How do you qualify for unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

That's helpful thanks! So if I file in February 2025, they'd look at quarters from like July 2023 through June 2024?

Exactly right. And if you don't qualify using the standard base period, they can use an alternate base period which is the last 4 completed quarters.

What counts as 'good cause' for quitting? I've been thinking about leaving my toxic workplace but don't want to mess up my unemployment eligibility.

Good cause includes things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, significant changes to your job duties or pay. But you usually need to try to resolve the issue with your employer first before quitting.

Do they actually check those job search logs or is it just something you're supposed to do?

They can audit your job search activities at any time, especially if they have reason to question your eligibility. Better to keep detailed records.

I got audited last year and had to provide proof of all my job searches. It was a nightmare because I hadn't been keeping good records.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like it shouldn't be necessary to pay just to talk to unemployment.

I get the frustration but honestly the time it saved me was worth it. Spent weeks trying to get through on my own with no luck.

Good to know, I wasn't sure if different counties had different rules or processing times.

So if I know I'm getting laid off on March 15th, I should file on March 16th?

You can actually file on the day you lose your job or the day after. Don't wait thinking you might find something right away.

And make sure to file your weekly claims every week even if your initial claim is still being processed. Missing weekly claim filings can delay your payments.

You can request a copy of your wage records from Washington ESD to see what they have on file for you. That'll give you a better idea of whether you meet the earnings requirements.

How do you request that? Through the same website where you file claims?

What causes a claim to go into adjudication? Trying to avoid any issues that might delay things.

Could be anything - questions about why you left your job, wage discrepancies, identity verification issues. Sometimes it's just random.

That's exactly when Claimyr helped me the most. When my claim was stuck in adjudication for weeks, they got me through to someone who could actually explain what was happening and what I needed to do.

So if I file right away, how long before I'd see my first payment?

If everything goes smoothly and there are no issues with your claim, usually 2-3 weeks. But that's assuming no adjudication or other delays.

That's interesting, I hadn't thought about training programs. Do you know what kind of training qualifies?

Usually has to be for in-demand occupations in your area. Best to check with your local WorkSource office about what programs they have available.

What if it's just like $50 from selling something online? Do they really care about tiny amounts?

You're supposed to report everything. They can find out about unreported income and it can cause overpayment issues later.

Yeah, don't risk it. The penalties for not reporting income can be pretty steep if they catch you.

Did they take a while to verify your earnings or was it pretty straightforward once you filed?

It was fine for me but I know some people have issues if their employers didn't report wages correctly to the state.

I've only worked in Washington so that shouldn't be an issue for me, but good to know.

It's definitely not the most user-friendly system, but the benefits are there if you qualify. Worth going through the process if you need the support.

true, just wish they made it easier to understand what you need to do

How do you check that? Is that something you can see online?

You can create an account on the Social Security website to see your earnings history. Compare that to what Washington ESD shows in your claim.

Seems like a lot of people have had good experiences with that service. Might be worth trying if I run into issues.

I was skeptical at first but honestly saved me so much frustration. The Washington ESD phone system is nearly impossible to navigate on your own.

Is there a minimum weekly benefit amount? Or could it be like $50 a week if your earnings were really low?

I think the minimum is around $295 per week in 2025, but I'd double check that with Washington ESD.

Thanks! Hoping it doesn't come to that but better to be prepared. This thread has been really helpful for understanding the basics.

What kind of records should I keep? Just the layoff notice or other stuff too?

Layoff notice, final pay stub, any emails about the layoff, your employment contract if you have one. Basically anything that shows you were laid off through no fault of your own.