How long do you have to have worked to get unemployment in Washington?

Oh that makes more sense! So it's wage-based not time-based. Do you know what happens if I didn't earn enough in those quarters?

If you don't meet the regular base period requirements, Washington ESD can use an 'alternate base period' which looks at the last 4 completed quarters. Sometimes that helps people qualify.

This is so confusing! Why can't they just make it simple like 'you worked X months, you get benefits'? The government makes everything complicated.

i know right? but once you understand it its not that bad. just check your wages for the last year and see if you hit that $3400 minimum

That sounds really helpful! Do you remember where on the website that tool is located?

It's on the Washington ESD website under 'Unemployment Benefits' then look for something like 'Check Your Wage History' or 'Monetary Determination'. You'll need to create an account if you don't have one already.

Never heard of Claimyr before but anything that helps with getting through to Washington ESD sounds good to me. Their phone system is the worst!

I might have to try that if I can't figure out my eligibility online. Thanks for sharing!

That's encouraging! I was making about $15/hour working 20-25 hours a week, so I think I might actually qualify.

At that rate you'd probably earn around $1,200-1,500 per month, so over 8 months you'd definitely hit the $3,400 minimum. You should be good to apply!

Nope, part-time work counts! It's all about meeting the wage requirements, not whether you worked full-time or part-time. You might want to check if you qualified for that period.

wow i had no idea. that couldve really helped me out during that rough patch

No, you don't get in trouble for applying if you don't qualify. Washington ESD will just send you a determination letter explaining why you don't meet the requirements. There's no penalty for trying.

That's a relief! I was worried there might be some kind of penalty for applying when you're not sure if you qualify.

I hadn't thought about the calendar quarter thing. That could definitely affect whether someone qualifies depending on when they started working.

Exactly. If you started working in February, your wages for that quarter would include Feb and March, but January would be zero. It's worth checking both regular and alternate base periods to see which one works better for you.

Good point! All my work was regular W-2 employment so that should be fine.

Yeah, it has to be covered employment where your employer paid unemployment insurance taxes. Most regular jobs qualify but contractors and self-employment usually don't.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - saves you from those long hold times. I used it twice now when I needed to talk to Washington ESD about different issues.

I'll have to remember that for next time. Two hours on hold was brutal.

That makes sense. Do you know what the maximum weekly benefit is in Washington?

I think it's around $999 per week maximum in 2025, but most people get less than that. There's a calculator on the Washington ESD website that can estimate your weekly benefit amount.

That's smart advice! Though I think based on what everyone's said, I should already qualify with 8 months of work.

Yeah, 8 months of part-time work at $15/hour should definitely put you over the $3,400 minimum. You should be good to apply!

That can get complicated. You might need to file an interstate claim. Washington ESD can use wages from other states if needed, but the process is more complex. You'd probably want to call them to discuss your specific situation.

ugh that sounds complicated. guess ill have to call them

That's encouraging to hear! I'm feeling much more confident about applying now after reading everyone's responses.

Just make sure you have all your employment information ready when you apply - employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation. Makes the process go much smoother.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already tight on money which is why I need unemployment in the first place.

It's pretty reasonable for what you get - basically they help you get through to Washington ESD when you need to talk to someone. Check out their website for details.

Good point! I'll make sure I understand all the requirements before I apply. Thanks everyone for all the helpful information!

You're welcome! The job search requirement is 3 job search activities per week in Washington, just so you know what to expect.

Same here! I learned something new today. Glad I found this discussion.

yeah definitely saving this thread for future reference

Perfect summary! This thread has been incredibly helpful. I'm going to check my wage history online and then apply. Thanks everyone!

Good luck! The process is easier than people make it seem once you know you qualify.