Looking for tips to access the Washington Unemployment Insurance Benefits?
In this article, we will make Unemployment Insurance Benefits easy to understand with Washington Unemployment phone numbers and other contact information.
We understand.
The experience of unemployment is often fraught with anxiety and feelings of worthlessness. Not being able to provide for oneself and one’s family can be very difficult, and the stress of the situation can be overwhelming.
Those who are unemployed may feel like they are a burden to their loved ones, and they may feel like they are not good enough or valuable enough. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this experience, and there are people who care about you and want to help.
You are valuable, even if you are not working at the moment. There are many resources available to you, so please do not hesitate to reach out for help.
Why did we create the Washington Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide?
Government websites can be difficult to navigate for a lot of people. They may be confusing or hard to use, and they may not have all the information people need. This can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially for people who are already struggling.
Having said that, please use our guide as support but NOT the official guide. You will NEED to contact the official unemployment government staff and fight for your own benefits. You can do this.
Who’s in charge of Washington Unemployment Insurance Benefits?
The Runs Employment Security Department (ESD) is in charge of administering the state’s unemployment insurance program.
Gov. Jay Inslee named Cami Feek as commissioner of the Employment Security Department (ESD) in June 2021. She was the ESD’s acting commissioner, deputy commissioner, and chief operating officer before that.
Cami joined the agency in 2017 to create and implement the greatest Paid Family and Medical Leave program in the country.
25 years ago, she started in state government as a non-permanent worker in a mailroom. She rose to executive leadership through hard work, dedication to public service and a commitment to teamwork and servant leadership.
Washington Unemployment Contact
Unemployment claims questions
- Phone: 800-318-6022
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Monday through Friday
General contact information:
Agency headquarters
- Mailing address
P.O. Box 9046
Olympia, WA 98507
- Street address
212 Maple Park Ave. SE
Olympia, WA 98501-2347
- Phone number
360-902-9500
How To Qualify for Washington Unemployment Benefits
In order to be eligible for unemployment benefits in Washington, a claimant must meet a number of criteria. To begin, the applicant must have worked in Washington for at least a portion of the base year for which benefits are calculated.
To be eligible for unemployment benefits in Washington, you must have worked at least 680 hours in your base year. Unless you just left the military and are presently residing in Washington state, you must have spent at least part of those hours there.
You must also be unemployed due to no fault of your own, implying that you did not leave your employment without good reason. You must also be willing, able, and ready to take appropriate job when it is presented to you.
To be eligible for Washington unemployment benefits, you must be a Washington resident and meet all of the following requirements:
- You are out of work due to no fault of your own.
- You worked in Washington for the previous 12 months.
- You were paid a certain amount of money based on Washington criteria.
- You are looking for a job every week while receiving benefits.
How Much Unemployment Benefits Will I Get in Washington?
- Base Period: First 4 of the last 5 completed quarters
- Alt Base Period: Last 4 completed quarters
- Duration of Benefits: 1-26 weeks
- Weekly Payment: Min $201 to Max $844
- Maximum Benefits Amount (1 year): $20,540
How Do I Apply for Washington Unemployment Benefits?
Submitting your eligibility claim online is the simplest method to apply for UI compensation. You can also file a claim for unemployment benefits by phoning Washington’s claim center.
Please be aware, however, that extended wait periods are normal when submitting a claim over the phone. Applying online is significantly faster and more efficient, and you are highly urged to do so. It’s a good idea to file for unemployment benefits within two weeks of quitting your work.
How do I Manage My Washington Unemployment Benefits
Once you’ve been authorized for unemployment benefits, you’ll need to complete recertification each week to get your prior week’s benefit. You’ll have already created an account with the Employee Security Department’s eServices website if you submitted your initial claim online.
Simply go into your account and look in your account notifications for a notice regarding your weekly unemployment compensation. To make your weekly claim, click the link in that email and follow the instructions.
You can submit your weekly UI benefits claim over the phone if you are unable to apply online. Simply dial 800-318-6022 to talk with a claims agent or to use the automated system. You have the option of receiving your unemployment benefits by direct deposit or prepaid debit card, both of which may be set up online when you apply.
How Do I Appeal a Washington Unemployment Decision?
You can submit your weekly UI benefits claim over the phone if you are unable to apply online. Simply dial 800-318-6022 to talk with a claims agent or to use the automated system. You have the option of receiving your unemployment benefits by direct deposit or prepaid debit card, both of which may be set up online when you apply.
In the event that you would prefer to mail your statement, you can send a letter outlining your objections to the decision and asking for additional review to the following address:
- Claims Center Appeals
- P.O. Box 19018
- Olympia, WA 98507-0018
There is no way to lodge an appeal through email or phone. Once your appeal has been received, your case will be reviewed again, and you may be requested to attend a hearing so that an administrative law judge may learn more about your case.
How Do I Report a Washington Unemployment Fraud?
The state of Washington has a robust network in place to assist individuals in reporting cases of fraudulent claims. Use the secure fraud reporting form to notify officials that an impostor may be collecting benefits in your name falsely.
You can also use the state’s fraud tip reporting form if you have cause to think someone is claiming fake unemployment benefits.
How Do I Talk to a Person in Washington Unemployment Customer Service?
Steps:
- Dial 1-800-318-6022
- Press 1 (for English)
- Enter your social security number
- Press 7 (If you have a question about unemployment insurance)
- After press 9 (for all other questions)
- Stay on the line
- The automated phone system will connect you to a live customer service agent from Washington State Unemployment
Washington State Unemployment Voice Main Menu
- Press 2 if you would like to open or reopen a claim.
- Press 7 if you have a question about unemployment insurance.
Washington State Unemployment Customer Service Representatives Hours
- Live Washington State Unemployment customer service is available from 8am to 4pm Monday-Friday.
- Saturday-Sunday closed.
Washington State Unemployment Support Phone Numbers
- Washington State Unemployment Support Phone Number: 1-800-318-6022. Live Washington State Unemployment customer service is available from 8am to 4pm Monday-Friday, Saturday-Sunday closed.
- Agency headquarters: 1-360-902-9500.
- Tax rate, penalties or benefits claimed by a former employee: 1-888-836-1900.
- General tax information and forms, information for new businesses or information about your current tax rate: 1-855-829-9243.
- Information about the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit: 1-800-669-9271.
- Labor statistics: 1-800-215-1617.
- Employer assistance to avoid layoffs – Shared Work Program: 1-800-752-2500.
- Arrange repayment of benefits you’re not entitled to receive: 1-866-697-4831.
Washington Employment Security Department Web Links
- Washington Employment Security Department Official Web Site
- Washington Employment Security Department Facebook page
- Washington Employment Security Department Twitter page
Washington Employment Security Department Mailing Addresses
- Headquarters:
P.O. Box 9046
Olympia, WA 98507
(US Postal Service only. No UPS or FedEx)
- Tax rate, penalties or benefits claimed by a former employee:
Experience Rating/Benefits Charging Unit
P.O. Box 9046
Olympia, WA 98507
- Bankruptcy notices:
P.O. Box 9046
Olympia, WA 98507
(U.S. Postal Service only. No UPS or FedEx)
- Pay quarterly unemployment taxes:
Employment Security Department
P.O. Box 34467, Seattle, WA 98124
- Information about your current tax rate:
Employment Security Department
Experience Rating/Benefits Charging Unit
P.O. Box 9046, Olympia, WA 98507
Mailing addresses for benefit claimants:
- Request for an appeal
Claims Center Appeals
P.O. Box 19018
Olympia, WA 98507-0018 - Petition for review
Agency Records Center
P.O. Box 9555
Olympia, WA 98507-9555 - Paper weekly-claim forms
Centralized Claims Processing Unit
P.O. Box 14857
Olympia, WA 98511 - Overpayments
Benefit Payment Control
P.O. Box 24928
Seattle, WA 98124-0928 - Shared-Work forms
Shared Work Program
P.O. Box 9046
Olympia, WA 98507-9046
Washington Unemployment support email
- To email Washington Unemployment use the following Employment Security Department’s online contact form
- Paid Family and Medical Leave: paidleave@esd.wa.gov
- Bankruptcy notices: esdgpbankruptcyunit@esd.wa.gov
- Media relations: media@esd.wa.gov
Washington State Unemployment Live Chat Support
You can start a live chat with customer support at Washington Unemployment Contact page.
- Click the “Chat now on WorkSource website” link
- Fill in the form
- Start Chat
Washington Unemployment Help Page
You can find more information at Washington Unemployment Help page.
What if I quit?
In general, you are not eligible if you leave your work freely.
If you quit for “good cause,” though, you may be able to collect. The state unemployment office determines what constitutes good reason, and you can make your case for getting benefits.
You should be entitled to a hearing if your claim is denied so that you can explain your claim. You should contact your local office because regulations and conditions differ from state to state.
Similar Content
- South Dakota Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide
- Tennessee Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide
- Texas Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide
- Utah Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide
- Vermont Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide
Washington Unemployment Phone Number and Office Locations
| Washington Unemployment Office | Washington Unemployment Office Locations | Washington Unemployment Phone Number |
| WorkSource Grays Harbor | 415 W Wishkah Ste 2DAberdeen, WA 98520 | 360-538-2350 |
| WorkSource Auburn | 2707 I St NEAuburn, WA 98002 | 253-804-1177 |
| WorkSource Bellevue College | 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bldg B131Bellevue, WA 98007 | 425-564-2279 |
| WorkSource Whatcom | 101 Prospect StreetBellingham, WA 98225 | 360-676-1521 |
| WorkSource Lewis County | 500 Centralia College Blvd 200Centralia, WA 98531 | 360-748-2360 |
| WorkSource Colville | 956 S Main Suite BColville, WA 99114 | 509-685-6158 |
| WorkSource Wenatchee Valley | 270 9th Street NE Suite 240East Wenatchee, WA 98802 | 509-665-6605 |
| WorkSource Kittitas County | 510 North Pine StreetEllensburg, WA 98926 | 509-925-5311 |
| WorkSource Everett | 3201 Smith AveEverett, WA 98201 | 425-458-2711 |
| WorkSource Goldendale | 116 East Main StreetGoldendale, WA 98620 | 509-493-5020 |
| WorkSource AJC Joint Base Lewis-McChord | 11577 41st Division DrHawk Transition Center, Room 206Jblm, WA 98422 | 253-593-7320 |
| WorkSource Cowlitz / Wahkiakum Counties | 305 South Pacific Avenue Suite BKelso, WA 98626 | 360-577-2250 |
| WorkSource Columbia Basin (Tri-Cities) | 815 N Kellogg Suite DKennewick, WA 99336 | 509-734-5900 |
| Pierce College Fort Steilacoom | 9401 Farwest Drive South WestLakewood, WA 98498-1999 | 253-964-6265 |
| WorkSource Long Beach | 2601 Pacific Avenue NorthLong Beach, WA 98631 | 360-642-6213 |
| WorkSource Lynnwood | 18009 Highway 99 Suite #ALynnwood, WA 98037 | 425-412-6867 |
| WorkSource Skagit | 2005 E College WayMount Vernon, WA 98273 | 360-416-3600 |
| WorkSource Whidbey | 265 NE Kettle St Suite 102Oak Harbor, WA 98277 | 360-675-5966 |
| WorkSource Okanogan County | 126 South Main St. PO Box 3759Omak, WA 98841 | 509-826-7310 |
| WorkSource Clallam County | 228 West First Street Suite APort Angeles, WA 98362-2639 | 360-457-2103 |
| South Kitsap Community Resources | 3200 Rainshadow CourtPort Orchard, WA 98367 | 360-473-2144 |
| WorkSource Pullman | 1615 NE Eastgate Blvd. Building 1, Suite 101APullman, WA 99163 | 509-339-7410 |
| WorkSource Redmond | 7735 178th Place NE Suite CRedmond, WA 98052 | 425-861-3700 |
| WorkSource Tukwila (Youth services) | 645 Andover Park WestRenton, WA 98188 | 206-477-7000 |
| WorkSource Downtown Seattle | 2024 3rd AvenueSeattle, WA 98121 | 206-436-8600 |
| WorkSource Rainier | 2531 Rainier Avenue SouthSeattle, WA 98144-5328 | 206-721-6000 |
| WorkSource Seattle (North) | 9600 College Way NorthSeattle, WA 98103 | 206-440-2500 |
| WorkSource South Seattle | 6000 16th Avenue SWRobert Smith Building 79Seattle, WA 98106 | 206-934-5304 |
| WorkSource Mason County | 2505 Olympic Hwy NSuite 420; PO Box 1850Shelton, WA 98584 | 360-427-2174 |
| WorkSource Kitsap CountyCovid-19 | 3120 NW Randall WaySilverdale, WA 98383 | 360-516-1001 |
| Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest | 130 East Third AvenueSpokane, WA 99202 | 509-838-4246 |
| Next Generation Zone | 901 East 2nd Avenue Suite 100Spokane, WA 99202 | 509-340-7800 |
| Spokane Community College | 1810 North Green StreetBldg 6; Mail Stop 2063Spokane, WA 99217 | 509-533-7249 |
| WorkSource Spokane | 130 South Arthur StreetSpokane, WA 99202 | 509-532-3120 |
| WorkSource Stevenson | 40 SW Cascade Avenue Suite A&BStevenson, WA 98648 | 509-219-0344 |
| WorkSource Sunnyside | 1925 Morgan RoadSunnyside, WA 98944 | 509-836-5405 |
| Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier Region | 714 South 27th StreetTacoma, WA 98409 | 253-573-6508 |
| WorkSource Pierce County | 2121 S. State Street Suite 300Tacoma, WA 98405 | 253-593-7300 |
| WorkSource Toppenish | 706 Rentschler Lane PO Box 831Toppenish, WA 98948 | 509-865-7630 |
| WorkSource Thurston County | 1570 Irving St SWTumwater, WA 98512 | 360-704-3600 |
| WorkSource Yakima County | 1205 Ahtanum Ridge Drive Suite AUnion Gap, WA 98903 | 509-574-0105 |
| WorkSource Vancouver | 204 SE Stonemill Drive Suite 215Vancouver, WA 98684 | 360-735-5000 |
| WorkSource Walla Walla | 1530 Stevens PO Drawer HWalla Walla, WA 99362 | 509-527-4393 |
| WorkSource Walla Walla Community College | 500 Tausick Way – Area 133Walla Walla, WA 99362 | 509-524-5230 |
| WorkSource Columbia Gorge | 107 West Jewett Blvd P.O. Box 2169White Salmon, WA 98672 | 509-493-5009 |
Final Thoughts
We hope the above info has been helpful to you.
We do not make any financial advice but below are some of our thoughts that could help you stand on your feet sooner than later.
- Don’t feel shame about needing help, but also don’t feel entitled.
- Don’t beat yourself up – things happen. The sooner you accept it and move on, the better.
- Don’t burn the bridge. Work with your employer to help yourself.
- 1) Check if you are entitled to severance pay, vacation or sick pay,
- 2) Ask about extending health insurance benefits,
- 3) Ask about outplacement resources,
- 4) Request a reference letter from your employer
- Review your financial positions, obligations.
- Make a weekly or monthly budget. Buy what you need, so you don’t have to sell what you need.
- Watch out for credit card loans – they will eat you alive.
- Make an action plan with at least 3 scenarios from best to worst and examine your options.
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