How long do you have to work for a company to get Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

So if I worked at my previous job for 3 years, that should definitely cover the base period earnings requirement right? Even if I only worked 2 months at my current job?

Exactly! Your previous job earnings would count toward the base period. Washington ESD looks at all your covered employment, not just your most recent job.

That's a common misconception. There's no minimum time requirement with one employer. I got laid off after just 1 month at a job and still qualified because of my previous work history.

oh wow ok good to know! so it really is just about total earnings over the whole base period

OMG yes the phone situation is ridiculous! I've been trying to reach someone at Washington ESD for weeks about my adjudication issue. Have you found any tricks for getting through?

Actually yeah - I discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that basically calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual person. I was skeptical at first but it worked. There's a demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me hours of frustration.

That sounds too good to be true but I'm desperate at this point. Does it actually work for getting through to the adjudication department?

This is super helpful! So even though I only worked 2 months at my current job, all my earnings from 2024 at both jobs would count toward that $3,850 minimum?

Correct! As long as both employers paid into the Washington state unemployment insurance system, all those wages count.

Same here! I was so stressed about the 2-month thing but sounds like I'm probably fine with my work history.

It's one of those things they don't really teach you. I learned the hard way too when I got laid off from my first 'real' job.

Good point about the job search requirements. How many jobs do you have to apply to each week in Washington?

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. Washington ESD can audit your job search records.

RIGHT?? like why do we need to jump through so many hoops just to get benefits we paid into

I get the frustration, but the requirements exist to prevent fraud and ensure benefits go to people who are genuinely unemployed through no fault of their own.

That's a good suggestion. I'll check my employee handbook. Though honestly, at 2 months in, I doubt I'd qualify for much severance.

You'd be surprised - some companies have pretty generous policies even for newer employees, especially if it's a mass layoff situation.

How long does it typically take to get approved and start receiving benefits once you file?

If there are no issues with your claim, you should start receiving benefits within 2-3 weeks after filing. But if it goes into adjudication for any reason, it can take much longer.

Much longer is an understatement. I've been waiting 8 weeks for my adjudication to resolve. That's why I'm probably going to try that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier.

What counts as 'good cause' for quitting? Is it just things like harassment or unsafe working conditions?

Good cause includes things like harassment, discrimination, significant changes to your job duties or pay, unsafe working conditions, or domestic violence situations. But you have to be able to document it.

That's reassuring to hear! Sounds like my situation would be similar if something happened at my new job.

Yeah, startups are risky that way. At least bigger companies usually have more advance warning if layoffs are coming.

Good point. Both my jobs have been regular W-2 employment, so I should be covered.

Perfect, then you should be all set if you need to file a claim.

That's actually a really smart idea. I should start keeping better records of my employment history and earnings.

Yes! Having your pay stubs and employment verification letters organized makes the whole process much smoother if you do need to file.

Same! I feel much more informed now about how the system actually works.

Happy to help clarify. The Washington ESD website has more detailed information if you want to dive deeper into the specific requirements.

I've tried both those times and still couldn't get through. The phone system is just overwhelmed. That's why services like Claimyr exist - they basically do the calling for you.

Yeah, the phone situation is definitely frustrating. I had to call like 30 times before I got through to resolve my identity verification issue.

Thank you! This whole thread has been incredibly helpful. I feel much more confident about my situation now.

You're welcome! Hope you don't need to use this information, but it's good to know your options.