How do you qualify for unemployment in Washington state - confused about requirements
I'm trying to figure out if I qualify for unemployment benefits in Washington. I was laid off from my retail job last month after working there for 8 months. I've heard different things about what you need to qualify and I'm getting confused by all the information online. Do I need to have worked for a full year? What about the earnings requirements? Also heard something about needing to be able and available for work - what does that actually mean? Any help would be appreciated as I really need to get this figured out soon.
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William Rivera
You don't need to work a full year to qualify. Washington ESD looks at your base period which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. You need to have earned at least $1,000 in your base period and your total base period wages must be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter earnings. The able and available requirement means you're physically able to work and actively seeking employment.
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Kayla Jacobson
•Thanks! So if I worked 8 months that should cover enough quarters right? I was making about $2,400 per month so hopefully that meets the earnings requirement.
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William Rivera
•Yes, 8 months should definitely cover multiple quarters. With those earnings you should easily meet the monetary requirements. Just make sure to file your claim as soon as possible since benefits are retroactive only to when you file.
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Grace Lee
Also you have to be unemployed through no fault of your own. So if you quit or got fired for misconduct you probably won't qualify. But layoffs, downsizing, reduction in hours - those all count as qualifying separations.
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Kayla Jacobson
•It was definitely a layoff due to store restructuring so that should be fine then.
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Mia Roberts
•Yeah layoffs are the easiest to qualify for. Just be honest about the reason when you file your claim.
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The Boss
One thing that helped me when I was confused about qualifying was using Claimyr to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD. I couldn't get through on the phone for weeks but they helped me connect with an agent who explained everything clearly. You can check out their demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ to see how it works. Made the whole process way less stressful.
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Kayla Jacobson
•That sounds really helpful! I've been dreading trying to call Washington ESD because I heard the wait times are terrible.
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Evan Kalinowski
•Never heard of Claimyr before but anything that helps get through to Washington ESD sounds worth trying. Their phone system is absolutely awful.
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The Boss
•Yeah it's at claimyr.com if you want to check it out. Way better than sitting on hold for hours just to get disconnected.
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Victoria Charity
Don't forget about the job search requirements! Once you start receiving benefits you need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. You'll need to register with WorkSource Washington too. These requirements kick in after your first week of benefits.
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Kayla Jacobson
•Oh I didn't know about the job search requirements. Is there a specific format for the log?
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Victoria Charity
•You can use Washington ESD's online job search log or keep your own record. Just make sure to include dates, employer names, contact method, and type of work sought for each contact.
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Jasmine Quinn
•The WorkSource registration is super easy, just takes a few minutes online. But definitely don't skip it or you could lose your benefits.
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Oscar Murphy
ugh why does everything with unemployment have to be so complicated?? I've been trying to figure this out for weeks and every website says something different. At least this thread is helpful unlike the Washington ESD website which is confusing as hell
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Kayla Jacobson
•I know right? I spent hours on their website and still wasn't sure if I qualified. This thread has been way more helpful.
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William Rivera
•The Washington ESD website can be overwhelming but once you understand the basic requirements it's not too bad. Just focus on the monetary eligibility and separation reason first.
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Mia Roberts
Another thing to check is if you worked in multiple states. If you worked in Washington and another state during your base period, you might want to file an interstate claim. But if all your work was in Washington then just file normally.
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Kayla Jacobson
•All my work was here in Washington so that shouldn't be an issue.
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Nora Bennett
•Good point about interstate claims. I had to deal with that when I moved here from Oregon and it was a nightmare to sort out.
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Evan Kalinowski
Just make sure you have all your documentation ready when you file. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and details about your most recent separation. Having everything organized will make the application process much smoother.
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Kayla Jacobson
•Thanks for the heads up! I'll gather all that information before I start the application.
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Ryan Andre
•Also keep copies of everything you submit. Trust me, you'll want records if any issues come up later.
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Grace Lee
One more thing - if you're not sure about your eligibility, you can always file anyway. Washington ESD will determine if you qualify based on your work history and earnings. The worst that happens is they say no, but you might be surprised and qualify even if you're not sure.
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Kayla Jacobson
•That's actually really reassuring. I was worried about filing if I wasn't 100% sure I qualified.
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William Rivera
•Exactly, let them make the determination. It's better to file and find out than to assume you don't qualify and miss out on benefits you're entitled to.
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Lauren Zeb
Does anyone know if there's a waiting period? I heard some states make you wait a week before benefits start.
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Victoria Charity
•Washington has a one-week waiting period for the first week of your claim. You still file for that week but don't get paid for it unless you're on a training program or have certain other circumstances.
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Kayla Jacobson
•Good to know about the waiting week. At least it's just one week and not longer.
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Daniel Washington
I was in a similar situation last year after my restaurant job ended. Took me forever to get through to Washington ESD to ask questions. Finally used some service called Claimyr that helped me get connected to an actual person. Saved me so much time and stress.
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Kayla Jacobson
•That's the second time someone mentioned Claimyr. Sounds like it really helps with the phone situation.
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Aurora Lacasse
•Yeah their phone system is the worst. I gave up trying to call after getting hung up on like 10 times.
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Jasmine Quinn
Also remember that if you have any issues with your claim like getting disqualified or having to do an interview, don't panic. Most issues can be resolved if you provide the right information or appeal if necessary.
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Kayla Jacobson
•That's good to know. I was worried that any little mistake would disqualify me permanently.
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Jasmine Quinn
•Nope, most things can be fixed. The important thing is to respond to any requests for information quickly and honestly.
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Anthony Young
Quick question - do you have to be a US citizen to qualify? I have a work visa but I've been paying into the system for years.
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Victoria Charity
•You don't need to be a citizen but you do need work authorization. If you were legally authorized to work when you earned your wages, you should be eligible. They'll verify your work authorization status when you apply.
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Anthony Young
•Perfect, thanks! I've had legal work authorization the whole time so that shouldn't be an issue.
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Charlotte White
Been unemployed for 3 months now and still haven't figured out if I qualify. This thread is making me think I should just file and see what happens instead of overthinking it.
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Kayla Jacobson
•That's what I'm thinking too. Seems like it's better to try than to keep wondering.
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William Rivera
•Definitely file! The sooner you apply the sooner you'll know, and if you do qualify you'll start getting benefits. Waiting longer just costs you money.
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Admin_Masters
One last tip - when you file your weekly claims, make sure you're completely honest about any work or income. Even small amounts need to be reported. Washington ESD will find out anyway and it's better to be upfront.
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Kayla Jacobson
•Good point. I'll make sure to report everything accurately.
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Matthew Sanchez
•Yeah they cross-reference with employers and tax records so lying will just get you in trouble later.
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Ella Thompson
This has been really helpful! I feel much more confident about filing now. Thanks everyone for all the detailed explanations.
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Kayla Jacobson
•Agreed! This thread answered way more questions than the official website did.
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William Rivera
•Happy to help! Good luck with your claim and don't hesitate to ask if you run into any issues.
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JacksonHarris
Just wanted to add that if you do end up needing to talk to Washington ESD about your claim, that Claimyr service people mentioned actually works pretty well. Used it last month when I had adjudication issues and got through to an agent the same day.
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Kayla Jacobson
•That's really good to know. I'll definitely keep that in mind if I need to call them.
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Evan Kalinowski
•Wish I had known about that when I was dealing with my overpayment issue. Would have saved me weeks of frustration.
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