Can stay-at-home mom collect unemployment benefits from Washington ESD?

Unfortunately, if you voluntarily quit your job 2 years ago to stay home, you won't qualify for regular Washington ESD unemployment benefits. The system requires you to have lost your job through no fault of your own - like being laid off or having your position eliminated. Voluntary quits typically disqualify you unless there were very specific circumstances.

I was in a similar boat last year. The Washington ESD looks at your work history over the past 18 months to determine if you qualify. Since you haven't worked in 2 years, you probably don't have enough recent earnings to establish a claim. You need to have worked and earned wages during what they call the 'base period' to be eligible.

I actually tried filing a claim after being out of work for 18 months and hit the same wall. Washington ESD has really strict requirements about recent work history. Have you considered looking into WorkSource programs instead? They have job training and placement services that might be more helpful for your situation. You can also check if you qualify for any assistance programs while you're job hunting.

Just went through this whole process myself and it's frustrating how hard it is to get straight answers from Washington ESD. I spent weeks trying to get through on their phone lines just to confirm I didn't qualify. If you do decide to call them anyway to double-check your situation, I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - it's a service that helps you actually get through to a live agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of busy signals and getting hung up on.

This whole system is so backwards! Why should someone who's been taking care of their family be penalized when they try to re-enter the workforce? It's like they punish you for doing the responsible thing. The whole unemployment system assumes everyone follows the same career path without any life circumstances.

Wait, are you sure about the base period thing? I thought it was 12 months, not 18? And what if she had some part-time work or gig work during those 2 years - would that count toward establishing a claim?

This is all really helpful but also discouraging. I did do some babysitting and house cleaning for neighbors over the past year, but it was all cash under the table. I'm guessing that doesn't count as 'covered employment' for Washington ESD purposes?

I'm actually a former Washington ESD worker and can confirm what others have said. Stay-at-home parents who voluntarily left work years ago typically won't qualify for regular UI benefits. The system requires recent covered wages AND involuntary job separation. However, there are some edge cases - if you left your previous job due to domestic violence, serious illness, or certain other circumstances, those might qualify as 'good cause' even after time has passed.

Have you looked into whether you might qualify for any other assistance programs while you're job searching? SNAP, WIC, housing assistance - those might bridge the gap while you're getting back into the workforce. The unemployment system is just one piece of the social safety net.

One thing to consider - even if you don't qualify for benefits now, if you start working again and then lose that job involuntarily, you'd potentially qualify for unemployment at that point (assuming you work long enough to meet the wage requirements). So don't completely write off the system forever.

I'm going through something similar after taking time off for my elderly parent. The whole process is so complicated and every time I try to call Washington ESD I get a busy signal or get disconnected. Finally used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and got through to an actual person who could explain my specific situation. Even though I didn't qualify, at least I got a real answer instead of guessing.

ugh the whole system is such a mess. they make it impossible to get help when you actually need it

Just want to add that even though regular unemployment might not work for you, some areas have specific programs for parents returning to work. Check with your local workforce development office - they might have resources or training programs with stipends that could help during your job search transition.

Been following this thread and wanted to mention - if you do end up needing to contact Washington ESD for any reason (like to ask about future eligibility or other programs), the Claimyr thing people mentioned really does work. I was skeptical at first but it actually got me through to someone who could answer my questions instead of spending all day trying to call. Worth checking out their demo video to see how it works.

One last thought - make sure when you do start working again that your employer is paying into the unemployment system (most do, but some small businesses or contractors don't). You want to make sure you're building up that work history properly in case you ever need benefits in the future.

Emma, I went through something very similar when I returned to work after staying home with my kids for 3 years. The unemployment system definitely won't work for your situation, but I found some really helpful resources that made the transition easier. Your local library often has free resume workshops and computer classes that can help you get back up to speed with job applications. Also, consider reaching out to temp agencies - they're often more understanding of employment gaps and can help you ease back into the workforce while you look for something permanent. Many temp positions also convert to full-time roles. Don't let this discourage you - there are definitely paths forward even without unemployment benefits!