How to file in Washington, step by step
- Gather your documents. Washington asks for the items in the checklist below.
- File your claim online at secure.esd.wa.gov or by phone (numbers and hours).
- Meet the work search rule. Three work search activities a week, recorded. Survivors of domestic violence or stalking recognized by ESD: one approved activity a week.
- Request benefits for each week you are unemployed, as your claim instructions say. See how weekly claims work.
- Answer any reemployment appointment. Some claimants are selected for a RESEA session at a job center.
Documents Washington asks for
- Name as on your ID, date of birth, SSN, citizenship or work authorization, Washington license/ID if you have one, address, phone and email
- Account and routing number for deposit; employers in the last 18 months, including temp and part-time: names, mailing addresses and dates
- DD-214 copies 2 to 8 (not copy 1) if military; SF-8 if federal (SF-50 optional, to speed things up)
- Union name and local phone if you get work through a union
Source: esd.wa.gov. Lists can be partial; follow the instructions in your claim.
How much Washington pays and for how long
All statesMaximum effective July 5, 2026, per esd.wa.gov. The state calculates your weekly amount from your past wages when you file. How long unemployment lasts
Washington unemployment phone
DetailsHours: Agents: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 AM–4:00 PM; Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 AM–12:00 PM.
Where to log in
The official place to start a claim or reach your account is secure.esd.wa.gov, run by the Washington Employment Security Department. Only enter your Social Security number or PIN on the official state site. This guide is independent and cannot see or change your claim.
If your claim is denied
Federal law requires every state to offer a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal to anyone whose unemployment claim is denied (Social Security Act, sec. 303(a)(3)). The determination letter from Washington tells you the deadline and how to file the appeal. How unemployment appeals work.
Job centers in Washington
All 43WorkSource Grays Harbor/Pacific Counties
1620 Edward P. Smith Dr., Building 2000 Room 2315, Aberdeen
WorkSource Auburn
2707 I St. NE, Auburn
WorkSource Whatcom
101 Prospect St., Bellingham
WorkSource Lewis County
500 Centralia College Blvd, Suite 200, Centralia
Clarkston WorkSource Connection
1013 Bridge St., Suite B, Clarkston
WorkSource Colville
956 S. Main St., Suite B, Colville
WorkSource Ellensburg
1100 West University Way, Suite 200, Ellensburg
WorkSource Everett
728 134th St. SW, Suite 102, Everett
WorkSource Goldendale
116 E. Main Street, Goldendale
Joint Base Lewis-McChord
11577 41st Division Drive, Room 206, Joint Base Lewis-McChord
WorkSource Cowlitz/Wahkiakum
305 S. Pacific Ave., Unit 101, Kelso
WorkSource Columbia Basin
815 N. Kellogg St., Suite D, Kennewick
Washington unemployment questions
How do I file for unemployment in Washington?
Online on the Washington Employment Security Department website or by phone at 1-800-318-6022. Have your Social Security number and your employers from the last 18 months ready.
What is the Washington unemployment phone number?
1-800-318-6022. Hours: Agents: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 AM–4:00 PM; Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 AM–12:00 PM.
How much is unemployment in Washington?
Up to $1,208 a week. Your own amount depends on your past wages.
How long does unemployment last in Washington?
Up to 26 weeks; the federal table lists a range of 1-26 weeks depending on your situation. Your weeks are set when the state reviews your claim.
Where do I log in to Washington unemployment?
Use the official site (secure.esd.wa.gov) to start a claim or reach your account. We do not handle logins or claims.
What if my Washington unemployment claim is denied?
Federal law requires every state to give claimants whose claims are denied the chance of a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal. Your determination letter explains how and by when to appeal.
Related guides
Sources
Claim website: dol.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Claims phone: dol.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Documents: esd.wa.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Work search: esd.wa.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Weekly maximum: esd.wa.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Maximum weeks: oui.doleta.gov (dated July 2026), checked October 30, 2026.
Right to a fair hearing: 42 U.S.C. 503(a)(3), checked October 31, 2026.