How long do I have to work before I can get unemployment in Washington?

Thanks! So if I started in June and it's December now, would I have enough quarters? I'm still confused about how they calculate this.

If you started in June, you'd have earnings in Q2 (June) and Q3 (July-Sept) and Q4 (Oct-Dec). That should give you the two quarters you need, assuming you earned enough in each quarter to meet Washington ESD's minimum wage requirements.

Oh wow, I had no idea there were dollar amounts involved too. That's actually reassuring since I've been working full time.

Yeah the wage requirements are pretty reasonable for full-time workers. Part-time workers sometimes struggle to meet them though.

That sounds useful! I tried calling ESD once before and gave up after an hour on hold.

I've heard of that service but never tried it. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - they basically call on your behalf and connect you when they get through. Saved me hours of frustration when I had questions about my claim status.

Wait, you have to be looking for jobs while you still have a job? That seems weird.

No, that's only after you become unemployed and file for benefits. While you're still working, you don't need to do job searches. The job search requirement kicks in once you start claiming weekly benefits.

What do you mean by adjudication issues? Is that something I should worry about?

Adjudication is when ESD needs to investigate something about your claim - like if your employer contests it or there are questions about why you left your job. It can delay your benefits for weeks while they review everything.

Ugh adjudication is the worst. Mine took 6 weeks to resolve and I had to provide like 10 different documents.

That sounds frustrating but there might have been a legitimate issue with your base period calculation. Sometimes people get confused about which quarters count.

No I checked it multiple times! They just want to save money by rejecting claims. Had to appeal and everything.

Good point! Yeah I'm worried about layoffs, not planning to quit. Our company has been struggling and there's been talk of cutting staff.

There are some exceptions where you can quit and still get benefits, like if you quit for good cause or due to unsafe working conditions, but those are pretty specific situations.

That's encouraging! I think I should be fine then since I've been working steady.

This is getting complicated... is there somewhere I can see all this laid out clearly?

The Washington ESD website has a benefits calculator that can help estimate your eligibility and benefit amount based on your work history.

The calculator is helpful but sometimes it's wrong. I'd recommend calling ESD directly to verify your specific situation.

That's reassuring! I've been at the same company full time since I started so hopefully no issues there.

Yeah continuous employment definitely makes it simpler. It's when you have complex work histories that things get messy.

How much does that service cost? Seems like it might be worth it to avoid the phone maze.

I think it's pretty reasonable for what you get. The main thing is it actually works - you get connected to a real person instead of getting hung up on or stuck in phone tree hell.

What's WorkSource? Is that like a job placement thing?

Yeah it's Washington's job search and career services system. You have to create a profile there and use it to document your job search activities while you're receiving benefits.

Same! Better to know this stuff ahead of time than scramble to figure it out if you actually need it.

Good tip! I'll definitely remember that if I need to file.

Yes this is important! Some people wait weeks thinking they might get called back to work and then regret not filing sooner.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! Feel much more prepared now if something does happen with my job.

Glad this thread was helpful! Always good to plan ahead for these things.

I'm definitely bookmarking that for future reference. The ESD phone system is notorious for being impossible to get through.

Yeah I'll check that out too. Thanks for mentioning it - seems like it could save a lot of frustration.

Perfect summary! This is exactly what I needed to know.

Thanks for the clear breakdown. Much easier to understand than the official ESD website explanations.

Of course! I'd definitely be looking for a new job right away if I got laid off. Just good to know I'd have some income while searching.

Exactly! Better to be prepared. Thanks again everyone for all the detailed responses!