How long do I have to work somewhere to collect unemployment in Washington?

What exactly is the base year? Is that the last 12 months?

The base year is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in January 2025, your base year would be October 2023 through September 2024.

Close! For 2025, you need at least $3,850 in your highest-earning quarter during the base year, plus total base year wages of at least 1.25 times your high quarter amount.

This is getting confusing. So even if I only worked 6 weeks at this current job, I could still qualify if I had enough wages from my previous job last year?

Thanks! I haven't tried calling yet but good to know there's help if I need it. So if I get laid off from this current job, they'd look at my wages from my previous job to determine my benefit amount?

Exactly right. Your weekly benefit amount is calculated from all qualifying wages in your base year, not just your most recent job.

No I'm not planning anything! The job just seems unstable and I want to know my options. I'd only quit if there was good cause like unsafe conditions or something.

ok good just checking because ive seen people mess this up thinking they can just quit and collect

This is really helpful! I had no idea there were different base year options. Does Washington ESD automatically check both or do you have to request the alternate base year?

They'll automatically check the alternate base year if you don't qualify under the standard one. The system is designed to give you the best chance of qualifying.

If you worked steadily for 3 years you definitely would have qualified! Sometimes the online system doesn't explain things clearly and it's worth calling to speak with someone.

yeah i eventually got it sorted out but it was stressful not knowing

Correct! Your current job affects WHY you're unemployed (layoff vs quit vs fired), but your qualification and benefit amount come from your base year wages. Just make sure you can prove you're unemployed through no fault of your own.

Perfect, that makes so much more sense now. Thank you everyone!

Good point! Is that waiting week always the first week or can it be waived in certain situations?

It's typically the first week, though there have been times when it was waived during emergencies. Best to assume you'll have it and budget accordingly.

Yes, usually 3 job search activities per week, and you need to keep a detailed log. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities at any time.

How much does that service cost? Is it worth it if I'm just trying to get basic information?

It's really affordable and saved me hours of calling. Plus you get to talk to an actual person instead of navigating phone menus.

Oh that's perfect! I'll check that out to get a rough idea of what I might qualify for.

Definitely! I would never lie about something like that. Too risky and not worth it.

Smart thinking. I've heard horror stories about people who tried to fudge details and ended up with overpayment notices.

That's probably good advice regardless. Better to be proactive than reactive.

Good to know! Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. I feel much more prepared now.

You're welcome! Hope everything works out with your current job situation.

same here, never knew about the base year calculations before

That's exactly what the base year system is designed to do - look at your overall work history rather than just your most recent position.

agreed! the whole system could use better communication

This is exactly why services like Claimyr exist - sometimes you just need to talk to a real person who can explain things in plain English.

Thank you! I really appreciate everyone taking the time to explain everything so clearly.

Absolutely! We've all been confused by the unemployment system at some point. Better to share knowledge and help each other out.

Great point! Always check the current year requirements on the Washington ESD website or ask an agent for the most up-to-date figures.