Unemployment Benefit Rulemaking

Washington state has some of the most generous unemployment benefits in the country. There are currently 10 different reasons you may leave your job and still qualify for unemployment benefits.
These 10 reasons include:

1. Taking Another Job:
2. Health Reasons:
3. Relocation
4. Pay Reduction
5. Unsafe Working Conditions
6. Domestic Violence or Stalking
7. Religious or Moral Beliefs
8. Reporting Issues
9. Approved Training
10. Working Multiple Jobs

You can learn more about these circumstances by visiting the Employment Security Website here.

In 2013, the Washington State Legislature passed House Bill 1106, adding additional circumstances to the list.
The Employment Security Department is currently working on establishing rules for the implementation of this bill. The current focus of the rulemaking process is on "split shifts" and ensuring that reasons such as lack of childcare or caring for a vulnerable adult are included.

Employment Security Department has filed a proposed rulemaking, which includes details on the public hearing scheduled for July 11, 2024. You can also send any comments or suggestions regarding the rulemaking to [email protected]. 

Author

Matt Murphy, TCRCC Government and Regional Affairs Director, ​[email protected]