WorkSource Thurston County

Job Seeker

Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment Insurance phone kiosk
For your convenience, a U.I. phone kiosk is available at your local
WorkSource center; however, there are no on-site unemployment
claims staff who work locally – it is all done by phone or internet

Unemployment Insurance (UI) is designed to assist workers unemployed through no fault of their own. It is not based on financial need. UI is 100% funded by employers through payroll taxes.

Southwest Washington residents may open a new Unemployment Insurance claim, or talk to a Specialist about an existing claim, by calling the Seattle Telecenter, 1-800-318-6022. An increasingly popular way to open a new claim, or file weekly claims, is by going Online. This web site will also allow you to reopen an existing claim, or change your address or telephone number.

To file your claim on-line you will need to have the following information with you:

  • Your Social Security Number.
  • The names, business mailing addresses and telephone numbers of all your employers since 7/1/2006. If you worked for more than 16 employers, call the TeleCenter at 1-800-318-6022 to apply.
  • The dates you worked for each employer (month, day and year required).
  • The approximate gross monthly pay from each employer.
  • If you normally get your work through a union, the name and local number of your labor union.
  • If you were a federal employee since 7/1/2006, your Form SF-8 and SF-50.
  • If you were in the military since 7/1/2006, a copy of your DD-214 form.
  • If not an U.S. citizen, your Alien Registration Number issued by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (INS).

To apply for benefits by phone
When you file a new claim by phone, we first ask you a series of questions, which you will answer using the keypad on your telephone.

After you answer the questions, we will transfer you to a claims specialist to complete your claim. The actual number of questions you are asked varies depending on the type of claim you are filing and how you answer the questions.

If you are directed to mail or fax something to the TeleCenter, it is important to do so as soon as possible.