How long do I have to work to qualify for unemployment in Washington?

That's a relief! I've been making about $3,200 per month so I think I'm well over those minimums. Thanks for clarifying the quarter thing.

Just remember the base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file, not including the current quarter you're filing in.

Good to know about the annual changes. Where do they post the updated amounts each year?

Washington ESD updates them on their website usually around the beginning of each year. You can check the current amounts on their benefits eligibility page.

That's reassuring! Were you able to get through to Washington ESD easily when you filed?

Actually no, that was the hardest part. I couldn't get through on the phone for weeks. I ended up using this service called Claimyr that helped me get connected to an actual person at Washington ESD. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

No, it's all about the earnings and quarters worked, not total time. You could work part-time for 2 years and still not qualify if you didn't earn enough, or work full-time for 6 months and easily qualify.

ohh ok that makes more sense. so if i worked 2 jobs for 4 months each that would count as 8 months total right?

Yes, all your wages from all employers count together. Washington ESD looks at your total earnings across all jobs during the base period.

That's a good point. How do you figure out which quarters are in your base period?

They use the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January-March 2024, April-June 2024, July-September 2024, and October-December 2024.

That's why both requirements matter - you need the minimum total AND the minimum in your highest quarter. Did you appeal the decision?

Yeah I'm in the middle of appealing now. It's taking forever though. Wish I had known about the quarter requirement beforehand.

I get the frustration but the quarter system actually helps people who have variable income or work seasonal jobs. It's not perfect but it's better than just counting hours.

Maybe for some people but I know plenty of folks who got screwed over by not understanding the quarter requirements. They should explain it better.

That's interesting. But if you wait, don't you lose out on benefits for that time?

You can only get benefits from the date you file, not retroactively. But if waiting means the difference between qualifying and not qualifying, it might be worth it.

Good point. I've only had one employer so hopefully that makes it simpler.

Yeah definitely. Single employer claims usually process much faster than multiple employer ones.

Right, I've heard about the job search requirements. How many jobs do you have to apply to each week?

It's 3 job search activities per week in Washington. Can be applications, networking, job fairs, etc. Just make sure you keep good records.

How does that service work exactly? Do they just help you get through on the phone?

Yeah, they basically handle the calling for you and get you connected to an actual Washington ESD representative. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting hung up on.

That's a great idea. I should check that before I potentially need to file.

Definitely. It's good to know where you stand ahead of time, and you can also make sure all your employers reported your wages correctly.

Your friend might be thinking of a different state or a different benefit program. Washington only requires work in 2 of the last 5 quarters with minimum earnings.

ok good because 18 months seemed like way too long. thanks for clearing that up

Good reminder. I'll make sure to check the 2025 amounts when the time comes.

They usually post the new amounts in January so you'll want to check around then if you're filing early in the year.

That's encouraging! Overtime definitely helps boost those quarterly earnings.

Yeah, and don't forget things like bonuses and commissions count too. It all adds up.

What kind of backup plan?

I ended up using Claimyr after trying for weeks to get through on my own. They got me connected to someone at Washington ESD in like 10 minutes. Check out their demo video to see how it works - https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

Yeah I've been full-time the whole time so I should be fine. Thanks for confirming the 2025 amounts.

No problem. Just make sure you understand which quarters they count as your base period when you file.

That's a good point. I hadn't thought about how it affects the actual benefit amount.

Yeah, they calculate your weekly benefit based on your highest quarter, so having strong earnings in one quarter really helps.

Good to know. I guess I should focus on understanding the ongoing requirements too.

Yeah, the initial qualification is actually the easy part. The weekly maintenance is where most people run into issues.