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

Oh that's confusing. So it's based on earnings not time worked? What if I made like $15/hour but only worked part time some weeks?

Yes, it's earnings based. Part-time work counts too as long as you hit that $1,000 minimum threshold during your base period. Washington ESD looks at all your covered employment during those quarters.

This is why I hate dealing with Washington ESD - so many different rules and requirements. Makes my head spin.

I know it seems complicated but once you understand the base period concept it makes more sense. The system is designed to ensure you had substantial recent work history.

How does that work exactly? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days but keep getting the busy signal or getting disconnected.

Claimyr basically calls for you and waits on hold, then connects you when an agent picks up. Check out claimyr.com - saved me so much frustration when I needed to talk to someone about my eligibility.

Never heard of that before but sounds useful. The phone system at Washington ESD is terrible.

For a claim filed in January 2025, your base period would typically be October 2023 through September 2024. It's the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters.

So they don't count my most recent work? That seems backwards.

There's an alternate base period option if you don't qualify under the standard one. That uses the most recent 4 quarters. You can request that when you file your claim.

What was the specific reason for denial? Sometimes there are ways to appeal or reapply with different information.

They said I didn't have enough wages in two quarters even though I worked constantly. Makes no sense to me.

That sounds like you might benefit from the alternate base period calculation. You should definitely appeal that decision or ask them to reconsider using the alternate base period.

But I want to know beforehand so I can plan. If I don't qualify I need to look into other options.

fair enough, but the online application is pretty quick anyway

Good point. How do I check if my employers reported wages correctly?

You can request a wage statement from Washington ESD online or by calling them. It shows all the wages they have on record for you by quarter and employer.

That's reassuring. I think my combined earnings from both jobs should be well over $1,000.

Then you'll probably qualify! Just make sure to include all your work history when you file the claim.

I was laid off from my most recent job due to budget cuts, so that should be okay right?

Yes, layoffs due to lack of work or budget cuts are typically not disqualifying. You should be fine on that front.

Tell me about it. The whole process is such a headache.

So I might get less money than I expect?

Possibly, but that's why the alternate base period exists. If using the most recent quarters would give you a higher benefit amount, you can request that calculation instead.

Exactly. Washington ESD is supposed to use whichever base period is more advantageous to you, but sometimes you have to specifically ask for it.

Seems like a lot of people are mentioning this service. Might be worth trying if I can't figure out my eligibility on my own.

I was skeptical at first but it actually works. Got connected to a Washington ESD agent in like 20 minutes instead of spending all day redialing.

How long does it usually take to get that letter?

Usually within a week or two of filing your initial claim, assuming there are no issues that require adjudication.

I think they do but I'm not 100% sure about the exact dates. Should I try to figure that out before filing?

You can file and let Washington ESD calculate it, or if you want to be sure, you could call and ask them to look up your wage record first. Though good luck getting through on the phone without help.

Thanks, that's encouraging. I've been putting it off because it seemed complicated but maybe I should just go ahead and file.

Yeah I've heard about the job search requirements. How many jobs do you have to apply for each week?

In Washington it's typically 3 job search activities per week, but it depends on your situation. They'll go over all the requirements when you file your claim.

Oh that's helpful! I'll look for that on their website.

It's under the 'Am I Eligible' section if I remember correctly. Good starting point before you file your actual claim.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. I feel much more confident about filing now.

Good luck with your claim! The hardest part is usually just understanding how the system works, which you've got a handle on now.