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

So it's based on earnings, not just time worked? That's confusing. How do I know what my base period earnings are?

Exactly! You can check your quarterly wage reports on the Washington ESD website. Just log into your account and look at your wage history. The system will automatically calculate if you meet the requirements when you file.

Oh no, I started my job in March and it's November now. Does that count as 2 quarters?

March to November definitely covers multiple quarters! Q1 ends in March, Q2 is April-June, Q3 is July-September, and Q4 is October-December. You should be fine on that requirement.

That sounds useful! Do you remember where exactly on the site that calculator is?

It's under the 'File a Claim' section on the main Washington ESD page. Look for 'Benefit Estimator' or something similar. It walks you through the earnings requirements step by step.

This happened to me! I didn't qualify under the regular base period but did under the alternate. Washington ESD automatically checked both for me when I filed my claim.

That's reassuring to know there's a backup option. Thanks for mentioning that!

Good point. In my case it would be a layoff due to company downsizing, so that should be okay, right?

Yes, layoffs due to lack of work or company downsizing typically qualify. The key is that the job loss isn't due to something you did wrong.

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Interesting, I'll check that out. I've been calling first thing in the morning with no luck.

I used Claimyr when I had issues with my adjudication taking forever. It actually worked - got connected to an agent within a couple hours instead of spending days trying to call.

That makes me feel better. I make about $22/hour and work 40 hours a week, so I think I should be well over that amount.

Yeah, at that rate you're making way more than the minimum required. You should definitely qualify if you get laid off.

Good to know for later. What counts as a valid job search contact?

Applying for jobs, contacting employers directly, attending job fairs, networking events, and some training activities. They're pretty specific about what counts, so read the guidelines carefully when you file.

A whole week with no benefits? That seems harsh when you just lost your job.

Yeah it's frustrating but that's how the system works. The waiting week applies to almost everyone filing a new claim.

Smart advice. What specific documents do I need to have ready?

Your Social Security card, driver's license, employment history for the last 18 months including employer names and addresses, and your most recent pay stub. Also any separation papers if you get them.

What's the difference between those two amounts?

Your weekly benefit amount is what you get each week if eligible. Your maximum benefit amount is the total you can receive over the entire benefit year. It's usually 26 times your weekly amount.

Even if I haven't heard back about whether I'm approved?

Yes! Keep filing weekly claims. If you're approved, you'll get paid for those weeks retroactively. If you don't file weekly claims, you lose those weeks forever.

I'll definitely check that out. Better to understand the system before I need it.

Really? I didn't know you could get unemployment if you still have some work.

Yeah, it's called partial unemployment. If your hours or wages are reduced through no fault of your own, you might qualify for some benefits to make up part of the difference.

Glad it's helping someone else too! Hopefully neither of us will need to use this information.

Fingers crossed! But at least now I know I should probably qualify if the worst happens.

How does that service work exactly? Do they just keep calling for you?

They have some system that gets you in the queue more efficiently and then calls you back when an agent is available. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting busy signals.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much better prepared now, even though I hope I won't need to use it.

Agreed! I was so confused when I first started researching this, but everyone's explanations have made it much clearer.