By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
The Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) is reaching out to marginalized job seekers who might qualify for unemployment benefits, aiming to bridge the gap in equitable access. This initiative is part of a U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) grant designed to promote equitable access to unemployment benefits and ensure that no eligible worker is left behind.
“Equity is one of Employment Security’s core values,” says Employment Security Commissioner Cami Feek. “So, reaching out to job seekers who may have barriers to unemployment benefits is extremely important.” The outreach campaign targets specific groups who might not apply for benefits due to lack of awareness or understanding.
As part of this project, ESD is sending letters to job seekers who may face barriers in accessing unemployment benefits. These barriers include not knowing about the benefits, their eligibility, how to apply, or the advantages of applying. The targeted recipients typically:
• Have had stable employment with one employer for several quarters.
• Experience a significant drop in hours without finding another job in the most recent quarter.
• Are eligible for unemployment benefits.
• Work in low-wage positions in industries where employees are less likely to apply for benefits.
On March 13, ESD mailed approximately 10,000 letters as part of a pilot project. Over the next few months, an additional 60,000 letters will be sent to separate groups of job seekers. According to USDOL, marginalized job seekers are less likely to apply for unemployment benefits, highlighting the necessity of this outreach.
This project also aims to evaluate whether providing additional timely information can improve access to benefits for these job seekers. As part of the grant, ESD is reviewing and analyzing response rates from claimants and will report the results to USDOL later this year.
In addition to the letters, ESD has launched the Unemployment Insurance Navigator Program, funded with $2 million from USDOL, to reach potential claimants in underserved communities. The program involves nine community-based organizations in Washington that have received grant money to help potential claimants better understand and access available benefits.
“Equity eliminates barriers that have been entrenched in our systems,” says Feek. “We always strive to make our benefits available to all who qualify.” This program reflects a concerted effort to ensure that every eligible worker has the opportunity to benefit from unemployment insurance, especially those from underserved and marginalized communities.
The outreach initiative and the Navigator Program underscore ESD’s commitment to equity and accessibility. By providing timely and relevant information, the department aims to empower job seekers with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the unemployment benefits system successfully. This proactive approach not only helps individual job seekers but also strengthens the overall workforce by ensuring that all workers have access to the support they need during times of job loss.
The ESD’s efforts are a model for other states looking to improve access to unemployment benefits and promote equity within their systems. By addressing the unique challenges faced by marginalized job seekers, the department is taking significant steps toward a more inclusive and supportive employment security framework.
As the project progresses, the results will provide valuable insights into how targeted outreach and support can enhance benefit accessibility. These findings will inform future initiatives and policies aimed at reducing disparities and ensuring that all eligible workers can benefit from the support systems in place.