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

What counts as a quarter? Is that like 3 months?

Yes, quarters are 3-month periods. Q1 is Jan-Mar, Q2 is Apr-Jun, Q3 is Jul-Sep, Q4 is Oct-Dec. Washington ESD looks at your wages in those periods, not just how many weeks you worked.

That makes sense. I've been working since last March so I should have wages in multiple quarters.

Just make sure you have your pay stubs or W-2s ready when you apply. Washington ESD will verify your wages with your employers.

Have you tried using Claimyr? I found it at claimyr.com after getting frustrated with the same thing. They help you get through to Washington ESD agents by phone. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. It was way easier than trying to call myself.

Never heard of that before but sounds interesting. Did they actually help you reach someone?

Yeah, I got connected to an agent who could look up my wage history and confirm I met the requirements. Much better than sitting on hold for hours.

It's $5,265 total with $1,755 in your highest quarter for 2025. These amounts do get adjusted annually.

That's right, but remember it's not the past year - it's your base period which is the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters. If you're filing now in January 2025, your base period would be July 2023 through June 2024.

Oh that's confusing. Why don't they use more recent wages?

It gives employers time to report your wages to Washington ESD. You can sometimes use an alternate base period if you don't qualify with the regular one.

What does actively looking mean exactly? Do you have to apply to a certain number of jobs?

You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log of what you did. This includes applying for jobs, networking, going to job fairs, stuff like that.

That's reassuring. How long did it take to get approved after you applied?

About 2 weeks for me, but I know some people have to wait longer if there are issues with their claim.

I know it seems complicated, but the wage-based system actually helps part-time workers qualify more easily than hour-based requirements would.

i guess that makes sense when you put it that way

How do you request that? Is there a form?

You can do it online through your SecureAccess Washington account or call them, though calling can be a pain.

That sounds really helpful. Is there a cost for using it?

There is but it was worth it to avoid all the phone tag. Way less stressful than trying to call Washington ESD yourself.

What if you quit for a good reason like harassment or unsafe working conditions?

There are some exceptions for good cause, but you'd need to document everything and possibly go through an appeal process.

That's not really good advice. It's better to understand the requirements first so you can provide the right information upfront.

Good point, I had a different job before my current one so I should include those wages too.

Exactly! Washington ESD will look at all your reported wages during the base period, not just your most recent job.

That's the minimum to qualify. Your actual benefit amount is based on how much you earned, so higher wages mean higher benefits.

Ah that makes sense. So meeting the minimum just gets you in the door.

Yes, seasonal work counts as long as your employer reported your wages to Washington ESD and you meet the other requirements.

I'll check that out, thanks! Sounds like a good way to get an idea before actually applying.

How do you file weekly claims? Is it online?

Yes, you do it through the Washington ESD website. You answer questions about any work you did that week and your job search activities.

Agreed! I feel much more confident about applying now.

That's where Claimyr really helped me. When my claim got stuck in adjudication, I used their service to get connected to an agent who could explain what documents I needed to submit. Much faster than waiting weeks for a callback.

Good to know there are options for getting help when you need it.

Thank you! I'm going to gather my pay stubs and apply this week.