Can you receive unemployment benefits in Washington - eligibility questions

Thank you! What exactly is a base period? And how much do I need to have earned?

The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. For wage requirements, you need at least $4,000 in total wages and wages in at least two quarters. Retail work for 8 months should easily meet this.

What kind of job search activities do you have to do? I keep hearing different things about this requirement.

You need to complete at least 3 job search activities per week, like applying for jobs, attending job fairs, or doing career counseling. You have to keep a log and Washington ESD can audit it.

How does that work exactly? Do they just call for you or something?

They basically handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration trying to get through myself.

Did you get approved right away or did it take a while to hear back?

took like 2 weeks but that was during covid so might be faster now

I was laid off about 3 weeks ago - is that too late to start the process?

No, 3 weeks isn't too late at all. You should definitely file your initial claim right away though. The sooner you start, the sooner you can begin receiving benefits if approved.

It can be overwhelming at first, but the basic question is: did you lose your job through no fault of your own and do you have enough work history? If yes to both, you're likely eligible.

I guess that makes sense when you put it that way. I was just worried about all the paperwork and requirements.

Do I need pay stubs or will they get that information directly from my employer?

They get wage information directly from employers through quarterly reports, but having your own records is helpful in case there are discrepancies or delays.

What's adjudication? Should I be worried about that happening to me?

Adjudication is when they need to investigate something about your claim, like if there's a question about why you left your job. Since you were clearly laid off, you probably won't have issues.

That's exactly when Claimyr really helped me out - when my claim was stuck in adjudication and I couldn't get anyone at Washington ESD to explain what was happening.

That sounds way higher than what I was expecting. How do they calculate the amount?

It's based on your highest earning quarter during the base period. The exact formula is complicated but generally it's a percentage of your previous wages up to the maximum.

What happens if you don't meet the work search requirements?

They can deny your weekly claim or even make you pay back benefits if they audit you and find you weren't really looking for work.

What kind of problems did you run into? I'm worried about applying now.

mostly just couldn't get through to anyone when I had questions. the automated system is useless

Yes, it's called partial unemployment. If your hours were reduced through no fault of your own, you might be eligible for partial benefits to make up some of the wage loss.

That's good to know! I had no idea that was even an option.

That's reassuring. I've been putting it off because I thought it would be really complicated.

Nope, just have your employment info ready and answer the questions honestly. The system will tell you if you qualify.

What counts as suitable work? Do you have to take any job offer?

Generally work similar to your previous job or something you're qualified for. You can't turn down reasonable offers just because you want something better.

True, I guess there's no harm in trying. Thanks for all the help everyone!

Good luck! The process is less scary than it seems once you get started.

How do you file the weekly claims? Is it online like the initial application?

Yes, you log into your Washington ESD account every week and answer questions about your work search and any income you had that week.

I might have to try that if I run into problems. The thought of sitting on hold for hours is not appealing.

Same here, I hate dealing with government phone systems. Always end up hanging up in frustration.

This thread has been super helpful. I feel much more confident about applying now.

Glad to help! Don't hesitate to apply - you've got nothing to lose and potentially weeks of benefits to gain.