WA unemployment compensation bonds.
From $100.
A Washington nonprofit organization that elects the reimbursable method — payments in lieu of contributions — pays the state back for actual unemployment benefits rather than paying tax contributions. Under RCW 50.44.070, the commissioner may require such an organization to file a surety bond, or instead deposit money or securities, to secure that obligation. Premiums are 2% of the bond amount, with a $100 minimum, shown at the application.
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Apply to filed in one sitting.
Enter the amount ESD set, consent to a soft pull, and file with the Department. Here is the whole thing:
Apply once, online
Your business details, the bond amount ESD required, and the effective date — plus a one-time consent to a soft credit pull.
Reviewed & approved
Most clear quickly; if underwriting needs anything, you hear from an underwriter within 48 hours. The credit check is a soft pull that never affects your score.
File with the Employment Security Department
Pay online and receive the executed bond, ready to submit to ESD to keep your reimbursable status. Wet-ink originals mailed whenever the Department insists.
What it is and who needs it.
What the unemployment compensation bond covers
Most Washington employers pay unemployment tax contributions. Some — notably certain nonprofits and government entities — can instead elect the reimbursable (cost-reimbursement) method, under which the Employment Security Department (ESD) pays unemployment claims and then bills the employer for reimbursement.
Because ESD fronts those benefits, RCW 50.44.070 lets the commissioner require a nonprofit organization that elects payments in lieu of contributions to file a surety bond, or instead deposit money or securities, as security for the amounts it will owe. The amount is what the commissioner deems sufficient to cover the reimbursement payments, capped at what the organization would have paid that year under the contribution provisions, and a bond stays in force for at least two taxable years.
It is not insurance for you — if ESD makes a valid claim and the surety pays, you repay the surety. ESD sets the amount based on your expected exposure. Confirm the figure on your ESD notice, enter it, and we issue the bond from $100, with a quick soft credit check that never affects your score.
You need this bond if you are
One application, issued instantly.
These are the actual underwriting fields, including a one-time consent to a soft credit pull. Submit once and your bond is typically issued within 1–2 business days.
Start the application →Common questions.
Other Washington bonds.
Keep your reimbursable status today.
From $100, short application, e-signed bond in 1–2 business days. Free until issued.