How long at job to get unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

In Washington state you need to have earned wages in at least 2 quarters during your base period to qualify for UI benefits. The base period is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So it's not about how long you've been at your current job specifically, but about your total earnings over that timeframe.

Oh that makes more sense! So my previous 3-year job would count toward the base period earnings?

Exactly! Your previous job earnings would definitely count. You'll likely qualify based on those wages even if your current job doesn't work out.

i think you also need to have made at least $1000 in one quarter and your total base period wages need to be 1.5 times what you made in your highest quarter but dont quote me on the exact amounts

Close! For 2025 in Washington, you need at least $1,019 in wages in your highest quarter, and total base period wages of at least 1.5 times your high quarter wages. There's also an alternative requirement of earning wages in all 4 quarters of the base period.

Thanks for the specific numbers! That helps me figure out if I'd qualify.

I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks to ask about my base period wages but their phone system is impossible. Does anyone know a way to actually talk to someone there?

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. I was able to speak with someone about my claim status within a day instead of calling hundreds of times myself.

Never heard of that but I'm desperate at this point. Is it legit? The Washington ESD phone system has me ready to give up.

Yeah it's real, you can check out claimyr.com. I was skeptical too but it actually worked for me when nothing else did.

Wait I'm confused about something - if I quit my job can I still get unemployment or do I have to be laid off?

Generally you need to be laid off or fired through no fault of your own to qualify. If you quit, you usually can't get benefits unless you had 'good cause' like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or other specific reasons Washington ESD recognizes.

What counts as good cause exactly? My boss is pretty awful but I don't know if that qualifies.

Good cause includes things like discrimination, harassment, significant changes to job duties or pay, unsafe working conditions, or domestic violence situations. Just having a difficult boss usually isn't enough unless it rises to the level of harassment or creates unsafe conditions.

THIS WHOLE SYSTEM IS SO CONFUSING! Why can't Washington ESD just make this stuff clear on their website instead of burying it in legal language nobody understands???

lol i feel you, took me forever to figure out the base period thing when i first filed

At least this forum is helpful! I was totally lost before reading these responses.

For the OP's specific situation - having worked 3 years at a previous job plus 2 months at the current job, you would almost certainly qualify for benefits if you became unemployed through no fault of your own. Your benefit amount would be calculated based on your wages during the base period, which would include most of your previous job's earnings.

That's really reassuring to know. Hopefully I won't need to use it but good to understand how it works.

Just remember you have to be actively looking for work and file your weekly claims on time if you do end up filing. The job search requirements are pretty strict now.

I had a similar situation last year where I was worried about qualifying. Turns out I qualified easily because of my previous job history even though my most recent job was only a few months. The Washington ESD looks at your whole earnings history, not just your last job.

Did you have any trouble with the application process or was it pretty straightforward?

The online application was fine but I did have to provide documentation about my work history. Keep your pay stubs and tax documents just in case.

one thing to watch out for is if you get fired for misconduct - that can disqualify you even if you have enough wages. so dont do anything stupid at work if youre worried about losing the job

Good point. Misconduct includes things like violating company policies, excessive absences, insubordination, or criminal behavior. But simple poor performance usually isn't considered misconduct.

Got it, so as long as I follow company policies and show up to work I should be fine on that front.

Does anyone know if part-time work affects your unemployment benefits? I might be able to get some part-time hours while looking for full-time work.

You can work part-time and still collect partial unemployment benefits as long as you report your earnings when you file your weekly claim. Washington ESD will reduce your benefit amount based on how much you earn, but you can still receive some benefits.

That's good to know! I was worried any work would disqualify me completely.

Just make sure to report ALL earnings honestly on your weekly claims. Not reporting income is considered fraud and can get you in serious trouble with Washington ESD.

I tried calling Washington ESD yesterday to ask about this exact question and spent 4 hours on hold before getting disconnected. How is their customer service so bad?

I had the same experience until I started using Claimyr to get through. They handle the calling and waiting so you don't have to sit on hold for hours. Really saved my sanity when I needed to resolve an issue with my claim.

Is that expensive? I'm already worried about money if I lose my job.

It's worth checking out their website at claimyr.com to see what they offer. For me it was worth it to avoid the stress of trying to get through on my own.

Another thing to consider - even if you qualify for unemployment, it can take several weeks to start receiving benefits. Don't count on the money being there immediately after you file your claim.

How long does it usually take? I'd need to plan my finances accordingly.

It can vary but usually 2-4 weeks for a straightforward claim. If there are any issues that require adjudication it can take much longer.

My claim took 6 weeks because they had to verify my employment history. Make sure you have all your documentation ready when you apply.

wait so the 2 months at the current job dont matter at all for qualifying? its all about the previous job?

The 2 months of wages would be included in the base period calculation, but the 3 years of previous wages are what would likely push them over the qualification threshold. All wages during the base period count toward eligibility and benefit amount.

ok got it thanks

I'm in a similar boat - new job that might not work out. Good to know my previous work history matters. This thread has been really helpful for understanding the basics!

Right? I was so confused before but now I feel like I understand how it actually works.

Same here! The base period thing makes so much more sense now than just 'how long at current job

Pro tip - if you do end up needing to file for unemployment, do it online through the Washington ESD website rather than trying to call. The online system is much more reliable and you can do it anytime.

Good advice! Is there anything I should gather ahead of time in case I need to file?

Have your Social Security number, previous employers' info (names, addresses, dates of employment), and reason for separation ready. Also helpful to have your most recent pay stub.

Also make sure you file as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. Benefits are paid from the date you file your claim, not from when you became unemployed.

One more thing - if you do get approved for benefits, you'll need to certify for benefits every week and meet work search requirements. It's not just free money, there are ongoing obligations.

What are the work search requirements like? Do I need to apply to a certain number of jobs each week?

You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. This can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, etc. Washington ESD is pretty strict about this.

And you need to be able and available for work each week you claim benefits. If you're sick, on vacation, or otherwise not available, you can't claim benefits for that week.

thanks everyone for all the info! this has been way more helpful than trying to navigate the washington esd website

Agreed! Really appreciate everyone taking the time to explain this stuff clearly.