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

So if I worked other jobs before this one, those earnings would count too?

Exactly! All your W-2 earnings from covered employment during that base year period count toward the requirement.

That's reassuring! How long did it take for your claim to get approved?

took about 3 weeks but that was pretty normal processing time

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

It's legit - I was skeptical too but got through to Washington ESD in like 15 minutes instead of spending all day redialing.

Interesting, might have to try that if I can't get through the regular way.

Wow, I had no idea it was that complicated. How do I figure out what my base year is?

If you file today, your base year would be January 2024 through December 2024. Washington ESD looks at completed quarters, so they go back to get a full year's worth of data.

I know it seems overwhelming, but the system is designed to ensure you've worked enough to have paid into unemployment insurance. The calculations protect the system from fraud.

I get that but it shouldn't take a math degree to figure out if you qualify for help when you lose your job

Yes, Washington ESD can use out-of-state earnings. You'll need to provide documentation from other states' unemployment agencies though.

Good to know, I worked in Oregon for part of 2024 before moving here.

I was laid off due to budget cuts, so that should be fine right?

yeah layoffs are usually straightforward for qualifying

What counts as a job search activity?

Applying for jobs, networking events, job fairs, informational interviews, even some online training courses. There's a list on the Washington ESD website.

And you have to log everything in WorkSourceWA or whatever system they're using now. They can audit your job search activities.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - their service is designed for situations like yours where you can't get through to Washington ESD. Much better than wasting days trying to call.

Yeah I saw your comment about that. Definitely keeping it in mind if I need to call them again.

How do I know if I should use the alternate base year?

Washington ESD will automatically check the alternate base year if you don't qualify under the regular one. It's part of their standard process.

While I understand the frustration, the requirements exist to ensure the system's integrity. The complexity comes from trying to cover all the different employment situations people might have.

Maybe, but they could definitely explain it better on their website instead of using all this technical jargon.

That makes me feel better. I've been working pretty consistently for the past year and a half.

Then you should be fine. The online application will calculate everything for you automatically.

Yes, temp work counts as long as the agencies were paying unemployment insurance taxes on your wages. Most legitimate temp agencies do this.

Great! I was worried those wouldn't count since they were short-term assignments.

Yes, part-time earnings count exactly the same. It's all about your total earnings during the base year, not whether you worked full-time or part-time.

That's a relief. I was worried I'd be disqualified for only working part-time.

How do they calculate the weekly benefit amount?

It's based on your average weekly earnings during your highest earning quarter in the base year. You get about 60% of that amount, up to the state maximum.

Washington ESD verifies employment through wage records that employers submit quarterly. As long as your employers reported your wages correctly, you shouldn't have issues.

Good to know. I kept all my pay stubs just in case they ask for documentation.

How does that work exactly? Do you have to give them your personal information?

They connect you to Washington ESD agents so you can speak directly with them. Much easier than trying to get through yourself.

You're right, I should just apply and see what happens. Thanks everyone for all the helpful information!

Exactly! The application process will walk you through everything and calculate your eligibility automatically.

Good advice! I'll gather all that information before I start the application.

Also remember that if you're approved, you'll need to file weekly claims to continue receiving benefits. It's not automatic.

I'll definitely check that out. Sounds like a good way to get an idea before applying.

Yeah, it's not perfect but gives you a ballpark figure to work with.