How long do you have to be at a job before you can get unemployment in Washington?

It's not about how long you're at ONE job, it's about your total earnings over the base period. Washington ESD looks at your wages from the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. You need to have earned at least $1,000 in your base period and your total base period wages must be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter earnings.

wait so you dont need to work somewhere for a certain amount of time? i thought you had to be employed for like 6 months or something

The hard part isn't the work requirement, it's actually getting through to Washington ESD to file your claim. I spent weeks trying to call them when I got laid off. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to an actual agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

Your situation might actually work in your favor. If you're terminated during probation (not for misconduct), you'd likely qualify as long as you meet the wage requirements. The key is that you didn't quit - being let go during probation usually isn't considered misconduct unless you did something really bad.

I'm dealing with something similar right now. Been trying to get my claim processed for weeks and Washington ESD keeps saying they need more information but won't tell me what exactly. So frustrating.

Also keep in mind that if you do qualify, you'll need to meet the ongoing requirements - filing weekly claims, doing job searches, being able and available for work. The initial qualification is just the first step.

Don't stress too much about the probation thing. I've been laid off twice during probationary periods and got unemployment both times. As long as you're not fired for cause, you should be fine.

THE WASHINGTON ESD SYSTEM IS SUCH A MESS!!! I had to fight for months to get my benefits and they kept asking for the same documents over and over. The whole thing is designed to make you give up.

Make sure you understand the difference between being terminated and quitting. If you quit your job (even during probation), you generally won't qualify unless you had good cause. But if they terminate you, even during probation, you should qualify as long as it wasn't for misconduct.

My sister went through this exact same thing last year. Got let go after 2 months on the job and was worried she wouldn't qualify. Turns out her wages from her previous jobs were enough to meet the requirements. She did have to wait through adjudication though.

quick question - do they look at gross wages or net wages for the base period calculation?

Just want to mention again that if you do end up needing to file a claim, don't waste time trying to call Washington ESD the traditional way. I literally spent 40+ hours on hold over several weeks. The Claimyr service I mentioned earlier was a lifesaver - got me connected to an agent in under an hour.

Another thing to consider - if you do get terminated, file your claim right away. There's no waiting period for the application, and your benefit year starts when you file, not when you lost your job.

The wage requirements can be confusing but here's the simple version: you need at least $1,000 in wages during your base period AND your total base period wages need to be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter. Most people who worked consistently meet this.

honestly the hardest part about unemployment isnt qualifying its dealing with all the bureaucracy afterwards. the weekly claims, job search requirements, reporting any work you do. its like a part time job just to get your benefits

One more thing - make sure you understand what constitutes misconduct. Being late, not following policies, or poor performance during probation usually isn't considered misconduct. Misconduct is more like theft, harassment, or deliberately violating company rules.

I used Claimyr when I couldn't get through to resolve an issue with my weekly claim. Honestly wish I'd known about it sooner instead of spending so much time on hold. The agent was able to fix my problem in like 10 minutes.

Just remember that even if you qualify for unemployment, the amount you get depends on your wages during the base period. So if you only worked a few months, your weekly benefit amount might be pretty low.

Hope everything works out with your current job! But if not, at least you know now that the length of time at one specific job isn't what matters for qualification.