This is What You Need to Know About Unemployment in Washington

You can apply for unemployment benefits any time online or by calling the claims center at 800-318-60228.

It's always much faster to apply online. If you call, be prepared for a long wait time.

You have rent, a car payment, an electric bill, a cell phone bill, etc. It can be overwhelming. Take a deep breath. Look over monthly expenses to see where you can cut back.

The benefits replace your former paycheck, helping you to meet expenses while you are actively searching for another job. It's your job to get back to work as quickly as you can.

With the CARES Act, the minimum weekly payment was $295, while the maximum was $929 in 2021. After you apply for benefits, the Employment Security Department will mail you an Unemployment Claim Determination letter indicating how much you are eligible to receive.

You can read and download the handbook here. A printed copy is also available at your local WorkSource office. WorkSource in Tri-Cities is in Kennewick. You can call the unemployment claims center at 800-318-6022 to speak to a claims agent.

Use the secure online form or call 800-318-6022.

READ MORE: See 50 remote jobs that can pay well

Beware of These 50 Jobs That Might Vanish in the Next 50 Years

READ MORE: Here are 50 ways you can improve your work from home lifestyle