Bottom line: you need wage credits in at least 2 quarters of your base period, with minimum earnings thresholds. Length of employment at one job doesn't matter as much as total wages earned across the base period quarters.

One thing I'd add is that Washington also has a "waiting week" requirement - even if you qualify for benefits, there's typically a one-week waiting period before payments begin. So factor that into your planning if you're worried about potential job loss. Also, your weekly benefit amount will be based on your wages during the base period, so higher earnings during those quarters mean higher weekly benefits (up to the state maximum).

After helping you get an alternate base year calculation, the ESD representative will need to: 1. Review your wages in the alternate quarters 2. Recalculate your weekly benefit amount 3. Adjust any payments already made If approved, you'll receive a new monetary determination letter showing the updated calculation and benefit amount. This could take 1-2 weeks to process after speaking with them. Make sure to continue filing your weekly claims while waiting for this adjustment! The increased benefit amount (if approved) would be retroactive to when you first filed.

I went through this exact same process last year! Here's what worked for me: When you finally get through to ESD (and you will!), specifically ask for an "alternate base year calculation" and mention that you had a significant wage increase in Q4 2023. Have your pay stubs ready from that quarter to verify the higher wages. One tip that really helped me - when you call, ask to be transferred to a "claims specialist" who can handle ABY requests. Not all representatives are trained to do this, and you don't want to waste time explaining your situation to someone who can't help. The whole process took about 10 days once I got the right person, but the backpay was worth it! Your $5/hour increase should definitely qualify you for the alternate base year. Don't give up - this is exactly what that program is designed for!

THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU FAIL!!!! I never got ANY notification and then they disqualified me for "failure to participate" in WorkSource. Had to appeal and wait NINE WEEKS to get benefits back. ESD claims they sent a letter but I NEVER received it. Now I check my mail like a hawk and call WorkSource every week to make sure I'm not missing anything. THEY DON'T CARE if their communications fail - it's ALWAYS your fault according to them!!

To directly answer your question with the most up-to-date information (as of 2025): ESD's official process is to send notification through at least TWO methods - typically a letter and either an email or portal message. However, in practice, their system often fails to send all notifications. Here's what you should do: 1. Verify your contact information is current in BOTH systems (ESD and WorkSource) 2. Check that you've completed your WorkSourceWA.com registration 3. Call your local WorkSource office directly to ask if you have a scheduled appointment 4. Document all your efforts (dates/times of calls, who you spoke with) Proactive communication will protect you if there's ever a question about whether you complied with requirements. Don't wait for them to contact you if you're approaching the 8-week mark.

Bottom line: Washington ESD gives you up to one year to file but you only get benefits for weeks after filing. So while you technically have a year, practically you should file within days of losing your job. Every week of delay costs you money.

Just wanted to share my experience since I went through this exact same situation last month. I lost my job on a Thursday and was also confused about the timing. After reading different advice online, I decided to file the very next day (Friday) and I'm so glad I did. The online system at secure.esd.wa.gov was pretty straightforward - took me about 20 minutes to complete the initial application. I had my Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and bank info ready which made it go smoothly. My first payment came through about 2.5 weeks later. The key thing I learned is that Washington ESD really doesn't give you any retroactive benefits, so filing immediately is crucial. Even though you technically have up to a year, you're essentially losing money for every week you wait. Hope this helps and good luck with your claim!

One more tip - if your jury duty gets cancelled or you get dismissed early, make sure to update your weekly claim accordingly. Don't report income for days you didn't actually serve.

This thread has been super helpful! I just want to add that if anyone else is in this situation, don't stress too much about it. I went through jury duty while on unemployment benefits about 6 months ago and it was much simpler than I expected. The key is just being transparent with ESD - report the jury pay as "other income" on your weekly claim, keep all your paperwork from the court, and continue your job search activities around your jury schedule. The amount is so small it barely affects your benefits anyway. Most importantly, don't try to hide it or think it's not worth reporting - ESD has ways of finding out and the penalties for unreported income are way worse than just being honest upfront.