Working with Employment Security Following an Emergency

If you have been impacted by the Washington wildfires, Employment Security may be able to help you and your employees.

Help for impacted employers 

• Some taxable employers may qualify for relief of benefit charges and a waiver of penalties from Employment Security following an emergency. If you think you qualify for relief of benefit charges, send us a request in writing. Learn more on the Employment Security website about how and when to request relief.
• If you are late filing your quarterly report and payment due to a disaster, you may be entitled to have penalties waived. Go to the Employment Security website to read how to follow the standard process for requesting a waiver.
• The SharedWork program can help you retain employees at reduced hours. Employees may be eligible to receive partial unemployment to help bridge the gap in pay. Go to the Employment Security website to learn how to apply for SharedWork.

Help for impacted workers 

Employment Security can make allowances for workers who cannot get to their employer due to the fires. Go to the temporary layoffs and furloughs page of our website to learn about:

• Temporary layoffs: If a business is closed due to the disaster, Employment Security can ensure employees receive unemployment benefits and reduce the financial burden on employers.
• Standby: Individuals and employers impacted by a natural disaster can request to be placed on standby.