How to File Unemployment Tax in Washington State

If you have worked in the state of Washington in the previous 18 months before losing your job, you may be eligible to file for unemployment tax benefits. In order to qualify for unemployment compensation in Washington, you cannot have lost your job through any fault of your own. Additionally, you must have worked a minimum of 680 hours in the previous 18 months. If you meet those requirements, you can apply for unemployment benefits through the Washington Employment Security Department.

Instructions

1

Collect your employment history, including addresses and phone numbers, for all of the jobs you have had in the previous 18 months. You also need your Washington state driver's license number and the amount of money you made at each employer.

2

Apply online using the benefits application on the Washington Employment Security Department website (see Resources). If you have worked in a state other than Washington in the past 18 months, you cannot do the online application, but must apply over the phone.

3

Call the benefits center at 800-318-6022 to apply for unemployment benefits over the phone.

4

Wait for your unemployment handbook and award letter to arrive in the mail after you apply. Usually these will show up within 10 business days, unless your application is undergoing further processing.

5

Claim your weekly benefits either online or over the phone for each week that you remain unemployed. To stay eligible, you must be willing and able to work and actively seeking employment while getting unemployment benefits.