How long at a job to collect unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

Oh that makes more sense! So they look at multiple jobs during that time period, not just my current one?

Exactly! All covered wages from all employers during your base period count toward your qualification.

Those numbers sound about right. I qualified last year with earnings from three different jobs over the base period.

I'll check the Washington ESD website for those calculators. Thanks for the specific amounts!

How does that work exactly? Do they just call for you or something?

They help you get through the phone queue to reach Washington ESD agents. Super helpful when you need specific answers about your claim eligibility.

It depends on when you worked and how much you earned each quarter. If you made $15k over 6 months, you probably meet the minimum earnings requirement.

ok cool i hope so cuz i need money bad rn

Yeah it's definitely not explained clearly. I had no idea it was about total earnings across multiple jobs.

Seasonal work actually works well for unemployment because you're constantly building up qualifying wages in different quarters.

That's really helpful to know the exact 2025 numbers. I think I should qualify based on what I've earned.

Those amounts went up from last year right? I remember it being lower when I filed in 2024.

Yes, part-time wages count exactly the same as full-time wages. It's all about your total earnings during the base period.

Good to know! I was worried part-time wouldn't count.

How do you request the alternate base period? Do they automatically check it?

You have to request it specifically when you file your claim. They don't automatically check it for you.

Correct - you still need to meet the eligibility requirements about how you lost your job. The wage requirements are just one part of qualifying.

Yeah I learned this the hard way when I quit my job without good cause. Had plenty of wages but couldn't collect because of how I left.

1099 contract work typically doesn't count because unemployment is funded by employer payroll taxes, and contractors don't pay into the system.

Darn, that's a big chunk of my earnings that won't count then.

I'll definitely check that out. Thanks for the tip!

That calculator is pretty accurate. Used it before I filed and my actual benefit amount was exactly what it predicted.

You can appeal if you think Washington ESD made an error in calculating your wages. You can also reapply later if you earn more qualifying wages.

ok good to know thx

That's a good point about checking wage records. I never thought about employers potentially not reporting correctly.

Yeah it happens more than you'd think. Always worth double-checking your quarterly wage statements.

That's right! The base period covers about 15-18 months of potential work history, so it's much more forgiving than people think.

This whole thread has been so helpful. I feel much better about my situation now.

Right, I've heard about the job search requirements. Do you have to apply to a certain number of jobs each week?

Yes, you need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep detailed records in WorkSourceWA.

That's reassuring to hear! I think I'm in a similar situation.

Same here. The base period system makes sense once you get it - it's designed to help people who move between jobs.

Good to know! I wondered how they verified employment history.

Yeah, employers have the right to respond and potentially contest your claim if they think you're not eligible.

Thanks for the recommendation! I'll keep that in mind if I have trouble reaching them.

How much does something like that cost? Is it worth it compared to just calling yourself?

For me it was totally worth it because I couldn't get through on my own after trying for days. Check out their website for current info.

Perfect summary! Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. I feel much more confident about my situation now.

This thread should be pinned - such good info about base period requirements!