How long do I have to work to file for unemployment with Washington ESD?

Washington ESD uses something called a 'base period' to determine if you're eligible. It's typically the first 4 quarters of the last 5 completed quarters before you file your claim. You need to have worked in at least 2 quarters of your base period and earned at least $7,000 total during the base period.

The base period thing can be confusing but basically if you've been working steadily for 8 months you should be fine as long as you made enough money. Washington ESD also has an alternative base period if you don't qualify under the regular one - that looks at the most recent 4 quarters instead.

I tried figuring this out myself when I got laid off last year and it was so confusing trying to reach someone at Washington ESD to explain it. Kept calling the main number but could never get through - just busy signals or being on hold forever. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real person at Washington ESD who walked me through the base period calculation. They have a video demo too that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

Don't forget you also have to be unemployed through no fault of your own. Getting fired for cause or quitting without good cause can disqualify you even if you meet the work requirements.

ugh the whole system is so complicated!! why cant they just make it simple like if you worked 6 months youre eligible

one thing to remember is that when you do file you need to report ALL your employers from the base period, not just your most recent one. washington esd will verify your wages with each employer

Also worth mentioning that if you're currently working part-time while filing, you can still potentially qualify as long as you meet the monetary requirements. Washington ESD has provisions for partial unemployment too.

i filed last month and had to wait like 3 weeks to find out if i was eligible because of some adjudication issue. even though i knew i had worked enough, they still had to verify everything. so be prepared for potential delays

Quick clarification on the dollar amounts since they change periodically - for 2025, you need to have earned wages in at least 680 hours of work OR have total base period earnings of at least $7,000, whichever gives you higher weekly benefits. The $2,747 minimum for highest quarter still applies.

Washington ESD's website has a benefit calculator that can give you an estimate of what you'd be eligible for based on your work history. Might be worth checking that out before you actually need to file.

Just want to add that if you think you might not qualify under the regular base period, definitely ask about the alternative base period when you file. Sometimes that can make the difference between qualifying and not qualifying.

Been through this process twice now and honestly the hardest part isn't meeting the work requirements - it's navigating all the paperwork and requirements once you're approved. Make sure you understand the job search requirements too.

The system is definitely not user-friendly but once you understand the basics it's not too bad. The key thing is having steady work history and being unemployed through no fault of your own. With 8 months of steady work you should be fine.

one more thing - make sure to file right away if you do get laid off. theres a waiting week but benefits are retroactive to when you file, not when you actually get approved

I used Claimyr too when I had questions about my base period calculation. Super helpful for getting through to Washington ESD when you can't reach them on your own. Worth the investment when you need real answers from an actual person.

Also remember that you can't collect unemployment if you're a student enrolled at least half-time, unless you meet certain exceptions. Just in case that applies to your situation.

Washington ESD also requires you to register with WorkSource within 4 weeks of filing your claim, so keep that in mind too. It's part of the job search requirements.

The monetary eligibility is usually pretty straightforward if you've been working steadily. The trickier part is often the separation reason - Washington ESD really scrutinizes whether you quit vs were laid off vs fired, and that can affect your benefits.

If you end up needing to talk to Washington ESD about your eligibility and can't get through on the phone, that Claimyr service mentioned earlier really does work. I was skeptical at first but they got me connected within a day when I'd been trying to call for weeks.

Bottom line - with 8 months of steady work at $2800/month, you almost certainly meet the monetary requirements. Just make sure you file promptly if you do get laid off and be prepared for the weekly filing requirements once you're approved.