How long do I need to work before I can collect Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

Thanks! So if I file in December, my base period would be July 2023 through June 2024? And all my different jobs count toward that total?

Exactly right on the base period. Yes, all your W-2 wages from different employers count toward meeting the minimum requirements.

That's not quite right. Washington ESD doesn't have an hours requirement - it's all based on wages earned during your base period quarters. You're probably thinking of a different state's rules.

oh ok my bad, i was mixing it up with something else i read online

Never heard of that service before. Did they actually help you get through to someone? I've tried calling Washington ESD so many times and just get busy signals.

Yeah, they got me connected within like 20 minutes. The agent was able to pull up my quarterly wages and explain exactly how they calculated my eligibility. Saved me weeks of wondering.

That's good to know! So they check both automatically when you apply?

Yes, if you don't meet the requirements with the standard base period, they'll run the alternate calculation without you having to do anything extra.

I get the frustration, but the quarterly wage system actually protects workers better than just time-based requirements. It ensures you've contributed enough into the system through your wages.

i guess that makes sense when you put it that way

How do they calculate the weekly amount? Is it a percentage of what you were making?

It's based on your highest quarter wages divided by 26, but there's a formula that caps it. Most people get somewhere between 60-70% of their average weekly wage, up to the maximum.

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

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a record of them. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities.

That's reassuring. I was worried the gaps between jobs might be a problem.

Gaps in employment don't matter for the wage calculation, only the total wages you earned during those quarters.

I tried calling for weeks and kept getting disconnected. Finally used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and got through the same day. The agent was really helpful in explaining my wage history.

Might have to try that. The automated system on the Washington ESD website isn't very clear about whether I qualify or not.

Good point. I'm not planning to quit, just wanted to understand the system in case something unexpected happens.

Smart to understand it ahead of time. The eligibility rules can be complicated when you're already stressed about losing a job.

Yes! And you have to file the appeal within 30 days of getting the denial notice. Don't wait if you think there's been a mistake.

Hopefully I won't need to worry about appeals, but good to know there's a process for that.

I'll look for that on their website. Thanks for the tip!

The calculator is helpful but it's just an estimate. Your actual eligibility gets determined when you file the claim and they verify your wage records.

Glad it helped! I learned a lot from everyone's responses too.

That's really important to know. I would have probably waited a few weeks thinking I could find something else first.

Yeah, a lot of people make that mistake and lose out on weeks of benefits. File immediately even if you think it might be temporary.

Exactly right. And remember, if you're ever unsure about your specific situation, it's worth getting clarification from Washington ESD directly rather than guessing.

Definitely will do that if I ever need to file. Thanks again to everyone who shared their knowledge and experiences!

Same here. Way more helpful than trying to navigate the official website and figure it out on your own.