How long do you have to be employed to file for unemployment in Washington?

So if I file in January 2025, they'd look at my earnings from October 2023 through September 2024?

Exactly! And you need at least $3,924 in total base period wages, plus wages in at least two quarters.

That's a common misconception. You can qualify with much less time worked as long as you meet the wage requirements in your base period quarters.

Oh wow, I wish I'd known that when I got laid off last year. I just assumed I didn't qualify.

That's a relief. I was worried the part-time wouldn't matter since it was a different employer.

Yeah they pull all your wage info automatically when you file. Pretty convenient actually.

How much does that cost? I hate paying for stuff that should be free.

I was skeptical too but when you're facing bills and can't get answers, it's worth it. Way cheaper than missing payments while waiting weeks to talk to someone.

Good to know there are options if I can't get through the regular way.

Yeah it would be a layoff, not me quitting or getting fired for cause.

Layoffs are usually straightforward for UI benefits. Just make sure you get documentation from HR about the reason.

That's why the two-quarter requirement exists - it protects against situations where someone only worked briefly in one quarter.

Yeah I get it now but at the time I was panicking thinking I wouldn't qualify at all.

How does that work exactly?

The alternate base period uses the last four completed quarters instead of the first four of the last five. So more recent wages get included.

I used the alternate base period when I filed in 2024. Really helped since I had started a higher paying job that year.

Good advice. I'll keep that in mind if the layoffs do happen.

Exactly. There's no penalty for filing and not qualifying, but there is a penalty for waiting to file when you do qualify.

I'll check that out. Thanks for the tip!

Yeah that calculator is pretty accurate. Helped me budget when I was between jobs.

Right, I know about the job search requirements. Three job search activities per week I think?

Exactly. And you have to report them on your weekly claims.

The job search log is really important to keep updated. I got audited and they wanted to see all my documentation.

So if my part-time job paid less but I worked it longer, that wouldn't hurt my benefit amount?

Right, they look at your best quarter. So if your full-time job is paying more, that quarter would likely determine your weekly benefit.

The formula is roughly your highest quarter divided by 26, but there are caps and minimums.

That's reassuring to hear from someone in a similar situation.

Yeah the system is actually designed to help people who have consistent work history, even if it's across multiple jobs.

Good point. I'll remember to file right away if it happens.

Yeah that's a mistake a lot of people make. You can't backdate benefits in most cases.

I'll keep that in mind if I have trouble reaching them.

I was skeptical about paying for something like that but honestly the peace of mind was worth it.

Not union but good advice for others reading this.

Yeah union members sometimes get supplemental unemployment benefits that extend beyond regular UI.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info. Feel much more prepared now if layoffs do happen.

Good luck! Hopefully you won't need any of this information but it's smart to be prepared.