How long do you have to work a job to collect unemployment in Washington state?

So if I file in January 2025, my base period would be January 2024 through December 2024? And I need to meet both the $1,000 AND the 680 hours requirement?

Actually, if you file in January 2025, your base period would typically be October 2023 through September 2024. Washington ESD uses completed quarters. You need to meet the $1,000 minimum AND either work 680+ hours OR have wages in at least two different quarters.

It depends on how much you earned. If you made enough in those 3 months to hit the wage requirements AND worked at least 680 hours, you could qualify. But most people need work spread across multiple quarters to meet Washington ESD's requirements.

ok that makes more sense. so it's not just about time worked but also about showing consistent employment patterns

You should try Claimyr - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents automatically. I used it last month when I was stuck in adjudication and it actually worked. Check out claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Thanks! I'll check that out. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get some answers about my claim.

Did you appeal the decision? Sometimes Washington ESD makes mistakes in their initial determination and you can get it overturned.

I tried but the appeal process is just as messed up. Been waiting 3 months for a hearing date.

Oh that's really helpful! So in my case with 5 months at my current job, would the alternative base period give me a better chance of qualifying?

Possibly! The alternative base period would include more recent quarters where you were actually working. Washington ESD automatically considers it if you don't qualify under the standard base period.

That's correct. You generally need to be unemployed due to lack of work, layoffs, or other circumstances not caused by your own actions. Quitting without good cause or being fired for misconduct can disqualify you.

good to know thanks

How long did it take for your claim to get approved? I'm worried about the timing if I do get laid off.

It took about 8 weeks total because they had to verify my wages with previous employers. The first few weeks were normal processing, then it went into adjudication for employer verification.

ugh the job search requirements are so annoying. do they actually check all that stuff?

They can audit your job search log at any time, so it's important to keep detailed records. I know people who got disqualified for not having proper documentation.

Really? My previous job was in Oregon over a year ago. Would that still count somehow?

It might! Washington ESD can request wage information from other states if it helps establish your eligibility. You'd need to provide details about your out-of-state employment when you file.

Washington ESD does have a benefit calculator on their website, but it's not always accurate for complex situations. Your best bet is to just file and let them determine your eligibility officially.

Did you have to pay for it? I'm desperate to talk to someone but money's tight right now.

There is a cost but it was worth it for me since I wasted so much time trying to call on my own. Way less than what I would have lost if my claim got delayed further.

My job isn't seasonal but that's good to know. This is all so much more complicated than I thought!

Good advice! I'll start putting together a folder with all my employment records just in case.

Yes! And make copies of everything. Washington ESD sometimes requests the same documents multiple times during the review process.

I feel this. The uncertainty is brutal when you're trying to budget and plan ahead.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much more prepared now to understand what might happen if I do end up getting laid off. Going to start gathering my documents and look into whether my Oregon wages might count.

You're welcome! Don't hesitate to file if you do become unemployed - worst case they say no, but you might be surprised and qualify even if you're not sure about meeting all the requirements.

That's encouraging to hear. I've been avoiding calling because I know it's such a hassle, but maybe I should just bite the bullet and try that service.

What's the maximum weekly benefit amount in Washington currently?

I think it's around $999 per week for 2025, but you need pretty high earnings to max out. Most people get somewhere between $200-600 per week depending on their wages.

This is important advice. I waited two weeks thinking I might get called back to work and ended up losing out on those benefit weeks permanently.