Am I qualified for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD?

You should definitely qualify! Washington ESD requires you to have earned at least $1,015 in your highest quarter and total wages of at least 1.5 times your highest quarter earnings during your base period. With $28k in 8 months, you're well above those thresholds. The key is that you were laid off through no fault of your own, which sounds like your situation.

yeah you should be fine, i got approved with way less work history than that. just make sure you have all your employer info ready when you file online

The Washington ESD eligibility requirements are pretty straightforward. You need sufficient wages during your base period (which you have), you must be unemployed through no fault of your own (layoffs qualify), and you must be able and available for work. Since you were laid off due to budget cuts, that's considered involuntary separation and you should qualify. Just be honest on your application about the reason for separation.

I had a similar situation last year and ended up using Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my eligibility. The phone lines are always busy but they have this service that calls for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Really helpful when you need to talk to someone about your specific situation. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ and the website is claimyr.com if you end up needing to reach someone.

Make sure you understand the work search requirements too! Washington ESD requires you to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. This includes applying for jobs, networking, attending job fairs, etc. You'll need to report these activities when you file your weekly claims.

File your claim ASAP on the Washington ESD website. The process is pretty straightforward but make sure you have your SSN, employment history for the last 18 months, and your employer's details ready. If you get stuck during the application, don't close the browser - you can save and come back to it later.

ugh the washington esd system is so confusing! i've been trying to figure out if i qualify too and getting different answers everywhere. seems like if you worked and got laid off you should be fine though

One thing to watch out for - if you have any gaps in employment or previous jobs that ended in termination, be prepared to explain those. Washington ESD looks at your entire work history during the base period, not just your most recent job. But since you were laid off due to budget cuts, that's clearly not your fault.

Just want to add that if you do get approved, your weekly benefit amount will be based on your earnings during the highest quarter of your base period. With $28k over 8 months, you should get a decent weekly amount. The maximum in Washington is around $1,019 per week but most people get less based on their earnings.

Don't overthink it - just file! The worst thing that happens is they say no, but based on what you've described, you clearly qualify. I was in almost the exact same situation (retail layoff after 6 months) and got approved within a week. The Washington ESD eligibility requirements are designed to help people who lose jobs through no fault of their own.

I'm going through the same thing right now! Got laid off from my restaurant job 2 weeks ago and just got approved for Washington ESD benefits. The application process was easier than I expected. Just answer the questions honestly and have your employment info ready. If you're unsure about anything, there are resources to help.

THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN! Been trying to get answers about my claim for weeks and can't get through to anyone at Washington ESD. Phone lines are always busy, online chat never works, and my claim is stuck in some kind of review process. At least you're starting fresh - maybe you'll have better luck than those of us already in the system!

Quick tip: when you file your initial claim, you'll get a confirmation number. SAVE THAT NUMBER! You'll need it for reference if you have to call or if there are any issues with your claim. Also, set up your online account right away so you can file weekly claims and check your status.

You mentioned working in retail - just make sure your employer reports your layoff correctly to Washington ESD. Sometimes there are delays if the employer doesn't submit the separation information promptly. But don't let that stop you from filing your claim right away.

I used Claimyr last month when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD about my adjudication issue. Honestly saved me so much time and frustration. The service connects you directly with an agent instead of sitting on hold for hours. Worth knowing about if you run into any problems with your claim process.

Based on everything you've shared, you definitely qualify for Washington ESD unemployment benefits. 8 months of consistent work, involuntary layoff, and earnings well above the minimum thresholds. File your claim today and don't stress about it. The system works for straightforward cases like yours.