How long do you have to be employed to collect unemployment benefits in Washington?

Oh that's actually kind of confusing. So if I file in January 2025, what would my base period be exactly?

For a claim filed in January 2025, your base period would be October 2023 through September 2024. Washington ESD looks at your total wages earned during that time to determine both eligibility and benefit amount.

Those numbers seem pretty specific. Are they updated every year or something?

Yes, Washington ESD adjusts the monetary requirements annually based on average wages. Those are the 2024 amounts, so they might be slightly different when you actually need to file.

Did you have any trouble with the application process? I've heard Washington ESD can be really hard to reach if there are issues.

Actually yes, I had some questions about my claim and spent forever trying to call them. Eventually found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual person at Washington ESD. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process way less stressful.

This is really good to know! I thought you had to have steady employment to qualify.

Nope, lots of people have irregular work patterns especially in seasonal industries. As long as you meet the wage requirements during the base period you should be fine.

How does that work exactly? Do you have to request the alternate base period or do they automatically check it?

You have to request it when you apply. The alternate base period uses the last four completed quarters instead of the first four of the last five. It can help if you've recently returned to work or had a significant increase in wages.

I know it seems complex but the current system is actually designed to be fair to people with different work patterns. Someone working part-time for a year might earn the same as someone working full-time for 6 months.

i guess that makes sense when you put it that way

What are the job search requirements like? Do you have to apply to a certain number of jobs each week?

Yes, you typically need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a detailed log. There are some exceptions for things like union referrals or if you're on standby with your employer.

That's a good point. Is there any downside to applying if you don't qualify?

No downside at all. If you don't qualify they'll just send you a determination explaining why. No penalties or anything like that.

Is the waiting period still a thing? I thought they got rid of that during COVID.

The waiting period is back in effect as of 2023. It was temporarily waived during the pandemic but that ended when the emergency benefits programs expired.

Good advice! I've been pretty bad about keeping track of old pay stubs.

Start collecting them now if you can. You never know when you might need them, and it's much easier than trying to track them down later from former employers.

Oh that sounds useful! Is it on the main ESD website?

Yes, it's under the unemployment benefits section. Just search for 'benefit calculator' on their site and it should come up.

Ugh yes! I spent hours trying to get through to them about an issue with my weekly claim. Finally used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and got connected within like 10 minutes. Totally worth it.

I should have known about that when I was dealing with my claim. Would have saved me so much frustration.

Thanks for the updated numbers! That's helpful to know.

No problem! The increases are usually pretty small year to year but it's good to have the current figures.

That's reassuring. I guess I'm just worried because I've never dealt with this before.

Totally understandable! The unknown is always scary. But thousands of people go through this process every month and most qualify without issues.

Good to know what to prepare ahead of time. Anything else I should gather?

Bank account information for direct deposit setup, and if you were laid off, any separation paperwork from your employer can be helpful too.

Yeah I figured it wouldn't be the full amount. Better than nothing though if I do end up getting laid off.

Absolutely, every bit helps. Just wanted to set realistic expectations since some people think unemployment pays as much as working.

26 weeks seems like a decent amount of time to find a new job, assuming the job market is okay.

Right, and if you're in certain training programs you might be able to extend benefits beyond 26 weeks. There are several programs Washington ESD offers for displaced workers.

What happens if you accidentally certify after starting work?

Washington ESD will eventually catch it through wage reporting and you'll have to pay back any overpayment. It's considered fraud if you do it intentionally, so always better to report changes right away.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much more prepared now if something does happen with my job.

This thread was really informative. I learned stuff I didn't know even though I've filed for unemployment before.