Employment Security Department

What Employment Security Department does

The Employment Security Department (ESD) is a Washington State government agency, headquartered in Olympia, that administers the state's unemployment insurance program, the Paid Family and Medical Leave program, and a portfolio of workforce development services for workers and employers. It was established under its current structure in 2006 and traces its statutory origin to 1939. Its core products comprise unemployment benefits (eligibility-based, tax-free weekly payments to displaced workers), Paid Family and Medical Leave (premium-funded paid time off for family and medical events, with employee premiums at 0.74% of wages), the SharedWork layoff-prevention program, WorkSource (job search, training referrals, and career counseling delivered through a statewide center network), and supporting programs including the Training Benefits Program, Self-Employment Assistance Program, Work Opportunity Tax Credit, Federal Bonding, YesVets veteran hiring, and Labor Market Information.

ESD's underlying technology is a digital government services platform built around SecureAccess Washington (the state's single sign-on), an eServices portal for individual claimants, an Employer Account Management System (EAMS) for employer tax and wage reporting, the WorkSource job portal, and the Paid Leave Washington portal. Distribution is hybrid: in-person WorkSource centers, self-serve online portals, telephone support with interpretation in 16 languages, and a community-based channel via the Unemployment Insurance Navigator Program that partners with nine community organizations to reach underserved populations. Accessibility is partial WCAG 2.1 Level AA conformance.

ESD is funded by employer unemployment insurance taxes (experience-rated), federal grants from the U.S. Department of Labor (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Trade Adjustment Assistance, Navigator Program funding), and Paid Leave premiums collected through payroll. The agency does not charge claimants or job seekers; employer-side tax compliance and wage reporting is mandatory. Operating geographies are restricted to Washington State, USA.

Name

Employment Security Department

Legal name

Employment Security Department

Website

https://esd.wa.gov

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

The Employment Security Department is a Washington State government agency that administers unemployment insurance, Paid Family and Medical Leave, and workforce development programs for the state's workers and employers through WorkSource centers, online portals, and multilingual community outreach.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Government Workforce Services

NAICS

Administration of Human Resource Programs (except Education, Public Health, and Veterans' Affairs Programs) (92313)

SIC

Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

State/Provincial Labor, Employment Standards & Workforce Development Administration (BPAIABAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Unemployment Insurance & Employment Support Benefits (BPAIAKAB), Dislocated Worker & Rapid Response / Reemployment Programs (EDAAAOAF)

Keywords

• Unemployment insurance
• Paid family leave
• Workforce development
• Employer tax services
• Labor market information

Headquarters

HQ city

Olympia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Employer Unemployment Tax Collection: The agency collects unemployment insurance taxes from Washington state employers, which fund unemployment benefits for workers who lose their jobs. Tax rates are determined based on employer experience ratings and fund status.
2. Federal Grants and Programs: Funding from the U.S. Department of Labor for workforce development programs, Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), and federal disaster unemployment assistance
3. Paid Family & Medical Leave Premiums: State-mandated paid leave program funded through employee premiums (0.74% of wages) and employer contributions, administered by ESD in partnership with the Paid Leave Washington program

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Employment Security Department (ESD) is a Washington State government agency that administers unemployment insurance benefits, Paid Family & Medical Leave, and workforce development services. It operates the eServices portal for individual claimants, the EAMS portal for employer tax and wage reporting, the WorkSource job search network, and the SharedWork layoff-prevention program, funded primarily through employer unemployment taxes, federal grants, and Paid Leave premiums.

Product overview

The Employment Security Department (ESD) of Washington State operates a unified government services platform consisting of multiple interconnected programs. The core offerings include: eServices (individual online portal for unemployment claims), EAMS (employer tax and claims management system), Unemployment Benefits (direct financial assistance), Paid Family & Medical Leave (paid time off program), and SharedWork (layoff prevention alternative). Supporting services include WorkSource (job search/employment services), Training Benefits Program, Self-Employment Assistance Program, Work Opportunity Tax Credit, Federal Bonding, YesVets veteran hiring program, and Labor Market Information. These programs are interconnected through shared authentication (SecureAccess Washington) and data systems, enabling coordinated workforce development services across the state.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• eServices: Online portal for individuals and employers to manage unemployment benefits, file claims, and access services
• SharedWork
• WorkSource
• Paid Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Leave

Products and services

• eServices Online portal enabling individuals to apply for unemployment benefits, submit weekly claims, manage claims, restart claims, pay overpayments, and look up past wages. Built for Washington workers who have lost their jobs or need unemployment assistance.
• EAMS (Employer Account Management System) Online system for employers to file quarterly tax and wage reports, pay unemployment taxes, manage employee unemployment claims, send secure messages, view correspondence, and file appeals. Built for Washington state businesses required to comply with unemployment tax obligations.
• Paid Family & Medical Leave (Paid Leave) State benefit program providing eligible Washington workers with paid time off for family or medical reasons including bonding with a new child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, or military family readiness. Premium-funded at 0.74% of wages.
• SharedWork Program Alternative to layoffs that allows employers to reduce employee hours while workers receive prorated unemployment benefits, helping businesses retain employees during economic uncertainty. Celebrating 43 years of operation.
• WorkSource Job search and employment services platform helping job seekers find work or career paths, with services available virtually and in person through local offices as part of the statewide WorkSource network.
• Unemployment Benefits Financial assistance program for workers who have lost their jobs, providing weekly tax-free benefit payments subject to eligibility requirements including job search activities. No application fees charged.
• Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Federal tax credit program for employers who hire individuals from certain target groups who have faced barriers to employment. Administered by ESD on behalf of Washington employers.
• Training Benefits Program Program providing extended unemployment benefits to eligible workers who are in approved training, helping them gain new skills for reemployment.
• Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP) Program helping eligible individuals start their own businesses by providing financial support while they develop business plans and launch ventures.
• Federal Bonding Program Program providing fidelity bonds to employers who hire individuals who may be considered high-risk, covering the first six months of employment at no cost to the employer.
• YesVets Veteran Hiring Program Program connecting employers with veteran job seekers, providing recognition and support for businesses that hire veterans.
• Labor Market Information Data and research services providing employment statistics, wage data, occupational information, county profiles, and economic reports for Washington state.

Quantifiable outcome

• Washington unemployment rate remained at 5.2% for May 2026 with economy gaining 10,600 jobs
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• WorkSource WashingtoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide network of WorkSource centers providing integrated employment services including job search assistance, career counseling, training referrals, and employer services. Part of the American Job Center network.
• Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndependent state agency that conducts appeal hearings for unemployment benefits and tax cases. Receives ESD appeals and schedules telephone hearings or brief adjudicative proceedings.
• Unemployment Insurance Navigator Community PartnerscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNine community organizations receiving federal funding to help underserved communities access unemployment benefits. Part of $2.1 million program administered by ESD in 2024.
• Washington Relay ServiceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide telephone relay service for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities. Access number: 711.
• U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL)coreOthersFederal agency providing funding for workforce programs including Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants, and oversight of unemployment insurance programs.
• Unemployment Insurance Advisory Committee (UIAC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvisory committee providing guidance on unemployment insurance policies and operations. Includes representation from employers and workers.
• Agricultural and Seasonal Workforce Services Advisory Committee (ASWS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvisory committee for ESD's agricultural and seasonal workforce services operations.
• Governor's Committee on Disability Issues & Employment (GCDE)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState committee advising on disability employment issues, including the Governor's Employer Awards program recognizing employers who hire people with disabilities.
• Paid Leave Advisory CommitteeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvisory committee for the Paid Family & Medical Leave program.
• Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency providing information about free civil legal aid services for individuals needing legal help with unemployment appeals.
• Unemployment Law ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit organization providing free legal help to Washington workers on unemployment issues. Toll-free: 888-441-9178.
• CLEAR / Northwest Justice ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of Northwest Justice Project providing free legal aid services. Toll-free: 888-201-1014.
• Paid Leave WashingtoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSeparate state agency administering the Paid Family & Medical Leave program. ESD provides administrative support and collects premiums through payroll.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Texas Workforce Commission: Texas's state agency administering unemployment benefits, workforce training, and labor market information — directly comparable to ESD as a state-level UI/workforce administrator.
• California Employment Development Department (EDD): California's state agency administering unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and workforce development services — the largest state UI agency by covered worker count, directly comparable to ESD in mandate and program mix.
• New York State Department of Labor: New York's state labor agency administering unemployment insurance, workforce development, and labor market data — directly comparable to ESD across all core program functions.
• Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES): Illinois's state agency administering unemployment insurance and workforce development services — a direct peer with similar program structure and statutory authority.
• Florida Department of Commerce (formerly DEO): Florida's state agency administering Reemployment Assistance (unemployment), workforce programs, and labor market data — directly comparable to ESD's mandate and structure.
• Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD): Massachusetts's umbrella state agency coordinating unemployment insurance, workforce development, and labor market information — directly comparable to ESD's coordinating role.
• Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: Pennsylvania's state labor agency administering UC (unemployment compensation), workforce development, and labor market information — directly comparable to ESD across program mix.
• Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS): Ohio's state agency administering unemployment compensation and workforce programs — directly comparable to ESD's administrative mandate.

Others

• Workday Adaptive Planning: Enterprise cloud platform for workforce planning, payroll, and benefits administration — adjacent technology provider whose capabilities overlap conceptually with the digital services ESD operates internally (EAMS, eServices), though serving private-sector employers rather than public agencies.

Broad incumbents

• U.S. Department of Labor – Employment and Training Administration (ETA): The federal agency that funds and oversees state workforce programs including UI and WIOA — comparable as the broader federal incumbent that sets policy and provides grant funding to state agencies like ESD.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Competitive moat4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/128550557269437
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/employment-security-department
• Instagraminstagram.com/washingtonesd

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Employment Security Department