will receive a notice in the mail that tells you the weekly benefit amount DES calculated based on your earnings history. This notice also explains how to file your weekly claim report, which you must do every week to receive payments.

DES may contact you to verify information on your claim — your employment dates, reason for separation, or earnings. Answer their questions honestly and quickly. If you do not respond within the timeframe they give (usually 10 days), they may deny your claim. If DES denies your claim, you have the right to appeal within 30 days of the denial letter.

Payments are deposited into your bank account or loaded onto a debit card, depending on how you set it up during filing. Most people receive their first payment within two to three weeks of filing, though this varies based on how quickly DES processes your claim and whether they need additional information from you.

Weekly reporting requirements

Every week you claim benefits, you must file a weekly claim report. You do this through the same esd.wa.gov portal where you filed your initial claim. The report takes about five minutes and asks whether you worked that week, how much you earned, and whether you are still unemployed and looking for work.

Washington requires you to search for work or participate in approved training activities to remain may be able to access. You do not have to report the specific jobs you applied for, but you must answer honestly about whether you are actively seeking work. If you are in a training program, DES may waive the work search requirement — tell them about any training when you file.

File your weekly report by the important date DES gives you, usually Sunday night or Monday morning. If you miss the important date, you lose that week's payment and may lose future weeks if you continue to miss important date. If you cannot file on time because of an emergency, contact DES when ready to explain.

Reasons DES may deny or stop your claim

DES will deny your claim if you quit your job without good cause, were fired for misconduct, or are not able and available to work. "Good cause" means you had a legitimate reason to leave — unsafe working conditions, wage theft, or a significant change in job duties. straightforward disliking your job or wanting higher pay is not good cause.

DES will also deny your claim if you are receiving workers' compensation, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or certain other benefits. If you are collecting a pension from a previous employer, DES may reduce your weekly benefit. If you are in school full-time, you may not be considered available for work.

Your claim stops if you return to work, even part-time. If you earn money during a week you claim benefits, report it on your weekly report — DES will reduce that week's payment but you may still receive partial benefits. If you stop reporting weekly, DES will close your claim after four weeks of no reports.

What to do if DES asks for more information

DES will mail or email you if they need documents or clarification. Common requests include your separation notice, pay stubs, or a written statement about why you left your job. Respond within the timeframe they give — usually 10 days — or your claim may be denied.

If you cannot find a document DES requested, write a brief explanation and mail or email it to them. Include your claim number and the date of their request. If DES denies your claim because you did not respond, you can still appeal within 30 days of the denial letter.

How to appeal a denial or reduction

If DES denies your claim or reduces your benefit amount, you will receive a written notice explaining why. The notice includes a important date to appeal — usually 30 days from the date on the letter. To appeal, fill out the appeal form that comes with the denial notice and mail it back to DES, or file it online through esd.wa.gov.

In your appeal, explain why you disagree with DES's decision. If you quit your job, explain the circumstances that made you leave. If you were fired, explain your side of what happened. Be specific and honest — an appeals examiner will review your case and may contact you for more information.

You have the right to speak with an appeals examiner by phone or in writing. If you want to speak by phone, request that in your appeal. The appeals process usually takes four to eight weeks. If you win your appeal, DES will pay you back to the week you first claimed.

Working while you receive benefits

You can work part-time or full-time while receiving unemployment benefits in Washington. Report any earnings on your weekly claim report. DES will reduce your weekly benefit by a percentage of what you earned, but you may still receive partial benefits if you earn less than your weekly benefit amount.

The reduction formula varies, so ask DES for your specific calculation when you file. If you return to full-time work, your claim ends and you stop receiving payments. If your job is temporary or seasonal, you can reopen your claim when that work ends, as long as you do so within 52 weeks of your original filing date.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my first payment?

Most people receive their first payment within two to three weeks of filing. This includes the waiting week, which you must claim but do not receive payment for. If DES needs more information from you, it may take longer. Check your email and mail for any requests from DES.

What if I was fired? Can I still get benefits?

You can receive benefits if you were fired for reasons other than misconduct. Misconduct means you deliberately broke a rule or did something you knew was wrong. If you made an honest mistake or were fired for poor performance without warning, you may still be may be able to access. DES will ask you to explain what happened.

Do I have to report job searches, or just answer the question on my weekly report?

You do not have to list specific jobs you applied for. You only need to answer honestly on your weekly report about whether you are actively seeking work. DES may contact you to verify this, so keep notes of your job search activities in case they ask for details.

Can I file for unemployment if I am self-employed?

Washington unemployment benefits are designed for employees, not self-employed people. If you own a business, you are generally not may be able to access. However, if you were an employee at a business you co-owned, you may be may be able to access depending on your role. Contact DES to discuss your specific situation.

What happens if I miss a weekly report important date?

If you miss the important date, you lose that week's payment. If you miss four weeks in a row, DES closes your claim. You can reopen it, but you will lose benefits for the weeks you did not report. If you have an emergency and cannot file on time, contact DES when ready — they may grant an extension in rare cases.