Washington Updates Unemployment Benefits Posting

Washington updated it unemployment benefit guidelines. The revised Washington Unemployment Benefits (form EMS 9874) notice reflects those changes. The posting is required for all workplaces in Washington.

What Changed on the Washington Unemployment Benefits Notice?

• Military Discharge: Decreased the window of eligibility of discharged military service personnel from 24 months to 18 months.
• Online Unemployment Benefit Application: Decreased eligibility for workers who worked in two or more states from 24 months to 18 months.
• Staff Availability: Employment Security Department (ESD) staff are available one hour less than before: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• It’s Prettier. The new format features an array of the screen meant to tout the new online unemployment claims portal.

Who’s Eligible to Receive Unemployment in Washington?

A Washington state resident seeking unemployment must have worked at least 680 hours in your base year. At least some wages must have been earned in Washington unless the resident recently left the military and is currently located in Washington state.

Workers who were terminated for ineptitude may still qualify for unemployment benefits, but workers fired for misconduct, such as insubordination, theft, violence, or unexcused absences, are not eligible for unemployment benefits.