How long do u have to work to collect Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

In Washington state, you need to have earned at least $1,095 in your base period to qualify for unemployment benefits. The base period is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. It's not just about how long you worked, but how much you earned during that time.

I had the same question when I got laid off from my warehouse job. Turns out I qualified even though I only worked there for 7 months because I had worked at another place earlier in the year. Washington ESD looks at your total earnings across all jobs during the base period, not just your most recent job.

The tricky part is actually getting through to Washington ESD to file your claim or get answers about your eligibility. I spent weeks trying to call them with no luck. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Game changer honestly.

To answer your original question more specifically - there's also a requirement that you worked at least 680 hours OR earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period. So even if you meet the dollar amount, you need to have some work history spread out over time.

wait i thought you had to work for a full year to get unemployment?? this is confusing

Don't forget you also have to be able and available for work, and actively searching for a job once you start collecting. Washington ESD requires you to document your job searches every week when you file your weekly claim.

I'm in a similar situation but I was working part-time at two different jobs. Does that count the same way as one full-time job for qualifying?

The Washington ESD website has a benefits calculator where you can estimate if you qualify and how much you might get. Might be worth checking out before you file your claim.

JUST FILE YOUR CLAIM!!! seriously the worst they can say is no and then you'll know for sure. sitting around wondering isn't going to pay your bills

Quick update on that Claimyr service I mentioned - just used them again this week to check on a pending issue with my claim. Still works great, got through to someone in like 20 minutes instead of spending all day calling.

One thing to keep in mind - even if you qualify based on work history, you could still be disqualified if Washington ESD determines you were fired for misconduct or quit without good cause. Make sure you have your story straight about why you left your job.

man the whole unemployment system is so confusing. why can't they just make it simple - you work, you lose your job, you get benefits. why all these complicated rules about base periods and earnings requirements??

Quick question - if I worked in another state before moving to Washington, does that count toward my eligibility here?

Pro tip: start keeping track of all your job applications and networking activities now, even before you file. Washington ESD requires detailed job search logs and it's easier to stay organized from the beginning.

Bottom line - 8 months of restaurant work should definitely qualify you if you were working decent hours. The earnings threshold isn't that high and you probably exceeded it. Just file the claim online and let Washington ESD make the determination.

Has anyone here actually been denied benefits for not working long enough? Just curious what the denial letter looks like and if there's any way to appeal it.