Am I eligible for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD?

You should be eligible based on what you described. Washington ESD looks at whether you earned enough wages during your base year (sounds like you did), whether you're unemployed through no fault of your own (layoffs qualify), and whether you're able and available for work. As long as you can pass the job search requirements, you should be fine.

Yes, you likely qualify! For Washington ESD unemployment, you need earnings in at least two quarters of your base period. Since you worked 8 months full-time, you should meet the minimum earnings requirement. The base period is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. You also need to be unemployed through no fault of your own, which sounds like your situation with the restructuring.

You should definitely be eligible! Being let go due to restructuring is considered involuntary separation, which qualifies you for UI benefits. The key things Washington ESD looks at are: you lost your job through no fault of your own, you have sufficient work history (which sounds like you do with almost 2.5 years total), and you're actively seeking work. Don't let the website intimidate you - just start the application process.

The wage requirement is pretty straightforward - you need to have earned wages in at least two quarters of your base year period. Since you worked 8 months that should cover it easily. The tricky part is sometimes proving you were laid off vs fired for cause.

You might be eligible! Washington ESD doesn't require full-time work to qualify. The main requirements are: you must have earned enough wages during your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters), you must be unemployed through no fault of your own, you must be able and available for work, and you must actively search for work. Since you were let go due to restructuring, that should count as being unemployed through no fault of your own.

I was in a similar situation and qualified easily. The main thing is that 'restructuring' definitely counts as involuntary separation. You weren't fired for misconduct or anything like that. Just make sure when you file that you explain exactly what happened - that your position was eliminated due to company restructuring.

Definitely apply! Part-time workers can absolutely get unemployment in Washington. I was working part-time when I got laid off and qualified just fine. The worst they can do is say no, but if you were working steadily for 8 months you probably have enough wage history. You can apply online through the Washington ESD website.

just went through this myself. definitely apply but be prepared for it to take forever to get approved. my claim was stuck in adjudication for over a month

The Washington ESD website has an eligibility checker tool, but honestly it's pretty basic. Your situation sounds straightforward though - involuntary job loss after working full-time for 8 months should definitely qualify you. Just make sure you have all your employment info ready when you file online.

Just apply - the worst they can do is deny you and then you can appeal if you think they're wrong. The eligibility interview process will determine if you qualify. But from what you described you should definitely be eligible for regular UI benefits.

Just a heads up - even if you qualify, you'll need to do job searches every week and report them. It's 3 job search activities per week minimum. Also make sure you file your weekly claim every week or you won't get paid for that week.

The Washington ESD eligibility is pretty straightforward for your situation. You need to have worked in Washington and earned enough wages, which you clearly have. The restructuring is definitely qualifying separation. One thing though - you'll need to be actively looking for work and report your job search activities weekly. Are you prepared for that requirement?

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I needed to check on my claim status. Ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Might be worth looking into if you run into issues reaching them by phone.

One thing to watch out for - if you have any issues with your claim getting stuck in adjudication, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you actually get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com and their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me weeks of trying to call myself when my claim got held up.

Make sure you apply as soon as possible! There's a waiting week but benefits are calculated from when you first file, not when you get approved. And definitely keep applying for jobs - that's a ongoing requirement while you collect.

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my eligibility. Their phone lines are always busy and it's super frustrating. I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to an actual ESD agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

Ugh the whole system is such a nightmare. Even if you qualify it takes forever and they make you jump through so many hoops. You have to do job searches every week and report everything. It's like a part time job just to get benefits.

Don't stress too much about the eligibility - it sounds like you clearly qualify. The hard part is actually getting through to Washington ESD when you need help. I've been trying to call them for weeks about my claim status and can never get through. If you run into that problem, I recently discovered this service called Claimyr that helps people get connected to ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

ugh the washington esd website is so confusing... i tried to figure out eligibility myself and gave up. just call them directly if you can get through

wait so if i was fired can i still get unemployment? i thought you had to be laid off

One thing to keep in mind - there's a one week waiting period before you can receive benefits, even if approved immediately. So your first payable week would be your second week of unemployment. Also make sure you file your weekly claims every week even while your initial claim is being processed.

There are also some disqualifying factors to be aware of - if you quit without good cause, were fired for misconduct, or aren't available for full-time work. But layoffs due to budget cuts are definitely qualifying separations.

ugh the washington esd system is so confusing!! I'm going through the same thing trying to figure out if i qualify. Been unemployed for 2 weeks now and still haven't filed because im scared ill mess something up. Did you end up applying yet??

Just wanted to chime in that I was also let go due to 'restructuring' last year and had no problems getting approved for unemployment. The process was actually smoother than I expected once I got started. The key is just being honest and thorough in your application.

The earnings requirement in Washington is pretty reasonable compared to some states. You need to have earned at least $3,850 in your base period, with earnings in at least two quarters. Working full-time retail for 8 months you definitely hit that threshold.

Make sure you understand the difference between being fired and being laid off. Restructuring usually falls under layoff, which is good for your unemployment claim. If you were actually terminated for performance or misconduct, that would be different. But what you're describing sounds like a clear case of eligible separation.

I hate to be negative but just be prepared for potential delays. My friend applied in December and is still waiting for her claim to be processed. Washington ESD has been really backed up lately. But definitely still apply - you can't get benefits if you don't file!

You mentioned working retail - just FYI that some retail workers think they don't qualify for unemployment but that's not true. As long as you weren't working as an independent contractor and were paying into the UI system through payroll taxes, you should be eligible. Retail workers absolutely can and should file for unemployment when they lose their jobs involuntarily.

The application process isn't too bad once you get started. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and bank account info if you want direct deposit. Make sure you apply as soon as possible after losing your job because there's a waiting week.

I was in a similar situation - part time retail worker who got let go. Definitely qualified for benefits. Your 8 months of steady work should be enough wage history. The amount you get depends on your earnings but even part-time workers can get a decent weekly benefit amount.

Don't forget you'll need to file weekly claims even after you're approved. Miss a week and you won't get paid for that week. Set a reminder on your phone or something.

Just apply online honestly. The Washington ESD website walks you through everything step by step. Don't overthink it - if you don't qualify they'll tell you, but from what you described you should be fine. The sooner you apply the sooner you can start getting benefits.

Also make sure your job search is genuine - don't just apply to random jobs you're not qualified for. Washington ESD wants to see that you're making a good faith effort to find suitable work in your field or related fields.

Make sure you understand the work search requirements before you start filing weekly claims. You need to be actively looking for work and able to accept suitable work offers. Since you were in retail, they'll expect you to look for similar positions unless you have good reason to change industries.

Don't forget you also have to be able and available for work. That means you can't have any restrictions that would prevent you from accepting suitable employment. And you have to be actively seeking work.

The monetary eligibility is based on your highest earning quarter during the base year period. So even if you had some lower earning periods, one good quarter can make you eligible.

The Washington ESD website has an eligibility tool that can help you figure out if you qualify before you actually file. Might be worth checking that out first if you're still unsure. But honestly, based on what you've described, you sound like a pretty straightforward eligible case.

If your claim does get complicated or stuck, definitely consider using Claimyr to get through to an actual person at Washington ESD. I was skeptical at first but it really works when you need to talk to someone urgently about your claim status.

UGH the Washington ESD system is so confusing. I've been trying to figure out my eligibility for weeks and keep getting different answers. The website is helpful but sometimes you really need to talk to a person to understand your specific situation.

Make sure you have all your employment information ready when you file - previous employer details, dates of employment, reason for separation, etc. Having everything organized makes the process much smoother.

One thing to keep in mind is that even if you're eligible, you'll still have to complete the waiting week before you start receiving benefits. So don't panic if you don't get paid immediately after filing. That's normal.

been through this process twice now and both times i qualified even though i was worried i wouldn't. the washington esd people are actually pretty helpful once you get through to them. just be patient with the system

Don't forget that you can file online through the SecureAccess Washington portal. It's much easier than calling in your claim. The website walks you through everything step by step. Just have your Social Security number, employment history, and bank info ready.

Your situation sounds exactly like mine was 6 months ago. Retail job, restructuring, similar work history. I was approved within 2 weeks and have been getting benefits ever since. Don't let anxiety keep you from filing - you've got this!

Just remember that unemployment benefits are insurance that you paid into while you were working. You're not taking charity - you're using a benefit you earned. That helped me feel less weird about filing when I was in your situation.

Washington ESD is pretty reasonable about eligibility in my experience. They're not trying to trick you or deny valid claims. If you lost your job through no fault of your own and have sufficient work history, you should be approved. The application process is straightforward too.

I always tell people to file as soon as possible after losing their job. There's no penalty for filing and being denied, but there can be consequences for waiting too long to file. Better to start the process and find out you qualify than to wait and potentially miss out on benefits.

Update us when you file! I'm curious how it goes since I might be in a similar situation soon. My company has been talking about more restructuring and I want to be prepared just in case.

i was eligible but my claim got stuck for weeks because they couldnt verify my identity or something stupid like that. the system is so broken

The good news is Washington state has relatively generous unemployment benefits compared to other states. If you're eligible, the weekly benefit amount is calculated based on your earnings during the base year.

Just remember that unemployment is taxable income, so you might want to elect to have taxes withheld from your benefits to avoid a surprise at tax time.

Based on your situation - layoff due to budget cuts, 8 months of work, and actively job searching - you should definitely be eligible. The application process isn't too complicated once you get started.

One last tip - keep copies of everything you submit and document all your job search activities from day one. Having good records makes everything easier if questions come up later.

Hope it all works out for you! Unemployment can be stressful but at least Washington has a decent system once you get through the initial application process.

If you do run into issues getting through to Washington ESD by phone, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier really does work. I was stuck in adjudication hell until I used them to actually reach an agent who could explain what was happening with my claim.

Good luck with your claim! Remember that even if you get denied initially, you have appeal rights. Don't give up if you truly believe you're eligible.

One thing to keep in mind is that if you have any issues with your claim like adjudication or identity verification, it can delay your benefits significantly. Make sure all your information is accurate when you apply to avoid complications.

I think you'll qualify based on what you described. 8 months of part-time work should definitely give you enough wage credits. The key things are: you lost your job through no fault of your own (restructuring counts), you're able and available to work, and you're actively seeking employment. Go ahead and apply!

Pro tip - when you file, make sure you select the right reason for separation. 'Lack of work' or 'layoff' would be appropriate for restructuring. Don't put 'quit' or 'fired for cause' or you'll get disqualified.

If you run into any issues during the process, document everything. Save emails, take screenshots, keep notes of phone calls. The Washington ESD system can be glitchy and having records helps if you need to appeal anything later.

The online application is pretty straightforward but make sure you have a good internet connection. I had mine time out halfway through and had to start over. Also print or save a copy of everything you submit.

You mentioned you're 22 and this was your first full-time job - that's totally normal! Don't let anyone make you feel bad about filing for unemployment. You paid into the system through your payroll taxes and you're entitled to benefits if you qualify.

One more thing - if your claim gets approved, the amount you receive is based on your earnings during the base period. In Washington, the weekly benefit amount is roughly 3.85% of your average quarterly wages during the two highest-earning quarters of your base period.

I had a similar situation where I got laid off from my first job after about 6 months. Was worried I wouldn't qualify but I did. The key thing is having worked in multiple quarters and earning enough. Sounds like you're good on both counts.

Make sure you also register with WorkSource WA when you file your claim. It's required for most claimants and helps with the job search tracking. You can do it online at worksourcewa.com.

I was in a similar boat last year and ended up needing to contact Washington ESD about my claim status. The regular phone lines were impossible so I used Claimyr to get through to an agent. Really helped speed things up when I was stuck in adjudication. Worth considering if you hit any roadblocks.

The most important thing is to file as soon as possible. Benefits can only be paid starting from the week you file your initial claim, so don't wait. Even if you're not 100% sure about eligibility, it's better to apply and find out than to wait and potentially lose weeks of benefits.

Just want to add - if you get denied for any reason, don't give up! You have the right to appeal and many denials get overturned. Sometimes there are just miscommunications or errors in the initial review.

One last tip - if you need help during the process and can't get through on the phone, sometimes the local WorkSource offices can provide assistance with unemployment claims. They might be able to help answer questions or point you in the right direction.

Honestly, your situation sounds pretty straightforward for approval. Involuntary separation after 8 months of full-time work should definitely qualify you. The main thing is just being patient with the process and staying on top of your weekly claims while you wait for approval.