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Resources for Legislative and other government staff

The most common constituent inquires we receive from the Legislature concern:  (1) eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits or status of claims: (2)  unemployment insurance taxes and employer accounts; (3) job placement or job training assistance through WorkSource; and (4) employment and other labor market data.  Further information on these subjects and links are listed below.  In addition, the Government Relations Office is available to help policy-makers connect with ESD divisions and staff for further information or data; identify subject matter witnesses for work sessions or hearings; and make connections with our partners in the workforce development and training systems.

  

Contacting ESD’s Legislative Liaison

Nick Streuli
Legislative and Executive Operations Director
nstreuli@esd.wa.gov

Bianca Stoner
Legislative & Executive Policy Analyst
bstoner@esd.wa.gov

Tim Gates
Government Affairs Advisor
tgates@esd.wa.gov

Sending Constituent Inquiries by E-mail

We aim to respond to constituent inquiries within 72 business hours of receipt (more complex matters may require additional time). Please include as many facts known about the constituent’s question/concern; constituent identifying information (name, middle initial if known, address, phone number, last four of SSN, email address and/or ESD number). Don’t include full Social Security Numbers.


ESD’s 2019 agency request bills

The ESD legislative priorities document provides an overview of the three bills that ESD is running in the 2019 legislative session.

Unemployment Insurance Benefits

ESD’s unemployment benefits web page offers a wealth of information on UI, including the “Handbook for Unemployed Workers.”  

The Employment Security Department's online application provides comprehensive information about how to apply for unemployment insurance benefits, which is the easiest and least time-consuming way to file for benefits.  Nearly 95 percent of claims can be filed electronically and phone wait times can be lengthy, particular during “peak” UI season (fall to early winter, due to layoffs in agriculture and construction). 

Claims Center Phone Assistance: 
NOTE: Most individuals should apply/file for unemployment insurance electronically

Claimants can call 855-682-0785 to reach ESD’s customer service team if they need assistance signing into the Secure Access Washington (SAW) system.

Claimants can also call the Claims Center at 800-318-6022 as follows (except on holidays):

  • Monday: No new applications. Open only for questions about weekly claims and other general questions.
  • Tuesday: New applications for those with Social Security numbers ending in 0-3. Open for questions about weekly claims and other general questions.
  • Wednesday: New applications for those with Social Security numbers ending in 0-6. Open for questions about weekly claims and other general questions.
  • Thursday and Friday: Everyone (Social Security numbers ending in 0-9) can submit new applications. Open for questions about weekly claims and other general questions.

The hardest times to get through on the phone are between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day. After 4 pm each day, claims agents serve customers who have been waiting on hold or place outgoing calls to those who have requested them

Most claims can (and should) be filed electronically, but the following types of claims must be filed by phone:

  • Combined wage claims (applicant worked in multiple states)
  • Temporary total disability (applicant recently left work due to an injury or illness)
  • Individuals who do not read or write in English or Spanish
      

SELF-HELP ACCESSIBLE ON COMPUTERS AND MOBILE DEVICES:  Claimants with an e-mail address can now register with Secure Access Washington to access comprehensive information about their historical wage and hour information and unemployment insurance claim status.

Constituents can also find answers to their most frequently asked questions at our UI Customer Service One-Stop page.


Employer Accounts, Taxes, Audits, Overpayments

ESD's Employer resources page has information and resources to help.

Employer helpline:  888-836-1900

Document Entry Storage Retrieval Unit - wage report forms & tax payments made by check

  • (360) 902-9309

Employer Accounts Unit - refunds, credits, waiver requests, tax report amendments

Account Management Center - tax collections, late payments, payment plans, delinquent tax reports, bankruptcy

Benefit Payment Control Unit - collection of benefit overpayments

Registration & Rates Unit

Registration

Rates, Benefit Charging

 



    WorkSource:  Connecting employers and job-seekers; job readiness and training

    ESD’s Jobs & training page can help workers find jobs and map out new careers by connecting to a variety of training programs.  

    ESD is a partner in the WorkSource system, which has offices or affiliates in every county to help connect employers and job seekers online and in-person.  To locate a WorkSource Center or affiliate by county, visit the WorkSource locator.  

      
    State and county labor market data

    ESD’s Workforce Information and Technology Services (WITS) division publishes Washington state’s labor market information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and maintains several critical reports and online tools to assist job seekers.

    The WITS division provides labor market information for the state and at the county level.