Q: When will I know the system is updated?
A: We are targeting mid-April but, the best way to stay up to date is by subscribing to the Employment Security Department’s COVID-19 action alert updates. A link to sign up is on the Employment Security home page at esd.wa.gov.
Q: When should I apply for unemployment?
A: We are asking only those eligible for regular unemployment, not those newly eligible under the federal CARES Act, to apply as soon as possible. If you became eligible when unemployment was expanded by the federal government in response to COVID-19 (under the CARES Act) please do not apply until after April 18 when our system is updated. You will be paid retroactively after our systems are updated for the new federal legislation.
Check HERE for eligibility.