If you are one of the thousands recently unemployed in Washington State, then you may be wondering how to apply for unemployment benefits. Follow the steps outlined in this blog. If you encounter issues in your eligibility, then use the contact form to the right, and we can discuss your case in detail.
- Start here to apply for benefits.
- Visit here every week to file your weekly claim. Be sure to file for each week you were unemployed and actively sought work.
In the event your employer contests your eligibility for unemployment benefits, you will be notified by letter from the ESD detailing the employer’s reasons. You will be given an opportunity to respond. Based on the information provided, the adjudicator will make a decision.
Typically the ESD adjudicators find in favor of the employer. At this point, you have the opportunity to send in a written appeal (via fax or mail) to the ESD, within 30 days of the date of the adjudicator’s letter. If the adjudicator found in your favor, your former employer has 30 days to appeal the decision.
An appeal hearing is set before an Administrative Law Judge. Typically these are telephonic. You can send in a written request that the hearing be in person. You can submit a written brief outlining the facts and law to support your case, testimony and documentary evidence.
Once you receive benefits that are uncontested, you must continue to file for your weekly benefit. You also have a duty to maintain a job search log, with at least 3 job searches/week.
Weekly benefits depend upon your income and range from $155.00 to $560.00, the maximum weekly benefit.
Ms. Filutowski has a track record of recovering over $3.0 million dollars for her clients through negotiations, arbitrations, mediations and trial.
