How far back does Washington ESD unemployment go when calculating benefits?

That's helpful! So they don't look at the most recent quarter when you file?

Correct, they skip the most recent quarter because employers might not have reported wages yet. If you don't qualify using the standard base period, they can use an alternate base period that includes more recent quarters.

The 18 months thing might be for something else. For regular UI benefits it's definitely the 4 quarters like the previous person said.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD, I recently discovered Claimyr.com - they help you get through to an actual agent. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Do you know how much you need to earn in total during those 4 quarters to qualify?

You need to have earned wages in at least two quarters and your total base period wages need to be at least 680 times your weekly benefit amount. There's also a minimum threshold but the exact calculation depends on your specific situation.

This is all so complicated! I wish Washington ESD made this clearer on their website.

Did you have to specifically request the alternate base period or did they automatically check it?

They automatically check it if you don't qualify under the standard base period. But it can take longer to process because they need more recent wage information from employers.

I totally get that frustration! That's exactly why I started using Claimyr - it automatically calls Washington ESD for you and connects you when an agent picks up. Worth checking out at claimyr.com if you're tired of the constant busy signals.

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - I was skeptical too but it saved me so much time. The video demo shows exactly how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

I did work in Oregon for a few months last year. How would that work with the base period calculation?

You'd need to request wage information from Oregon and submit it to Washington ESD. It can extend the process but might increase your benefit amount if those wages fall within your base period.

How can you check if your wages were properly reported?

you can request a wage statement from washington esd or check your online account. if wages are missing you have to contact the employer to get them to submit corrected info

This is important - unreported wages are a common issue, especially with smaller employers or contract work. Always verify your wage history matches what you actually earned.

What kind of documentation did you need to submit?

Pay stubs, W-2 forms, anything showing wages earned during the base period. Took about 3 weeks longer to process but they were able to use those wages in the calculation.

Standby status doesn't change the base period calculation - it's still the same 4 quarters. However, you might have different job search requirements while collecting benefits.

Thanks, that makes sense. The seasonal nature of my work had me confused about how they'd calculate everything.

Exactly right. The system is designed to help people qualify when possible, but the calculations can definitely be confusing at first.

They establish a new base period for each new claim. So if you're filing a new claim in 2025, they'd look at more recent quarters than they did for a 2024 claim.

That's good to know, thanks! I was worried they'd use the same old information.

Right? I feel like there's so much they don't tell you upfront.

Typical government bureaucracy - make everything as confusing as possible!

I tried that calculator but it seemed to want really specific wage information that I don't have memorized.

Yeah, you need your actual quarterly wages for it to work properly. Worth gathering that info if you're planning to file a claim though.

Good point, I hadn't thought about that aspect yet.

How long did that recalculation process take?

About 4-5 weeks total, but I had to call and follow up multiple times. That's where something like Claimyr would have been helpful for getting through to agents faster.

Absolutely! Following up on complex cases like that is exactly what Claimyr helps with - getting you connected to agents who can actually review your situation.

You're welcome! The key is understanding that Washington ESD has multiple ways to calculate eligibility, so don't assume you won't qualify based on employment gaps alone.