Author: Anne Paxton

Great news for Washington jobless workers struggling to understand the unemployment insurance (UI) requirements and claims filing process! Thanks to a $1 million grant approved by the 2025 legislature, the UI Navigator program, formerly funded by the US Department of Labor, will once again be available to help workers in our state. This should be a tremendous help for people struggling to apply for benefits and answer department questions.

For people struggling to file for benefits because of a disability, limited English, a lack of computer skills, or other challenges, the Employment Security Department (ESD) phone lines are chronically busy and often have one message for claimants: call back later. The federal Navigator program offered a path forward and over the last 16 months provided individual assistance to 7,000 Washington claimants.

Nine non-profits based in our state will continue to be available to provide training, answer questions, and individually assist jobless workers with obstacles or difficulties they encounter in filing for benefits. The groups are:

Chinese Information and Service Center
Drivers Union
Korean Community Service Center
La Oficina LLC
Native Action Network
Neighborhood House
People for People
TRAC Associates
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO

“We’re thrilled that the Legislature recognized how valuable the UI Navigator program has been in these underserved communities,” Employment Security Commissioner Cami Feek said. “Over the next year, these community organizations and our staff have an opportunity to continue their momentum making big impact for Washington workers and their families.”

Re-start date and other details available soon!