How to Apply for Washington State Unemployment Benefits From the Government

If you have lost a job in Washington state for a reason that was not your fault, you may qualify for unemployment benefits. You need to have worked in Washington state for at least 690 hours to be eligible. The Employment Security Department is the government office that processes all unemployment applications in Washington. You should apply for unemployment benefits in Washington state as soon as you become unemployed. Whether you apply online or by phone, the same information is required.

Instructions

1

Gather all of the documents and information that you need for the application. You need the name, address and phone number of each job you have held in the previous 18 months. You will also need your date of birth, Social Security number, phone number and address. If you want your benefits direct deposited, you need to have your bank account and routing number.

2

Apply online for your Washington state unemployment benefits on the Washington Employment Security Department website. You must have any pop-up blockers disabled before you start the online application.

3

Call the Washington Employment Security Department at 800-318-6022 to apply for unemployment benefits by phone.