If you lost your job through no fault of your own, unemployment can replace part of your pay while you look for work. Here's how to get it.
At a glance
$211–$902Weekly pay in Oregon (claims from June 28, 2026)
$383–$1,208Weekly pay in Washington (claims from July 5, 2026)
26 weeksLongest a regular claim lasts in either state
Apply in the week you lose your job. Payments can't go back before the week you file.
You must file a weekly claim and look for work each week.
If you're denied, you can appeal. Deadlines are short.
1Who qualifies
You lost work through no fault of your own, like a layoff or reduced hours.
You earned enough in the past year or so. Washington needs 680 hours of work. Oregon needs at least $1,000 in wages that meet a simple test, or 500 hours.
You're able to work, available to work, and looking for work.
Quitting or being fired for misconduct usually disqualifies you, but not always. If you had a good reason, apply anyway and explain.
2How much you'll get
Oregon: about 1.25% of your total pay over your “base year,” the first four of the last five finished quarters. If you earned $40,000, that's about $500 a week.
Washington: about 3.85% of the average of your two best quarters. If those averaged $12,000, that's about $462 a week.
Unemployment is taxed by the IRS, and by Oregon. You can ask to have 10% held back for federal tax.
Oregon: apply online with Frances Online at frances.oregon.gov, run by the Oregon Employment Department.
Washington: apply through the Employment Security Department (ESD) at esd.wa.gov.
Have your Social Security number, your employers' names and addresses for the last 18 months, and your bank details.
After you apply, file a weekly claim every week, and keep a record of your job search.
The first week you qualify is usually an unpaid “waiting week.” Keep filing anyway.
4If you're denied
Read the decision letter closely. It says why and how to appeal. Oregon generally gives you 20 days and Washington 30 days from the date on the letter.
Keep filing weekly claims while you appeal. If you win, you're paid for those weeks. Free legal aid groups in both states can help.