Can I get unemployment benefits in Washington - eligibility requirements?

You'll need to meet the monetary eligibility requirements first. Washington ESD looks at your wages in your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters). You need at least $1,000 in wages during your base period and wages in at least 680 hours of work. Since you worked 8 months, you should have enough hours. The wage requirement varies but is typically around $5,000-6,000 total in your base period.

You also need to be able and available for work, which means actively looking for a job. Washington ESD requires you to register with WorkSource and conduct at least 3 job search activities per week. Keep detailed records of your job search because they can audit you at any time.

Just a heads up - the Washington ESD phone system is absolutely terrible if you need to talk to someone. I spent hours trying to get through when I had questions about my claim. If you run into issues and need to actually speak with an agent, there's a service called Claimyr that can help you get through. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

wait so if i quit my job can i still get benefits? i hate my current job and want to leave but need the money

The application process itself is pretty straightforward on the Washington ESD website. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and banking information for direct deposit. Make sure you file your claim as soon as possible after your last day of work - there's no waiting period in Washington, so you can potentially get benefits for your first week of unemployment.

One thing to keep in mind is that if you're approved, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to get paid. Miss a week and you won't get benefits for that week. It's every Sunday night deadline, and you have to report any work or income you had that week.

I went through this process last year and it was honestly pretty smooth. My biggest advice is to be completely honest on your application. Don't try to hide anything or exaggerate - Washington ESD will verify everything with your employers anyway. If there are any discrepancies, your claim could go into adjudication which can delay your benefits for weeks.

does anyone know how much you actually get paid? like what percentage of your wages?

The whole system is such a pain honestly. I've been dealing with Washington ESD for months trying to resolve an overpayment issue and every time I call I get hung up on or told something different. At least the initial application process works most of the time.

Just want to add that you should apply even if you're not 100% sure you qualify. Let Washington ESD make the determination rather than self-rejecting. The worst they can do is deny your claim, but you might be surprised and get approved.

Also remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your weekly payments or pay them later when you file your tax return. I'd recommend having them withheld so you don't get hit with a big tax bill next year.

The WorkSource requirement is no joke by the way. They do random audits and if you can't provide proof of your job search activities, they'll disqualify you and make you pay back benefits. Keep screenshots, emails, anything that shows you're actively looking for work.

I had to deal with adjudication when I first applied because there was some confusion about my termination date. It took about 6 weeks to resolve and was incredibly stressful. The key is to respond to any requests for information immediately and be persistent if you need to talk to someone. That's when services like Claimyr really come in handy.

One last tip - once you're approved and start receiving benefits, don't spend them all immediately. Sometimes Washington ESD finds issues weeks or months later and demands repayment. Keep some money set aside just in case. It's rare but it happens.

honestly the whole thing seems way more complicated than it needs to be but at least washington is better than some states. good luck with your application!