The Blog

Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee

10/22/08

This week, we announced the unemployment rate in Washington took a dip in September to 5.8 percent, down from 6 percent in August. Nevertheless, Washingtonians who have been laid off can be confident that our state is financially prepared to pay unemployment benefits.

Recent news stories have reported that several states are running out of money in their unemployment-insurance trust funds and may be forced to borrow from the federal government to pay unemployment benefits.

I want to assure anyone who might have to rely on unemployment benefits that our unemployment-insurance trust fund is in good shape. In fact, it’s the largest and one of the healthiest in the nation. Currently, we have enough money to cover 21 months worth of benefits during a severe recession.

A collaborative effort in 2005 by Gov. Gregoire, Democratic and Republican legislators, business and labor has resulted in a stable, healthy unemployment-insurance system that will sustain us through these tough times.

For laid-off workers, unemployment benefits are vital. They help pay rent, put food on the table and keep families going. If you’ve been laid off, you can apply for unemployment benefits online at www.esd.wa.gov or by calling 800-318-6022.

Workers who have exhausted their 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits can check our Web site to see if they qualify for up to 13 weeks of “emergency unemployment compensation.”

If you’re looking for work, please check the job listings at www.go2worksource.com. Free, personalized job-search assistance also is available at dozens of WorkSource offices located across the state. Each year, we help more than 250,000 Washingtonians with their job search.

In these uncertain economic times, the Employment Security Department plays a more important role than ever. Please call on us if you need help.