How long do you have to be with a company to get unemployment in Washington?

Oh that's a relief! So even if I only worked 2 months at this new place, my previous job history still matters for qualifying?

Exactly! As long as you earned enough wages during your base period quarters, you should qualify. The recent job length doesn't disqualify you.

That's exactly what I was worried about! Did you have any issues with Washington ESD questioning why you left the new job so quickly?

They did ask about the separation reason, but since it was a layoff and not misconduct, it didn't affect my eligibility. Just be honest about what happened.

What counts as 'sufficient wages' though? I've never been clear on the exact dollar amounts Washington ESD requires.

For 2025, you need at least $7,896 in your base period and wages in at least two quarters. Plus your highest quarter needs to be at least $2,632. These amounts get updated annually.

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - they basically automate the calling process and get you in the queue without you having to sit there hitting redial constantly. Saved me so much frustration.

I tried Claimyr too after seeing it mentioned here. Worked exactly as advertised and finally got my adjudication questions answered after 3 weeks of failed calls.

It depends on why you got fired and what your work history looks like in your base period. Being fired for cause could disqualify you entirely, but if it was just not working out during training, that's different.

they said i wasnt picking up the tasks fast enough during training, nothing bad just not a good fit

That sounds like it wouldn't be considered misconduct. You'd likely qualify if you have sufficient base period wages from previous employment.

The confusion comes from different states having different rules. Washington doesn't have a minimum time requirement with any specific employer - it's all about your base period wages.

So I could work somewhere for 1 day and still get unemployment as long as I had previous jobs?

Theoretically yes, if you weren't fired for misconduct and you meet the base period wage requirements from previous work.

That's encouraging to hear! Did the whole process take long or were you able to start receiving benefits pretty quickly?

It took about 2 weeks to get my first payment after filing. No major delays or adjudication issues since the separation was clearly not for misconduct.

Good point. I know about the job search requirements but wasn't sure how strictly they enforce them.

They can audit your job search activities at any time, so definitely keep detailed records of every application and contact you make.

I didn't know that! So there's no way to backdate it to when you actually became unemployed?

Generally no, unless there are very specific circumstances that prevented you from filing. The waiting week was eliminated in Washington but you still can't go backwards.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to the agency that owes us benefits.

I agree it shouldn't be necessary, but when you're stressed about bills and can't get through any other way, it was worth it for the peace of mind.

That's a really important distinction. I guess if they let me go it would probably be performance-related during probation rather than misconduct.

Exactly. Just make sure you're honest about the reason when you file. Washington ESD will contact your employer anyway to verify the separation reason.

Good to know. I definitely wouldn't want to lie anyway but it's good to know they actually verify everything.

Oh interesting! My previous job did pay quite a bit more than this current one. That would actually be helpful if I end up needing to file.

Yeah, that's one advantage of the base period system. Your recent lower-paying job won't hurt your benefit calculation as long as your previous higher-paying work is still in the base period.

Quitting without good cause typically disqualifies you from receiving benefits, regardless of your prior work history. You'd need to show that you quit for reasons attributable to the employer.

What if the job was misrepresented or the working conditions are unsafe?

Those could potentially be good cause reasons, but you'd need to document everything and be prepared to appeal if initially denied.

That makes sense. I guess companies use probationary periods to evaluate fit but it doesn't automatically mean misconduct if they let you go.

That's probably the best advice. I tend to overthink these things when I should just apply and see what happens.

Exactly. The worst they can do is say no, but you might be surprised and qualify even when you weren't sure.

Several people have mentioned that service now. Might be worth looking into if I can't get through the normal way.

Yeah, it's frustrating that we need a third-party service just to reach our own state agency, but it definitely works when you need answers quickly.