You were a victim of domestic violence or stalking
You may be eligible for unemployment benefits if you had to leave work because you are a victim of domestic violence or stalking.You must show that it was necessary to leave work to protect yourself or your immediate family members from domestic violence or from stalking.
For more information, read Washington state law regarding domestic violence and stalking.
Applying for benefits
Because of the special nature of these situations, individuals who are applying for unemployment benefits should not file online. Instead, call the TeleCenter to apply for benefits.Call immediately after quitting work. If you are a victim of domestic violence or stalking, tell the claims specialist, who will explain the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) to you. This program is offered through the Washington State Secretary of State’s Office and helps participants keep their home addresses confidential by providing a substitute mailing address. You will then have the option of either filing your claim immediately or researching the ACP further and filing a backdated claim if you enroll in the Address Confidentiality Program.
The Address Confidentiality Program can provide more information and help you set up a substitute address.
