The Washington Employment Security Department offers workers the possibility of receiving their unemployment benefits by direct deposit. This means your weekly benefits will transfer directly to the bank account you choose. Direct deposit payments provide several benefits. For instance, direct deposit payments usually arrive earlier, you avoid check-cashing fees and don’t have to wait in long lines or spend money on gas or public transportation to get to a bank. This is particularly helpful for people with mobility and transportation issues.  It also simplifies matters when you move to another address because your payments will continue being deposited in your bank account without having to report your change of address to the Washington unemployment office.

However, direct deposit transfers are not an option for everyone. For starters, you need a bank account which not all unemployed workers have. It is also possible that workers who previously applied for a direct deposit payment option change their mind and want to return to traditional check payments. This articles provides a simple guide to help you take control of the payment method of your benefits, whether you prefer direct deposit or to receive checks by mail.

How to Apply for Direct Deposit Payments?

The only way to apply for a direct deposit payment option is online. Any written requests will be returned to the sender. Click here to start off your online application form for direct deposit payments. To complete the application you will need the following information:

1) Your Social Security Number

2) Your bank account’s routing number, account number and type (savings or checking). You can get all this information from your check book.  The first 9 numbers at the bottom of your checks are your bank’s routing number. The next 10 numbers are your bank account number. Notice that if you plan to use a savings account you will need to confirm your routing number with your bank as saving accounts often have internal codes included in the routing number that appears on the check that may cause problems with the direct deposit.

3) Your full name as it appears in the documents you filed with your bank or credit union.

How to Cancel Direct Deposit Payments?

Again, the only way to do this is online. Click here to start the process of cancelling your direct deposit payment option. Press continue at the bottom of the page. The form will then ask you for your Social Security Number and a security question to confirm your identity. Press on ‘I Agree’ and type in your PIN. Select ‘Continue’. Now you have the option of cancelling your direct deposit. Click on the option and confirm your selection.