Can you collect unemployment if you worked less than 90 days - Washington ESD eligibility question

What exactly is the base period? I'm not familiar with that term.

The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through September 2024.

Really? That gives me hope! Did you have other jobs during your base period too?

yeah i had worked at another place earlier that year which probably helped with the earnings requirement

Have you tried using Claimyr? I discovered it last month when I was having the same problem getting through to Washington ESD. It's a service that calls them for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me probably 20+ hours of trying to call myself.

I feel you on the frustration but the requirements are actually posted on their website if you know where to look.

Yeah but their website is a maze too. Everything is buried in legal jargon that normal people can't understand.

This is really helpful! So if I made good money during those 75 days, and I had another job earlier in my base period, I should be okay?

Exactly. Add up all your earnings from all jobs during your base period. If it's over $3,850 and you worked at least 680 hours total, you should meet the monetary requirements.

Don't forget you also have to be unemployed through no fault of your own. Getting laid off due to downsizing should qualify though.

Yes! Their system has been super glitchy lately. Try filing early in the morning or late at night when there's less traffic.

Thanks, I'll try that. This whole process is so stressful when you're already worried about money.

That math really helps visualize it. I think I should be okay then since I worked most of last year.

Yeah and remember hours from multiple employers during the base period all count toward that 680 total.

You need BOTH. At least $3,850 in earnings AND at least 680 hours of work during your base period.

Got it, thanks for clarifying. I was hoping it was just one or the other.

Good point. I guess the worst they can do is say no, right?

Exactly. And if they deny you, you can always appeal the decision if you think they made an error.

Did you eventually get approved?

yeah but it took like 6 weeks to get through adjudication because they had to verify my work history

Thanks! I'll make sure to have all that ready. Do I need anything else?

Just your Social Security number, driver's license, and information about your last employer (dates worked, reason for separation, etc.).

That's really reassuring coming from someone with HR experience. I feel much better about applying now.

Yeah HR people know this stuff inside and out. Always good to hear from someone who dealt with it professionally.

Oh that's helpful! So I won't have to do the math myself?

Nope, Washington ESD's system does it all for you. Just make sure all your employers reported your wages correctly.

I didn't know about the alternate base period option. That could help people who recently started working.

Exactly. It's designed to help people who might have been in school or not working during the standard base period but have recent work history.

Thanks for sharing your experience! It really helps to hear from people who've been through this.

Same here. I was worried for nothing. The system is more flexible than people think.

Yeah I mentioned it earlier in this thread. Still working great for me. Used it again just last week to check on my weekly claim status. Much easier than trying to call directly.

Thanks, I'll check it out. At this point I'll try anything to avoid sitting on hold for hours.

Yes, temp work absolutely counts as long as the agencies reported your wages to Washington ESD. All covered employment counts toward your eligibility.

Perfect! That should put me well over the 680 hour requirement then.

You're right. I'm going to apply this weekend. Thanks everyone for all the helpful information!

Good luck! The worst case scenario is they say no, but at least you'll know for sure.

Good to know. Is there a specific day you have to file by?

You can file your weekly claim starting Sunday for the previous week, and you have until the following Saturday to file it. Most people file on Sunday to stay on schedule.

And don't forget about the job search requirements. You'll need to keep a log of your job search activities.

Same here! This community is so helpful. Good luck with your application!

Love seeing people help each other out with this confusing system. We're all in this together.