How can I qualify for unemployment benefits in Washington - need help understanding requirements

The basic requirements for Washington unemployment are that you need to have worked and earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period (which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed). You also need to have earned at least $1,000 in your highest quarter and total wages of at least 1.25 times your highest quarter earnings. Plus you have to be able and available for work and actively seeking employment.

yeah the wage requirements can be confusing but if you worked 14 months total you should be fine. the main thing is making sure you were separated from your job through no fault of your own - like layoffs or business closure. if you quit or got fired for misconduct that's different

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I first applied last year. Spent hours on hold and kept getting disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made the whole process so much easier since I could actually talk to someone about my specific situation.

Don't forget you also have to register with WorkSource and complete your WorkSource profile within a certain timeframe after filing. It's part of the job search requirements. They'll tell you the deadline when you file your initial claim.

The whole system is so complicated! I remember being so stressed when I first applied. But honestly once you get through the initial application it's not too bad. Just make sure you file your weekly claims on time every week and keep doing your job searches.

Just to add - if you have any issues with your employer disputing your claim or if it goes into adjudication, that's when having a way to contact Washington ESD becomes really important. I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier when my claim got held up. Worth having that option available.

make sure you have all your employment info ready when you apply - dates of employment, employer addresses, reason for separation, etc. the online application will ask for all that stuff and its easier if you have it organized beforehand

One thing that tripped me up was the able and available requirement. You have to be physically able to work and available for full-time work during normal business hours. If you have any restrictions or limitations, you need to report those.

Also remember that unemployment is taxable income so you might want to have taxes withheld from your payments. You can set that up when you file or change it later but its something to think about come tax time.

THE SYSTEM IS SO FRUSTRATING!!! I've been trying to get someone on the phone for WEEKS about my claim status and keep getting hung up on. At this point I'm ready to try anything including that claimyr service people mentioned. This is ridiculous that it's so hard to get help!

Quick question - does anyone know if you can apply online or do you have to call? I'm trying to avoid the phone system if possible.

Just want to mention that if you're unsure about whether you qualify, it doesn't hurt to apply anyway. Let Washington ESD make the determination rather than assuming you don't qualify. The worst they can say is no, but you might be surprised.

One last thing - make sure you understand the difference between regular unemployment and other programs. There used to be pandemic programs but those ended. Now it's just regular UI benefits for most people.