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:

  1. Dial 1-800-318-6022
  2. Press 1 (for English)
  3. Enter your social security number
  4. Press 7 (If you have a question about unemployment insurance)
  5. After press 9 (for all other questions)
  6. Stay on the line
  7. 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 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

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.

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
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