Regardless of whether the stimulus package is signed into law by midnight tonight, claims for the week ending Dec. 26 will not be affected and claimants should file their weekly claim as usual. Benefits in *future* weeks will be impacted if the bill is not signed.
Our system update is complete and eServices is online. However, the site is experiencing an extremely high volume of visitors and pages are loading slowly. Please keep trying or come back and try later. Thank you for your patience. We apologize for the inconvenience.
❗Update❗ Job search requirements will remain optional through Sept. 1. You should continue to answer "no" to the job search question when you submit your weekly claim. Read more ➡️
❗UPDATE❗ Our application for the LWA program was approved. This will let us provide an addl $300 per week for a limited time to eligible claimants. Timeline for implementation coming soon. Pls don't call our claims center with questions. FAQ ➡️
The $600 will be automatically added to your weekly claim payment this week. It won't yet show in your account until we process the batch of payments tonight. Remember - you don't have to submit your weekly claim on Sunday to get paid this week.
❗Update❗ Job search requirements will stay suspended until the Pandemic State of Emergency is lifted. Continue to answer "no" to the job search question when you submit your weekly claim. Read the full alert on our website ➡️
ESD will apply for the Lost Wages Assistance program through FEMA no later than tomorrow, Friday, 8/21. If approved, this will allow us to provide an additional $300 per week for a limited time to eligible claimants. Learn more in our press release ➡️
Update on imposter fraud: We are verifying identities and making payments every day, and yet we know many of you who have been affected are still waiting. This waiting is not only stressful, but creating incredible hardship.
❗UPDATE❗ Job search requirements will remain optional through Aug. 1. You should continue to answer “no” to the job search question on your weekly claim. More information ➡️ .
We'll begin processing the extra $300 FPUC payments tonight, Jan. 14. Funds take 2-3 business days, depending on your bank. Read the alert on our website ➡️
❗Update❗ Job search requirements will remain optional through Oct. 1. You should continue to answer "no" to the job search question when you submit your weekly claim. Read more ➡️
Good news! - this afternoon we were notified by FEMA that weeks 4 and 5 have been awarded to our state. We are now guaranteed a total of 5 weeks of funding.
“Washington stands ready to assist federal workers in our state,” said ESD Commissioner Suzi LeVine (
@ESDCommish
). Federal workers who work in WA state can apply for unemployment benefits, while they wait to return to their jobs. Find out more:
❗Update❗ Job search requirements will remain optional through Nov. 9. You can continue to answer "no" to the job search question when you submit your weekly claim. Read more ➡️
You may choose to look for work right now but it's not a requirement for unemployment benefits. Just choose no to the work search question when you fill out your weekly claim.
❗UPDATE❗ The add’l $300 per week for a limited time will be available to eligible claimants starting the week of Sept. 21. Learn more: . Pls don't call our claims center with questions.
Getting into the system is tough for many right now and we apologize for how frustrating that is. Our site is up and running, but we have historically high traffic and pages are loading slowly. Please keep trying or come back and try later. Thank you for your patience.
Washington state is currently assessing the Presidential Memorandum issued on August 8 regarding a “Lost Wages Assistance Program”
When we have additional information, we will update claimants on our website, social media platforms, and directly via claimant communications.
Washington state has received approval for the max amount of weeks under Lost Wages Assistance: 6 weeks, from 8/1 to 9/5. Per FEMA, no more weeks will be available. We will pay the benefits retroactively starting Sept. 21. Learn more:
If you were receiving benefits but they were paused the weekend of May 15 due to our effort to combat fraud, we expect to have those claims resolved by June 19, so payments can start again for eligible customers. Learn more:
The federal stimulus that changes and extends CARES Act unemployment benefits was signed into law last night. Current claimants should continue to submit weekly claims as usual. We will update the COVID-19 info page with the latest info ➡️
The $600 weekly benefit provided under the CARES act will end soon, unless it is extended by Congress. The last payment will be on claims for the week ending 7/25. Anyone waiting for back pymts will still get the add'l $600 when those pymts are made ➡️
All eligible claimants receiving benefits from any unemployment program (except the Training Benefits program) will get an extra $300 per week under new federal legislation. Payment processing expected to start Jan. 15. Learn more ➡️
Congress passed the stimulus bill that will continue PUA and PEUC benefits, and the additional $300 per week, through Sept. 4. The President is expected to sign it on Friday. Keep submitting weekly claims and learn more on our website:
❗Update❗ Job search requirements will remain optional through Jan. 19. You can continue to answer "no" to the job search question when you submit your weekly claim. More information is in the alert on our website ➡️
❗FRAUD ALERT❗ Sites like the one below are being used to steal claimants' personal information. We will never request this level of information, such as your SSN, outside of our secure internet site. More info about what to do if you suspect fraud ➡️ .
❗Update❗ Job search requirements will remain optional through Dec. 7. You can continue to answer "no" to the job search question when you submit your weekly claim. Read more ➡️
The stimulus was signed into law today! This adds more weeks to PUA & PEUC, continues those benefits +$300 per week, thru Sept. 4. We do not expect a gap in benefits for the majority of eligible claimants. Just keep filing your weekly claims. Learn more:
Earlier this week, we made changes that require both new and some existing claimants to verify their identities or provide more information. Do not delay. Check your eServices account for alerts and respond immediately. More updates to follow via email and on our website.
According to
@USDOL
, claimants receiving PUA/PEUC will continue to receive benefits without a gap in benefits this week. Claimants in all programs should continue to submit weekly claims as usual. For more, read the Commissioner’s statement:
The $300 benefit payments are on their way! Reminder that all payments may take a little longer this week & you may experience site slowdowns due to the volume we're processing. Head to for info on payments and how to check your status. Thank you!
An additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits are available if you need them. Look for the option to file a "PEUC claim" in eServices after we complete our system update on April 18. Learn more at:
Please know: Although some of you may have recently received an overpayment notice through our system-generated letters, you are not required to repay any benefits for which you are eligible. Check your eServices account regularly for information about this and other information.
Under the federal CARES Act, those on unemployment will receive an additional $600/wk for up to 4 months. We expect to implement these changes by mid-April. Payments are retroactive to when the legislation went into effect on 3/29. We will post updates at .
Due to the unprecedented demand for benefits, traffic to our web services is historically high. While the website is up and running, response times may be slow. We know this is frustrating but these tips can help. Find more at
We have had to take extra time to root out fraud & theft, while protecting the benefits of legitimate claimants. Payments have been delayed for several days as a result. We apologize for the frustration & hardship. Pls read the alert on our website:
❗ALERT❗Update on fraud protection response available. Some Washingtonians who have applied for, and are receiving, unemployment benefits may be impacted by system changes. Stay updated here: .
We expect a record 1M claims starting tomorrow. We've increased our bandwidth to get ready but if everyone tries to file at once it will be a challenge. File your claim early 🐦 (before 6 a.m.) and wait until Tuesday if you can. More tips ➡
For questions about unemployment, you can now call 833-572-8400. They will likely be able to answer your questions, and if not, they can transfer you to a claims agent. Call volumes remain high, so it is always best to start at when looking for an answer.
We are implementing the changes from the federal legislation as quickly as possible. The most important thing for you to do is keep submitting your weekly claims, even if you’ve run out of benefits or if your claim appears expired. Check out the FAQs ➡️
📞 ALERT: From May 13 to 20, inbound calls will be limited so staff can focus on outbound calling to resolve pending claims. Inbound calls are reserved for those who lack internet access & need to use the phone to apply & submit weekly claims. More ➡️
We have received numerous reports this morning about a text message scam, claiming to be ESD. This is not us. Please DO NOT click the link in the text message. For more info on identifying scams, go to our website .
You may notice your PUA claim status in eServices changed to expired & appears grayed out. Keep submitting weekly claims by selecting ⚠️You have a PUA weekly claim to file. The status will change back to active when we update the system. More Q&A➡️
With the new stimulus, PUA & PEUC benefits, along with the +$300 per week, will no longer expire this weekend! You’ll see more funds and weeks added to your claim after 3/19. This will not impact your benefits – just keep filing weekly claims. Learn more:
Frequently asked question: “Do we still answer ‘no’ on job search?” Yes! Job search is still optional. Keep answering “no” to that question. We’ll be sure to send you multiple notices before the requirement goes back into effect. Learn more:
As the economy re-opens, we will ease back into the job search requirement. The earliest you will be asked to report job search activities on your weekly claim is 6/28 & it will be easier than before the crisis. Read more under Alerts ➡️ .
Attention weekly claim filers: We discovered a technical issue that removed the "file a weekly claim" option for some claimants. The team ran a quick update which resolved the issue and you should be able to file now. We apologize for the inconvenience.
We expect nearly 1M claims starting Sunday. We've increased our bandwidth to get ready. But, it will still be a challenge if everyone tries to file at once. To help, follow these tips ➡ . And, if you can wait, please submit your claim after Monday.
Recently denied for having less than 680 hours? You can apply for expanded benefits now. Before you do, read the information on our website, download the checklists & the guide. This will help you get ready to apply and avoid issues that delay payments.
We verified an issue today that caused delayed payments for some PUA claimants. The issue is being corrected & claimants eligible for PUA the week ending 12/26 should see their status go to Paid tonight. Read the full alert ➡️
Congress is expected to pass a new stimulus measure with changes & extensions for unemployment benefits. We will update the COVID-19 page once legislation passes. Please do not call the UI claims center with questions as call volume remains high. Thanks!
Trouble submitting your application? Benefits are retroactive, and will be paid from the time you separated from your job or otherwise became eligible under the federal CARES Act, not from the time your application was submitted or approved. Learn more
We're working to update our system to include the additional 11 weeks of PEUC payments. The most important thing to do is continue to submit weekly claims. More important info and guidance ➡️
We are closing down our claims center Sat, 4/18, to update systems & launch new relief pkg for workers. Updates should be complete by 8pm. Special claims center hours Sun, 4/19, 7am-4pm. Thank you for your patience while we work to serve you better. More:
We've created an easy-to-read reference guide that compares some of the most common COVID-19 scenarios that may occur and ESD benefits and programs that may be able to help. It's on our website at .
Are you newly eligible for unemployment or do you think you might be eligible for expanded benefits? We are offering daily webinars that can help you understand the application process and avoid mistakes that could delay your benefits. Sign up here:
Applying for EB won't affect your benefits this week or moving forward. Submit your weekly claim as usual & look for more info from us soon. If you're near the end of the 13 weeks of PEUC, apply for EB & we'll send you info about next steps. More Q&A ➡️
Job search requirements remain optional through Aug. 1. You can answer "no" to the job search question on your weekly claim & you do not need to update your standby request. Learn more at or .
As a reminder, all claims will now be held in “processing” status for 2 days before being paid in order to verify payments as valid. We apologize deeply for the hardship this may cause.
We expect high site traffic tomorrow. Remember: you can certify for LWA any time between 9/8 – 9/20 to get paid the week of 9/21. Please consider logging on after 9/8 to help prevent site slowdowns. Thank you! Learn more about LWA➡️
Watch your mail for your 1099-G unemployment benefits tax form. We've started sending these & you should receive it by the end of January. You'll also find a copy in your eServices account. Learn more ➡️
Unless the federal government acts, PEUC expires on Dec. 26. When it expires you may be able to move to the Extended Benefits program. Learn about eligibility requirements and when to apply ➡️
Our claims center & eServices will be unavailable 6am-8pm, Sat, 4/18, so we can update our technology. The updates will allow self-employed & PT workers <680 hrs to apply for benefits. Subscribe to COVID-19 updates at . Read alert:
If you applied for benefits online, we may have sent you an alert in your eServices account earlier this week. Receiving an alert doesn’t mean you’re a victim of fraud; it means we need more information from you. Your response is needed by 5/22 ➡️
Reminder: We're updating our system to include the additional 11 weeks of PEUC, payments start processing by the end of the week. The most important thing to do is continue to submit weekly claims. More important info and guidance ➡️
❗ALERT❗ eServices is experiencing intermittent slowness and service disruptions. You may experience a slow response when logging in or receiving a network connection error message. We are working to resolve this issue. Thank you for your patience.
The waiver of the unpaid waiting week is going back into effect. If you had an unpaid waiting week from Jan. 9, 2021 or later, you will be reimbursed for that week. Impacted claimants will be notified through eServices starting this weekend. Learn more:
Watch out for fake accounts pretending to be ESD. We'll never ask for personal info (like SSN or bank info) on social media. Always check our website for official updates about UI benefits. More about identifying scams & a list of our social sites➡️
*Just in* Benefit changes and extensions with more help on the way! Please go to for the latest. We will also communicate changes directly to claimants. Read the Commissioner’s statement here:
⚠️ UPDATE⚠️ Job search requirements will remain suspended through July 1. You do not need to report job search activities next week. Read more in our alert on .
Gov. Jay Inslee joined by Suzi LeVine, commissioner for the state Employment Security Department will address the media today at 3:15 pm to provide an update on the state's COVID-19 response. Watch the livestream here:
Due to the lower unemployment rate, the U.S. Department of Labor notified us that the Extended Benefits program is ending in WA March 13. If passed, the federal stimulus proposal can provide more benefits for those on EB. Learn more on our website:
We are working hard to fix issues holding up legitimate customers and will provide more details this week about how and when we will resolve the issues for those impacted by the imposter fraud situation.
We are seeing an unparalleled demand for our agency services and we are taking steps to address the need. Starting March 28 our claims agents will be taking calls on Saturdays from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Check for more about our response to COVID-19.
Under the federal CARES Act, those on unemployment will receive an additional $600/wk for up to 4 months. You should start receiving these payments in mid-April. Payments are retroactive to when the legislation went into effect on 3/29. Updates at .
Head over to for answers to common questions and new information about the Lost Wages Assistance program ($300). *Just added* explanation of messages and LWA statuses in eServices.
Trouble submitting your application? Benefits are retroactive and paid from your date of eligibility, not from the time your application was submitted or approved. Learn more
We sent updated information to some customers last night regarding items holding up their claims. Please check your eServices alerts ASAP. Check now-->
The federal stimulus package with changes and extensions for unemployment benefits was approved by Congress on Dec. 21. However, it hasn't been signed into law yet. We continue to prepare and track developments closely. Read our full alert ➡️
Questions about the $10,200 nontaxable provision in the new stimulus? While ESD cannot provide tax advice about this, the IRS put out a press release last week with some info that may help answer some questions we’re seeing in the comments.
Operation 100% is our push to get benefits out to everyone who has been waiting. We’ve created a new internet page to provide you with details and radical transparency into the progress we are making: ➡️ .
Help is coming soon. Starting in mid-April, NEW federal assistance that expands unemployment to self-employed, independent contractors and part-time workers will be available. Sign-up for email updates to be notified when benefits are available.
Thank you for helping level website traffic~it's making a difference! There's still hundreds of thousands of claims to process, so let's keep it up!
✔️File late at night or early in the morning
✔️Wait until after Monday
✔️Use automated phone system after 6pm➡️800-318-6022
Because of temporary layoffs & closures of some WA businesses due to COVID-19,
@ESDwaWorks
anticipates our own need for more staff.
We are recruiting for both perm & temp jobs. It’s the perfect time to join our team at ESD! Apply now:
This week we are committed to making outbound calls & resolving claims for people who have been waiting the longest. An agent could follow up with you outside of regular business hours or on Sunday if they are working on your claim. ➡️
Do you have a link that says “Request PEUC extended benefits” under your Alerts tab in eServices? Click and apply ASAP! Once your regular unemployment runs out, you’ll be moved over to PEUC for more benefits – but only if you apply. Learn more:
You may be eligible for additional benefits after your regular unemployment benefits and other extensions, like PEUC, have run out. You can learn more at .
Self-employed? Independent contractor? You'll be able to apply after 8 p.m. tonight. New information is available at . If you want to avoid mistakes filling out your claim, attend one of our new webinars before you start the process:
Helpful hint for new applicants ✔️Reviewing the checklists and Expanded Unemployment Application Guide on our website before you apply can help you avoid common mistakes that could delay your benefits ➡️ .
❗ ALERT ❗ The unemployment benefits system will undergo regularly scheduled maintenance on Saturday, May 23 from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. Individuals and employers will not have access to eServices during this time. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Unless Congress acts to extend or adjust it, the additional $600 per week will stop after the week ending 7/25. Anyone waiting for back payments will still get the add'l $600 when those payments are made. Learn more➡️