Unemployment Benefits info

At-a-glance guides answer common questions about unemployment benefits

The Employment Security Department (ESD) administers the unemployment insurance program for the state of Washington. Unemployment benefits are temporary income when a worker loses a job through no fault of their own. These benefits can help support workers while looking for their next job. Unemployment benefits are not based on financial need.

Complete, up-to-date details about unemployment benefits can be found at esd.wa.gov/get-financial-help/unemployment-benefits.

Download and print these at-a-glance one-pagers to share as a quick reference for your clients and customers. Short videos about these topics can also be found on esd.wa.gov and the ESD YouTube channel. These documents and videos are available in English and Spanish.

Get help with your unemployment claim (PDF, 100KB)

Apprenticeship support: how to file a weekly claim (PDF, 140KB)

Apprenticeship support: tips for managing your benefits (PDF 132KB)

Apprenticeship support: when to file for unemployment benefits while training (PDF, 155KB)

Correctly reporting why you stopped working (PDF, 140KB)

How to file a weekly claim for unemployment benefits (PDF, 216KB)

Weekly job search requirements (PDF, 175KB)

When to file for unemployment benefits (PDF, 241KB)

When we have questions about your claim: the adjudication process (PDF, 126KB)

Obtenga ayuda con su reclamo de desempleo (PDF, 114KB)

Ayuda para aprendices: cómo presentar un reclamo semanal (PDF, 187KB)

Ayuda para aprendices: consejos para manejar sus beneficios (PDF, 133KB)