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Sept. 11, 2026 | Issue 79 

In this issue

• New requirement for striking workers claiming unemployment.
• Act before Sept. 30 to protect your unemployment tax rate.
• Updated wage data available for your use.
• Working with Employment Security during an emergency.
• Paid Leave will calculate your business size Sept. 30.
• Coming soon: Paid Leave premium rates, billing statement updates.
• Build your business: Attend webinars and Emprende resource fair.

Unemployment Insurance

New requirement for striking workers claiming unemployment benefits

Starting Aug. 23, 2026, Washington workers affected by a strike need to meet job search requirements if they claim unemployment benefits. This change does not impact claims made between Jan. 1 and Aug. 22, 2026. Go to the Employment Security website to learn how we administer benefits for striking workers.   

There is no change to employer requirements. Go to our website to read about when a former employee files for benefits. 

Act before Sept. 30 to protect your unemployment tax rate

Avoid a delinquent tax rate for 2027! By Sept. 30:

• File all your tax reports.

• Pay your current and past-due unemployment taxes, penalties and interest in full.

Consider a deferred payment contract if you cannot pay

Are you unable to pay your balance owed? You can protect your tax rate by getting a deferred payment contract. Email our Collections Unit at ESCtax@esd.wa.gov. 

If you have a delinquent account, we charge: 

• At least one percentage point more on your regular tax rate for the first year you are delinquent. 

• Two-percentage points more if you are late two years in a row. 

• The maximum social tax rate.

Updated wage data available for your use

Find helpful wage estimates and data for more than 800 occupations on Employment Security’s website.

This data can also help you compare wages regionally and by occupation, and see the estimated number of workers employed in each occupation.

Go to the Occupational employment and wage statistics (OEWS) page and select the link for the 2026 report. Each summer, Employment Security’s labor market information division updates the data for the previous year. 

Employers and businesses can find a wealth of other labor market information on Employment Security’s website.

For more information, visit the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics website to see data and maps at the national level.

Paid Leave

Paid Leave will calculate business size Sept. 30

Submit missing reports, end-of-quarter employee counts to Paid Leave

On Sept. 30, Paid Leave will calculate your 2027 business size by averaging your employee headcount from your previous four quarterly wage reports. If our calculations show that your business size changes, we will send you a letter in late October.

For the most accurate calculation, make sure you have submitted a report for every quarter (2025 Q3 and Q4, and 2026 Q1 and Q2). For each quarterly reporting period, including quarters where you had no payroll, your account should show a status of “Processed.”

You also have the option to provide end-of-quarter employee counts on your processed reports, beginning with 2026 Q1.

• Learn how to bring your reports up to date in the August issue of this newsletter.
• Read about employee counts and business sizing on the small business page of the Paid Leave website.

We'll announce the 2027 premium rate in October

The Paid Leave premium rate is changing on Jan. 1, 2027. Premiums, collected from employees and employers through quarterly reporting, fund the Paid Leave program. By law, we recalculate the Paid Leave premium rate annually on Sept. 30. The premium rate is adjusted based on contributions from premiums and benefits paid during the previous year. Note: The 2027 rate split will change as a result of legislation passed earlier this year to address IRS guidance.

We will publish the new premium rate and rate split requirements on the updates page of the Paid Leave website and send an email announcement to subscribers of this newsletter. Later in the year, we will mail notifications to employers.

WA Cares Fund

Billing statement updates coming in October

Employment Security mails billing statements to employers who owe a Paid Leave premium balance of $50 or more. Starting in October, statements will also include outstanding WA Cares balances. This information helps you stay current with your reports and payments and avoid unnecessary penalties and interest. Read more about your premium balance on the Paid Leave website. To ensure timely delivery of your statement, please log in to your employer account to: Check that your business mailing address and email address are correct. You can make changes to this information at any time. Review your premium reporting history and current balance. Reports are due every quarter, even if you do not have payroll. Please submit any missing reports or payments.

Attend a WA Cares webinar

Knowing there is money set aside for care in the future gives employees peace of mind today. WA Cares makes long-term care insurance accessible for all Washington workers.

As a Washington employer, you are required to report your employees’ wages and hours and submit premiums every quarter.

WA Cares Basics for Employers from 1 to 2 p.m. on Sept. 16.

In the webinar, presenters from Employment Security and the Department of Social & Health Services will cover:

• Who contributes to the fund.
• How workers meet contribution requirements.
• Who can get an exemption.
• Tracking employee exemptions.
• Employer reporting requirements.
• What kinds of benefits will be available.

Building your business

Free webinar for small businesses

Join Washington's Small Business Liaison Team for a free webinar. Representatives from several state agencies will cover: Main regulatory requirements for operating a business in Washington state. Many free or low-cost resources available. Join us from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Learn about other free webinars offered by the state's Small Business Liaison Team on the business.wa.gov website.

Attend Emprende — small-business fair in Spanish

Emprende is Washington state’s largest free small-business resource fair held entirely in Spanish.

Find workshops on how to register your business, marketing, access to capital, and much more. Bring your questions and connect business experts who can help you start or grow your business. Plus, stay for a free dinner!

Time: 2 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Location: Clark College in Vancouver, Wash.

Go to the Emprende website for complete information.

Employment Security will attend, along with representatives from other state and local agencies, such as:

• Secretary of State’s Office.
• State departments of Revenue, Labor & Industries, and Commerce.
• WorkSource.
• City of Vancouver.
• Local organizations that offer free resources and support for small businesses.

Emprende organizers

Go to these websites to learn about the organizers of this year’s event:

• Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs.
• Small Business Liaison Team from the Governor’s Office of Regulatory Innovation and Assistance.
• City of Vancouver.

Find our contact information

Any time you need to respond to a notice from Employment Security, please use the phone number on that notice to reach the right team. If you do not contact the right team, we are not able to forward your call. Instead, we will give you the correct number to call.

If you have other questions related to unemployment taxes or benefits, about Paid Leave or WA Cares reporting, SharedWork and more, reach out!

Find contact information by topic on the Employment Security website. 

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