How long do you have to work for an employer to qualify for Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

It's not about how long you work for one specific employer - Washington ESD looks at your total earnings over what's called the 'base period' which is usually the first four of the last five completed quarters before you file your claim. You need to have earned at least $3,850 in your base period AND earned wages in at least two quarters.

Wait but if you quit won't you be disqualified anyway? I thought you had to be laid off or fired without cause to get unemployment.

Document everything before you make any decisions! If you're dealing with harassment or a hostile work environment, keep records of incidents with dates and any witnesses. You might have grounds for good cause if you do decide to quit, but Washington ESD will investigate thoroughly.

I had a similar situation last year and trying to get through to Washington ESD to explain my circumstances was impossible. The phone lines are always busy and when I did get through after hours of calling, they'd just tell me to file online. But online doesn't let you explain complex situations like yours.

dont quit whatever you do!!! make them fire you if its that bad. quiting makes everything 10x harder with unemployment

To directly answer your original question - there's no specific time requirement for working at one employer. The key numbers for Washington state are: $3,850 total in your base period AND wages in at least 2 quarters of that base period. Your weekly benefit amount is calculated based on your highest earning quarter.

I'm confused about the base period thing. If I just filed for unemployment last month, what quarters would they look at?

OP, before you do anything drastic, have you tried talking to HR about the supervisor issues? Sometimes they can resolve things internally without you having to quit or get fired.

If you do end up needing to file for unemployment, make sure you understand the job search requirements. You'll need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep detailed records in your WorkSourceWA account.

Just want to follow up on the Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier - I actually tried it after my first comment and got connected to a Washington ESD rep within like 20 minutes. Finally got my adjudication issue resolved after 3 weeks of trying to call myself.

I've been in a similar situation OP. Toxic workplace, thought about quitting daily. What helped me was focusing on building my case for good cause while actively job searching. Even if you don't quit, having other options lined up gives you more confidence to deal with the current situation.

One more thing to consider - if your supervisor's behavior constitutes harassment or discrimination based on protected characteristics, you might also want to file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission. That creates additional documentation that could support an unemployment claim if you do end up quitting.

Washington ESD is pretty strict about the good cause stuff for quitting. I quit what I thought was a toxic job and they denied my claim initially. Had to go through the whole appeal process and it took months to get resolved.

For anyone reading this thread, here's a quick summary of Washington unemployment eligibility: You need $3,850 in total wages during your base period (usually first 4 of last 5 completed quarters) AND wages in at least 2 quarters. Time at one specific employer doesn't matter - it's about your total covered wages.

OP, whatever you decide, make sure you understand the process before you need it. The Washington ESD system can be confusing and if you end up needing benefits, you'll want to file correctly the first time. If you do need to talk to someone there and can't get through, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work.

Just wanted to add - if you do end up filing for unemployment, whether from quitting with good cause or being fired, make sure you file your weekly claims on time every week. Missing even one week can cause issues with your benefits.

This whole thread is making me grateful I have a decent boss lol. OP I hope whatever you decide works out for you. Sounds like a really stressful situation.

final thought - dont let them push you out without documenting everything. even if you think its minor stuff write it down. dates times witnesses everything. you never know what might be important later