Can I apply for unemployment benefits with Washington ESD - eligibility question

Thank you! How do I know what my base period is exactly? I started my job in March 2024 and was laid off in December 2024.

For a claim filed in 2025, your base period would likely be January 2024 through December 2024, so you should definitely qualify based on your work timeline.

I have all that information. Should I file immediately or wait? I heard there's a waiting period.

File as soon as possible! There's no waiting week in Washington anymore, and benefits can only be paid from the date you file your claim, not retroactively.

That's reassuring to hear! Did you have any issues with the application process?

The only hiccup I had was that I couldn't get through to Washington ESD when I had a question about my claim status. I ended up using a service called Claimyr that helped me get connected to an actual person. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Do I need to start job searching immediately or can I take a week to get organized first?

You need to be actively job searching from the week you file your claim. Don't delay - the requirements start right away.

Actually, you have to complete the job search activities during the week you're claiming benefits for, not necessarily the week you file. But yeah, start ASAP.

Oh no, that sounds frustrating! Is the website more reliable now?

i think it's better now but still not perfect. try to apply during off-peak hours like early morning or late evening

Is there a minimum amount you have to have earned to qualify?

Yes, you need to have earned at least $7,000 in your base period, with at least $1,000 in your highest earning quarter. Based on your work history, you should easily meet these requirements.

How do I file the weekly claims? Is it online too?

Yes, you can file weekly claims online or by phone. I always do it online on Sunday nights - it only takes a few minutes once you get used to it.

Yikes, 6 weeks? What does adjudication mean exactly?

Adjudication is when Washington ESD needs to investigate something about your claim - like if there's a question about why you left your job. They have to make a determination before they can approve or deny your benefits.

This is exactly when something like Claimyr comes in handy - if your claim gets stuck in adjudication, it's really hard to get through to Washington ESD to check on the status or provide additional information.

Good point about keeping copies. Should I print everything out or are digital copies okay?

Digital copies are fine, but make sure you organize them well. You might need to reference them later if there are any questions about your claim.

I'm definitely able and available to work. What counts as 'actively seeking employment'?

Actively seeking means you're making genuine efforts to find work - applying for jobs, networking, attending job fairs, etc. You can't just register with WorkSource and call it good.

I'm definitely feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the requirements. Did you have any specific resources that helped you understand everything?

the Washington ESD website has a lot of good info but it's kind of scattered. i ended up calling them a few times to clarify things which was a pain but worth it

I think I might already have a SAW account from when I renewed my driver's license online. Can I use the same one?

Yes, absolutely! That will save you some time. You'll link your unemployment account to your existing SAW account during the application process.

That's good to know. I was thinking of giving myself a week to really focus on job applications first, but sounds like I should file immediately.

Definitely file immediately. You can be job searching while your claim is being processed, and like I said, you can't get benefits for weeks before you filed.

My employer said it was due to 'restructuring' - would that be the same as a layoff?

Yes, restructuring that results in job elimination is typically considered a layoff. Just be honest about the circumstances when you fill out the application.

Do the payments come by direct deposit or check?

you can choose either direct deposit or they'll send you a debit card. direct deposit is faster

I hadn't thought about taxes. What percentage should I have withheld?

You can have 10% federal tax withheld. Washington state doesn't have state income tax, so you don't need to worry about that.

That sounds really useful! How much does something like that cost?

I'm not sure about the exact cost, but it was worth it for me to avoid spending hours on hold. The peace of mind knowing I could actually talk to someone about my claim was valuable.

I'm not in a union and didn't get severance, so I think I'm good there. Thanks for mentioning it though!

Thank you everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about applying now. I'm going to gather my documents and file my claim this weekend.

You're welcome! Remember, the sooner you file, the sooner you can start receiving benefits. Good luck with your job search too!

I hadn't considered that option. Is there a time limit on how long you can receive benefits while training?

It depends on the specific program, but some training programs can extend your benefit period. You'd need to get approval from Washington ESD before starting any training though.

That's exactly what I'm hoping for - some time to find the right opportunity rather than rushing into something I might regret later.