How long do I have to work a job to get Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

What counts as good cause? My boss is verbally abusive and creates a hostile work environment but I don't have it documented.

You'd need documentation of the hostile work environment. Start keeping records of incidents with dates and witnesses if possible. Washington ESD takes these cases seriously but you need proof.

That's confusing. So it's not about how long I worked but how much I earned?

It's both actually. You need the $1,000 minimum AND you need to have worked in at least 2 quarters of your base period. The gaps between jobs don't matter as long as you meet these requirements.

This is why I hate dealing with Washington ESD. The rules are so complicated and when you call to ask questions you can never get through to anyone.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true.

Yeah it's real. They basically call Washington ESD for you and get you connected. I was skeptical too but it actually worked when nothing else did.

Only if you can prove good cause. Being a jerk isn't enough - it has to be serious misconduct, safety violations, harassment, or major changes to your job duties or pay.

ok thats what i thought. guess ill have to stick it out until they fire me lol

Same here! Been in adjudication hell for over a month. This is ridiculous.

This is exactly why I used Claimyr - the regular phone system is useless when you need answers. At least with them I could actually talk to someone about what was holding up my claim.

What if I can get them to fire me instead? Would that work better?

Don't try to get yourself fired on purpose. That could backfire if Washington ESD determines you engaged in misconduct. Better to document the hostile work environment and quit for good cause if it's really that bad.

How long did the appeal take? I'm worried about being without income for months.

About 6 weeks from filing the appeal to getting the hearing decision. But I was able to get benefits backdated to when I first filed once they approved it.

That's a long time to wait though. Most people can't afford to be without income that long.

Yes, part time work counts as long as it was covered employment and you earned the minimum amounts. Washington ESD looks at total wages, not hours worked.

Good to know. I had a part time job for most of 2024 before getting my current full time job.

What are the job search requirements exactly?

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep detailed records. Plus register with WorkSource Washington. They can audit your search activities anytime.

You should be fine if you were making regular wages for 6 months. The key is having earnings in at least 2 quarters of your base period.

ok thanks that makes me feel better

Seriously, try Claimyr next time. I know I keep mentioning it but it really does work. Way better than sitting on hold all day.

I might have to. This is ridiculous that we have to pay a service just to talk to the agency that's supposed to help us.

The fact that services like that even exist shows how broken the system is.

What's the maximum weekly benefit amount in Washington?

For 2025 it's $999 per week. But most people don't get the maximum unless they were making really good money.

Yikes, that's scary. I definitely don't want to risk that.

Yeah learn from my mistake. If the job is really that bad, document everything and try to build a case for good cause before you quit.

That's correct. Substantial changes to hours, shift, or working conditions can qualify as good cause if you can show it creates undue hardship.

Wish I had known that when my boss changed my schedule without notice last year.

Thanks, that's really helpful. I think I need to start documenting the hostile work environment before I make any decisions.

Smart move. Better to be prepared than sorry later.

One week isn't too bad I guess. Better than being disqualified completely.

Yeah but that first week can be tough when you're already stressed about money.

Thanks everyone for the advice. I have a lot to think about but at least I understand the requirements better now.