Washington Revised Code Title 50. Unemployment Compensation § 50.20.140. Filing applications and claims--Definitions

(1) An application for initial determination, a claim for waiting period, or a claim for benefits shall be filed in accordance with such rules as the commissioner may prescribe. An application for an initial determination may be made by any individual whether unemployed or not. Each employer shall post and maintain printed statements of such rules in places readily accessible to individuals in his or her employment and shall make available to each such individual at the time he or she becomes unemployed, a printed statement of such rules and such notices, instructions, and other material as the commissioner may by rule prescribe. Such printed material shall be supplied by the commissioner to each employer without cost to the employer.

(2) The term “application for initial determination” shall mean a request in writing, or by other means as determined by the commissioner, for an initial determination.

(3) The term “claim for waiting period” shall mean a certification, after the close of a given week, that the requirements stated herein for eligibility for waiting period have been met. If RCW 50.20.010(1)(d) is waived, the term “claim for waiting period” is not applicable.

(4) The term “claim for benefits” shall mean a certification, after the close of a given week, that the requirements stated herein for eligibility for receipt of benefits have been met.

(5) A representative designated by the commissioner shall take the application for initial determination and for the claim for waiting period credits or for benefits. When an application for initial determination has been made, the employment security department shall promptly make an initial determination which shall be a statement of the applicant's base year wages, weekly benefit amount, maximum amount of benefits potentially payable, and benefit year. Such determination shall fix the general conditions under which waiting period credit shall be granted and under which benefits shall be paid during any period of unemployment occurring within the benefit year fixed by such determination.