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Washington ESD also requires you to register with WorkSource and actively search for work while collecting benefits. Just something to keep in mind if you ever need to file.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread! Really comprehensive information that I'm sure will help lots of people understand UI eligibility better.
Definitely! And remember, if you ever need to actually speak with Washington ESD about your specific situation, Claimyr can help you get through to them without the usual phone tree nightmare.
If it helps, you can always try calling Washington ESD directly early in the morning or late in the afternoon when call volume might be lower. Though honestly that Claimyr service mentioned earlier sounds like it might be more reliable.
Last thing to keep in mind - even if you meet the earnings requirement, you still have to be unemployed through no fault of your own. Getting fired for cause or quitting without good reason can disqualify you regardless of your wages.
What counts as 'good reason' for quitting? I left my last job because of a hostile work environment but I'm worried Washington ESD won't consider that valid.
Bottom line for the OP - with $8,000 in earnings you should easily qualify as long as it was spread across at least two quarters and you have at least $2,500 in your highest quarter. The hard part will be actually filing the claim and getting through to Washington ESD if you have questions!
Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I feel much more confident about filing my claim now. Fingers crossed the process goes smoothly.
Bottom line - you're unemployed now and eligible for benefits now. Future employment doesn't change your current situation. Just keep meeting all the weekly requirements until you actually start working.
James Martinez
For what it's worth, I found work at week 18 of my claim last year. Those 26 weeks gave me enough runway to be selective about opportunities instead of taking the first thing that came along.
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StarStrider
•That's encouraging! It's nice to have that buffer to find something that's actually a good fit.
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James Martinez
•Exactly. Don't feel bad about using the time to find the right opportunity rather than rushing into something.
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Olivia Harris
Also remember that if you move out of state, you can still collect Washington UI benefits for the remainder of your claim as long as you continue to meet the requirements.
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StarStrider
•Good to know! I wasn't planning to move but that's useful information.
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Alexander Zeus
•Yeah the benefits follow you, but you still have to register for work in whatever state you move to.
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