A step-by-step guide to file for unemployment benefits in Washington

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Many Washington residents have lost their jobs or had their hours slashed as a result of shuttered businesses, all part of an effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Gov. Jay Inslee said during an address to the state on Thursday that unemployment claims in Washington had increased by 834% since the outbreak started.

If you have lost your job or experienced reduced hours during the COVID-19 pandemic, you can apply for unemployment benefits through Washington's Employment Security Department. Keep reading or click through the slideshow for a step-by-step guide of how to apply.

Am I eligible?

Generally, if you are not receiving payment from your employer, such as paid sick leave or paid time off, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. If your employer goes out of business, you may be eligible. If your employer has temporarily laid you off because business has slowed, eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. However, under newly adopted emergency rules, any worker laid off after Governor Jay Inslee's stay-at-home order on March 23 have been deemed eligible for unemployment benefits.

Part-time workers must meet the minimum eligibility requirements of having worked 680 hours in their base year in order to have an unemployment claim.

The Employment Security Department of Washington State has provided an easy-to-read comparison guide of different worker scenarios and what benefits, including paid sick leave and paid medical leave, are available to each.

What if I am self-employed or a gig worker?

Assistance for independent contractors is now open, but the process is different. For legal reasons, these workers must first apply for regular unemployment benefits and get denied regular benefits. Once a worker receives that denial, they can apply for expanded unemployment benefits under Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. For some this notice of denial will be immediate, and for others it may take a few weeks. Workers are encouraged to submit weekly claims as soon as they apply. A step-by-step guide can be found here.

How soon should I file a claim after losing my job?

You can file immediately as the one-week waiting period to be eligible for unemployment benefits has been waived as part of the state's emergency response.

How much will I receive as part of my benefits?

The amount of benefits you receive depends on your earnings in your reported base year. In Washington, the maximum weekly benefit amount is $790 and the minimum is $188. You can calculate your estimated benefits here.

What documents/information will I need to apply?

—Your Social Security Number, birth date and contact information.

—Information about your last employer including company name, supervisor’s name, address (mailing and physical location) and phone number.

—The last date worked and the reason you are no longer working.

— The names and mailing addresses of all employers you have worked for in the past 18 months, including part-time and temporary jobs, and dates of employment.

— Your bank account and routing number, if you want to sign up for direct deposit.

— DD-214 member copy, 2 through 8 (ex-military only).

— Notice To Federal Employees About Unemployment Insurance, Standard Form 8 (former federal employees only).

—Employment authorization number if you are not a U.S. citizen.

How do I apply for benefits?

You can apply for benefits anytime online.

If you do not have access to a computer, smartphone or tablet, you can also apply by phone. The claims center number at 800-318-6022 will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. (except holidays) as follows:

— Monday: New applications for those with Social Security numbers ending in 0-3. Open only for questions about weekly claims and other general questions.

— Tuesday: New applications for those with Social Security numbers ending in 0-6. Open for questions about weekly claims and other general questions.

— Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: Everyone (Social Security numbers ending in 0-9) can submit new applications. Open for questions about weekly claims and other general questions.

You can also schedule a callback with a claims agent. However, due to a high volume of requests, the online application is suggested.

What happens after I apply?

If you provided an email address, you will receive verification via email that you application has been received. Be sure to record your confirmation number before submitting your application in case you have issues with your claim. Keep checking your email and mail for more information, and you will receive an Unemployment Claim Determination letter through the mail. This letter includes the wages reported by your base year employer(s) and, if you qualify for benefits, the weekly benefit amount you will receive.

Do I need to be searching for a job to receive benefits?

Under emergency rules adopted as part of the state's COVID-19 response, the requirement to search for work is now optional.

How long will I receive payments?

Your unemployment claim lasts for one year. However, your benefits will not last that long, and generally last six months. It may last longer than six months if you have deductible earnings from working or collecting retirement pay.

I applied and got a denial notice, what now?

Per the Washington Security Department: "If you request standby status (full-time or part-time), you may receive an automated notice indicating your request is denied. Do not worry, that notice does not reflect the emergency rules. We are in the process of updating our computer system. You do not need to call the claims center. We will review all standby denials from March 8 forward to determine if they meet the new criteria. If your standby request is approved, you will receive another letter informing you of the approval. Keep filing weekly claims during this time."

What if I have other questions?

You can access the Unemployed Worker Handbook here.

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