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Washington unemployment compensation bonds.
From $100.

Under RCW 50.44.070, the commissioner may require a Washington nonprofit that elects the reimbursable method, paying the state back for actual unemployment benefits rather than paying tax contributions, to file a surety bond or instead deposit money or securities. Premiums are 2% of the bond amount, with a $100 minimum.

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Required when ESD asks a reimbursable nonprofit to post security, under RCW 50.44.070

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Amount is set by ESD — sized to your expected benefit exposure

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A quick soft credit check may apply — never a hard inquiry, and it never affects your score

From $100your price at applicationSoft pullnever a hard inquiryFastinstant underwriting for most

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How it works

Three steps. One sitting.

Enter the amount ESD set, consent to a soft pull, and file with the Department. Here is the whole thing:

TODAY · ONLINE

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.

RIGHT AWAY

Approved

Most are approved as soon as you apply. The credit check is a soft pull that never affects your score. If it needs a second look, one to two business days at most.

WHEN YOU PAY

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.

About this bond

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.

RCW 50.44.070 (reimbursable employer security)RCW 50.44.070 — election to make payments in lieu of contributions, bond or deposit — lets the commissioner require a nonprofit organization that elects payments in lieu of contributions to file a surety bond with the commissioner, or instead deposit money or securities, within thirty days of the effective date of its election. The amount is what the commissioner deems sufficient to cover the reimbursement payments that may be required, not to exceed what the organization would have paid that year under the contribution provisions; a bond stays in force for at least two taxable years and the commissioner may require adjustments. Confirm the amount on your ESD notice.

You need this bond if you are

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A reimbursable employer ESD has asked to post a bond or deposit

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A nonprofit electing cost-reimbursement that the commissioner asks to secure its obligations

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A new reimbursable employer ESD wants secured before approving the status

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Maintaining reimbursable status and renewing the security ESD requires

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 issued when you pay.

Start the application →

FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the Washington unemployment compensation bond?Premiums are 2% of the bond amount, with a $100 minimum. The Employment Security Department sets the bond amount, sized to your expected benefit exposure as a reimbursable employer. Enter that figure and your exact price appears at the application.

Who has to post this bond?A nonprofit organization that has elected payments in lieu of contributions and that the commissioner asks to secure its obligations under RCW 50.44.070. Confirm with ESD whether the requirement applies to your organization.

What does the bond guarantee?That you will reimburse ESD for the unemployment benefits it pays on your behalf. Under RCW 50.44.070, failing to pay the full amount when due renders the surety liable on the bond to the extent of the bond. If the surety pays, you repay the surety.

Is there a credit check?A quick soft credit check may apply as part of underwriting — never a hard inquiry, and it never affects your score. Premiums are 2% of the bond amount, with a $100 minimum.

Can I post a deposit instead?RCW 50.44.070 lets ESD accept a bond or a security deposit. A surety bond is usually cheaper than tying up the full amount in cash — you pay a premium from $100 rather than depositing the whole sum. Confirm your options with ESD.

Which A-rated carriers underwrite these bonds?Typically Arch Insurance Company (A.M. Best A+) or Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (A.M. Best A). Which one writes your bond depends on the bond type and your state. The carrier's name and official signature are printed on the bond you receive.

How do I contact Light RFP about this bond?Email insurance@lightrfp.com. It reaches the bond team at Light RFP Risk Management Services LLC (NY DFS License # PC-1978982). Write to us about quotes, applications, bond forms or certificates. We will respond within 24 hours.

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