How is unemployment determined in Washington ESD system?

Washington ESD looks at several factors for unemployment determination. First is your base year earnings - you need to have earned at least $1,005 in your base year. They also examine if you're unemployed through no fault of your own (layoffs qualify). The job separation reason is crucial - voluntary quits usually disqualify you unless for good cause.

they definitely look at your work history beyond just the last job. i got denied initially because i quit a job 8 months before my layoff, even though the layoff wasn't my fault. had to appeal and explain the circumstances

Washington ESD determination process is pretty thorough. They verify your earnings through employer reports, check separation reasons for all jobs in your base period, and ensure you meet the able and available requirements. Your part-time status might actually help since you were actively working and earning.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your determination status, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected. Check out claimyr.com - it was a lifesaver when I needed to clarify my eligibility.

The determination process can take 2-3 weeks if there are no issues, longer if they need to investigate your job separation. Since you were laid off, that should be straightforward. Your earnings look like they'll meet the minimum requirement too.

Washington ESD also looks at whether you're actively seeking work as part of the ongoing determination. Even after initial approval, you need to maintain eligibility by job searching and reporting it weekly. They randomly audit job search logs too.

WASHINGTON ESD MAKES THIS SO COMPLICATED!! Why can't they just approve people who obviously qualify?? The whole system is designed to discourage people from claiming benefits they've earned.

Your situation sounds pretty straightforward for approval. Layoff with decent earnings history should qualify. The previous quit might trigger some questions but if it was due to hour reduction, that's defensible. Just be honest in your application.

i went through this last year and the determination took forever because they kept asking for more documentation. make sure you have all your pay stubs and separation paperwork ready before you even apply

The monetary determination comes first, then the non-monetary if there are any separation issues. Since you were laid off, you probably won't have a lengthy adjudication process. Your earnings should easily clear the $1,005 minimum.

Washington ESD determination also considers if you have any disqualifying income or benefits from other sources. Make sure to report any severance pay or vacation payout accurately - they'll cross-reference with employer reports.

honestly the whole determination process stressed me out so much. took 3 weeks to get approved and i was calling every day trying to get updates. wish i had known about services that help you actually get through to agents back then

The determination process examines your entire work history during the base period, not just your most recent job. They calculate your weekly benefit amount based on your highest-earning quarter. With $2,800 monthly, you should qualify for a decent benefit amount.

Pro tip: create your Washington ESD account online before filing. The system sometimes glitches during the application process and having an existing account helps avoid technical issues that could delay your determination.

Washington ESD will also verify your identity as part of the determination process. Have your driver's license and Social Security card ready. Identity verification delays are common and can hold up benefit payments even after approval.

The key factors for Washington ESD determination: sufficient base period earnings, involuntary job separation, able and available for work, and actively job searching. Your layoff situation should meet all these criteria easily.

If you need to speak with someone at Washington ESD about your determination status, I highly recommend trying Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get connected to actual agents instead of waiting on hold forever. I used it when my claim was stuck in adjudication and finally got answers. The website is claimyr.com and they have a demo video showing exactly how it works.

Washington ESD determination can seem overwhelming but it's mostly about proving you worked, lost your job through no fault of your own, and are ready to work again. Document everything and be completely honest in your application. The system works when you follow the rules.

Just wanted to add that Washington ESD sometimes requests additional information during the determination process. Don't panic if you get requests for more documentation - it doesn't mean you're being denied, just that they need clarification on something.

The determination process also checks if you're eligible for any special programs like standby or shared work benefits. These might be relevant if your employer plans to recall workers or reduce hours instead of permanent layoffs.