How long at a job before unemployment eligibility in Washington ESD?

So if I file in January 2025, what would my base period be exactly?

Your base period would be October 2023 through September 2024. You'd need wages reported in at least two of those four quarters.

Yes, you need to earn at least $3,800 in your highest earning quarter during the base period, plus total wages of at least 1.25 times your high quarter amount.

ok so if someone made $4000 in their best quarter they'd need $5000 total minimum?

Exactly! $4,000 x 1.25 = $5,000 total wages needed across the entire base period.

I had the same problem until I found claimyr.com - they help you get through to actual Washington ESD agents. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Super helpful for getting these kinds of questions answered directly.

Thanks! I'll check that out. Getting so frustrated with the busy signals and hang ups.

What counts as good cause for quitting?

Things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, significant changes to your job duties or pay, or health issues. Washington ESD is pretty strict about voluntary quits though.

How did your appeal go? Did you end up getting benefits?

It took 3 months but I eventually won because I could prove constructive dismissal. Was a nightmare process though.

Is that hard to keep up with? What counts as a job search activity?

not too bad - applying for jobs, networking contacts, career fairs, etc all count. just have to document everything

That's good to know! So there's a backup option if the regular base period doesn't work?

Exactly. The alternate base period uses the last four completed quarters instead of the first four of the last five. Can make a big difference for recent hires.

You should be fine if you earned enough during those 8 months. Washington ESD will calculate your benefit amount based on your highest earning quarter.

Hope so! The waiting is killing me. How long does it usually take to hear back?

How do you check if wages were reported correctly?

you can see your wage history when you file the claim or check online through your eservices account

That's reassuring! I've been full time the whole 6 months so hopefully that's enough wages.

You'll probably be fine then. The wage requirements aren't that high if you're working steady.

Good point! I'll remember that if it comes to it.

Just signed up for Claimyr after your earlier suggestion - got through to an agent in 20 minutes! They answered all my questions about base periods and wage requirements.

Awesome! Makes such a difference when you can actually talk to someone who knows the system.

Yeah and you have to certify every week that you're actively looking for work. It's not just free money.

I agree it's complex, but the calculations ensure benefits are based on your actual work history and earnings. There's logic to it even if it's hard to understand.

I guess that makes sense. Still wish there was a simple calculator or something to figure it out.

That's super helpful! I make a bit more than that so sounds like I'd be in good shape.

Interesting idea! Would that actually work? Seems like the employer wouldn't want to do that.

Depends on the situation. If they want you gone anyway or are having budget issues, it might work out for both sides.

Thanks everyone! This has been really helpful. Hopefully I won't need to use this info but good to know I'd have options.

This is so important! I learned this the hard way during my adjudication process. Documentation saved me.

Part-time work can qualify you too, as long as you meet the minimum wage requirements. It's about total earnings, not whether you worked full or part-time.

Good to know! The wage requirements are the key factor then.

Glad it helped! I learned way more than I expected from everyone's responses.