(1) What is a combined wage claim? A combined wage claim is a claim based on wages earned in two or more states. For purposes of this section, "state" means the fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

(2) Where can I file a combined wage claim? You can file a combined wage claim against any state in which you have base period wages and qualify for benefits based on combining those wages with wages from another state(s). The state against which you file your claim will be the paying state.

(3) What is the paying state? The "paying state" is the state against which you file your combined wage claim. You must have base period employment in that state and qualify for unemployment benefits under that state's laws using combined employment and wages.

(4) Can I file a combined wage claim against Washington? Yes. To file a combined wage claim against Washington, you must have base period wages in Washington which, combined with your wages from another state(s), establish a valid Washington claim. If you file your claim against Washington, Washington will be the paying state.

(5) Do I have to reside or physically be in Washington to file a combined wage claim? No. The state where you are a resident is not relevant in deciding the paying state.

(6) Who decides which state is the paying state for a combined wage claim? You are responsible for deciding which state will be the paying state. If you are potentially eligible for a combined wage claim and you contact the department using online services or by phone, you will be provided with:

(a) General information about the combined wage program;

(b) Your options for filing a regular or combined wage claim against Washington or another state(s); and

(c) Contact information for other state(s) in which you worked during your base period.

(7) Am I required to file a combined wage claim? No. Filing a combined wage claim is voluntary. You may choose to file a claim using only wages from a single state.