How long do you have to work at a job to qualify for Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

So it doesn't matter that I've only been at this current job for 8 weeks? It's about my total earnings over the past year or so?

Exactly! Washington ESD looks at your wage history over those quarters, not just your current job. Your previous job from over a year ago might still count depending on when exactly you worked there.

How do you figure out which quarters count? Is there a calculator or something on the Washington ESD website?

Yeah, there's info on their site but honestly it was confusing. I ended up just filing and letting them calculate it for me during the application process.

Those dollar amounts seem pretty reasonable. I think I probably made enough at my previous job plus what I've earned so far at this one.

Don't forget you also have to be unemployed through no fault of your own. If you quit without good cause or get fired for misconduct, you won't qualify regardless of your wages.

How does that work exactly? Do they just call for you or something?

Yeah, basically they handle the calling and waiting so you don't have to sit on hold for hours. Way better than trying to get through yourself.

Interesting, I've never heard of that before but it sounds useful given how hard it is to reach anyone at Washington ESD.

It depends on exactly when you worked and how much you earned. The base period calculation can be tricky - you might want to contact Washington ESD directly to check your specific situation.

ugh calling them is such a nightmare though, maybe ill try that claimyr thing someone mentioned

Washington ESD can use wages from other states in your base period calculation. You might need to file what's called an interstate claim or provide additional documentation about your out-of-state employment.

That's a relief! I was worried I'd lose all that work history just because I moved here.

You should be fine as long as you meet the monetary requirements overall. The interstate process might take a bit longer but it's pretty standard.

YES! I spent forever looking for basic information last time I needed to file. Why do government websites have to be so confusing?

Right? And half the links are broken or outdated. It's like they don't want people to actually use the services.

Good point, I should probably start familiarizing myself with those requirements now just in case.

Smart thinking. Also make sure you understand the difference between being 'able and available' versus just available. Washington ESD is pretty strict about that distinction.

That's so frustrating! Did you have to get a lawyer or anything for the appeal?

No, I handled it myself but it was a lot of paperwork and phone calls. The appeal process isn't too complicated if you have the right documentation.

You're probably right, but it's hard not to worry when your supervisor keeps making negative comments.

Have you tried talking to HR about the situation? Sometimes supervisors don't realize how their feedback is coming across.

We don't really have an HR department - it's a small company. But maybe I should try having a direct conversation with my supervisor about expectations.

Is that service expensive? I'm always skeptical of things that charge money to do something you should be able to do yourself.

It's worth it when you consider how much time you save not sitting on hold for hours. Plus they actually get you through to someone who can answer your questions.

Seasonal work counts the same as any other employment for monetary eligibility purposes. As long as your employer was paying into the unemployment insurance system, those wages should be included in your base period.

Thanks! That's what I hoped but wasn't sure since it was such a short period.

This is so important! My old boss tried to tell me I wouldn't qualify because I was 'fired for cause' but it turned out his reasons didn't meet the legal standard for misconduct.

Exactly! Employers sometimes don't understand the actual legal standards for disqualification. It's always worth filing if you're unsure.

That's reassuring! I was really worried that such a short tenure would automatically disqualify me.

Nope, tenure at your most recent job isn't really a factor. It's all about your overall earnings pattern during the base period.

How long did the adjudication take to resolve? I'm dealing with one now and it's been weeks.

Mine took about 6 weeks total, but talking to an actual person helped me understand what documentation they needed to speed things up.

What exactly counts as 'good cause' for quitting? Is poor performance management by a supervisor something that would qualify?

It depends on the specific circumstances, but generally you need to show you tried to resolve workplace issues before quitting. Simple personality conflicts usually aren't enough.

Harassment, unsafe working conditions, or significant changes to your job duties without notice are more likely to qualify as good cause.

Good point. I guess I'm getting ahead of myself worrying about this when I don't even know if I'll lose my job.

Better to be prepared though! At least now you know what to expect if you do need to file.