Can I get Washington ESD unemployment if I only worked 2 months?

You might still be eligible! Washington ESD looks at your earnings over the past 18 months, not just your most recent job. They use something called your 'base year' to calculate benefits. If you worked before that 6-month gap, those earnings might count toward your claim.

same boat here, worked 3 months then got cut. applied anyway and got approved. worst they can say is no right?

The key thing to understand is Washington ESD uses a base year calculation. You need to have earned at least $1,685 during your base year AND have earnings in at least two quarters. Your base year is typically the first four of the last five completed quarters before you file. Even with just 2 months at your recent job, if you worked before that gap, you could definitely qualify.

I was in a similar situation last year and had trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check my claim status. If you need to reach them by phone, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really saved me a lot of frustration with busy signals.

THE SYSTEM IS SO BROKEN! I worked for years and still had to fight for my benefits. They make it so complicated on purpose to discourage people from applying. Don't let them intimidate you - apply anyway!

just apply online, its pretty straightforward. took me like 20 minutes

One thing to keep in mind - make sure you file as soon as possible. There's no waiting period requirement, and you can't get benefits for weeks before you actually file your claim. So even if you're unsure about eligibility, it's better to apply sooner rather than later.

i worked part time for 4 months and got unemployment so youll probably be fine. just make sure you report all your previous employers when you apply

Wait, I'm confused about this base year thing. If I worked January through August last year, then was unemployed until October, then worked October-December and got laid off, what counts as my base year?

I had a similar situation but mine went into adjudication because they needed to verify my employment dates. Just be prepared that it might not be automatic approval if your work history is complicated.

The monetary determination letter will show you exactly what they're counting for your benefits. Don't stress too much about calculating it yourself - just apply and let them do the math.

omg yes apply!! i was so worried about not qualifying but i did. the worst thing that happens is they say no and youre in the same spot anyway

Make sure you keep documentation of your layoff too. Sometimes they want to verify that you didn't quit voluntarily, especially if you haven't been working very long.

This whole thread is making me feel better about my own situation. I worked 6 months, got laid off, worked 1 month somewhere else, then got laid off again. Was afraid to apply but sounds like I should just do it.

just remember you still have to do the job search requirements even if you only worked 2 months. dont forget about that part

I worked seasonal retail for 3 months and got unemployment when the season ended. Definitely possible with short employment periods!

The key is having enough earnings in your base year period. Even if recent job was short, your previous work history matters a lot for Washington ESD eligibility.

Good luck! Hope everything works out. Keep us posted on how it goes.

One last tip - when you file, make sure your contact information is current and check your account regularly. Sometimes they need additional info and if you miss those requests it can delay everything.