Washington Law Modifies Unemployment Experience Rate Calculations

Washington employers’ unemployment experience ratings will not be affected by benefits charges that are later found to have been improperly received by former employees, under a bill that goes into effect June 6.

Employer experience ratings are determined, in part, based on the amount of unemployment benefits received by former employees. However, certain exceptions apply, and HB 1898 amends state law to clarify that all base-year employers, not just separating employers, will not be charged for benefits received by claimants who were ineligible or disqualified from receiving them.

If an individual properly receives unemployment benefits and they are not charged ...