How do you qualify for unemployment benefits - Washington ESD requirements?

What counts as 'good cause' for quitting? My supervisor was creating a hostile work environment but I don't have written proof.

Good cause includes things like harassment, unsafe working conditions, or significant changes to your job terms. Document everything you can remember with dates and details. Washington ESD will review your specific situation during adjudication.

This is confusing - what if I just started working this year? Would my base period be mostly empty?

If you don't qualify using the standard base period, Washington ESD can use an alternate base period which looks at the most recent 4 quarters. This helps people who recently entered the workforce.

How much does that cost? I'm already broke from being unemployed.

It's worth it when you consider the time saved. Better than spending days redialing the same busy number over and over.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs or other things too?

Job applications, attending job fairs, networking events, interviews, contacting employers directly, and even some training activities can count. Keep detailed records of everything.

You should file as soon as possible! Benefits don't start until you file your claim, and there's a one-week waiting period. You can't get benefits for weeks before you file.

ok that's what I was afraid of... guess I need to just do it tomorrow

What kind of documentation should I gather before filing?

Pay stubs, termination letter, any emails about your job ending, and notes about your work history. The more organized you are upfront, the smoother the process goes.

I'm getting 2 weeks severance - does that mean I can't file for 2 weeks?

Not necessarily. You can file right away, but the severance might delay when you start receiving benefits. Washington ESD will calculate this based on your regular wages.

Is Claimyr legit? Sounds too good to be true.

Yeah it's real. They basically handle the calling and waiting for you. Got me through to an adjudicator when I couldn't reach anyone for weeks.

How does that work exactly? My hours got cut from 40 to 20 per week.

You might qualify for partial benefits to make up some of the difference. You'd still need to meet the base period requirements and do job searches for full-time work.

Is there a way to estimate what my weekly benefit would be before filing?

Washington ESD has a benefit calculator on their website, but it's pretty basic. The actual amount depends on your specific wage history during the base period.

How long do you have to file an appeal?

You have 30 days from the date of your determination letter to file an appeal. Don't wait - the deadline is strict.

I've been trying to call for days about my adjudication status. Always get disconnected or the line is busy.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. They somehow get through when regular people can't. Check out their demo video to see how it works.

When do you file the weekly claims? Is it the same day each week?

You can file starting Sunday for the previous week. Most people file on Sunday or Monday. Don't wait until the last minute - you have until Saturday to file for that week.

Thanks everyone! This is super helpful. I think I meet the requirements so I'll file tomorrow.

Good luck! File online at esd.wa.gov and make sure to keep copies of everything. The process can be slow but stick with it.

What about retirement benefits? I'm 62 and considering filing for unemployment.

Retirement benefits can affect your unemployment benefits depending on the type and amount. You'll need to report all income when you file weekly claims.