How long do you have to work for unemployment benefits in Washington state?

You need to have worked in at least 2 quarters of your base period and earned a minimum amount. The base period is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed. So if you worked 8 months plus 3 months part-time, you should have enough work history assuming you met the earnings requirements.

I think it's actually more complicated than that. You also need to have worked at least 680 hours in your base period OR earned at least $1,200 in one quarter plus earnings in another quarter equal to at least 1.5 times your highest quarter.

I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks to get clarification on my work history but can never get through. The phone system is impossible. Anyone else having this problem?

The work requirements in Washington are pretty straightforward once you understand them. You need sufficient work in your base period, which is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters. The earnings test is what most people focus on, but there's also an hours test as backup.

I qualified with only 6 months of work last year, but I was making good money during that time. It really depends on your earnings more than just time worked.

washington esd is so confusing with all these rules. i worked 10 months and still got denied because of some technicality about my base period. make sure you understand exactly which quarters count!

If you're unsure about your specific situation, you can always file an application and let Washington ESD determine your eligibility. The worst they can do is say no, and then you can appeal if needed.

I had a similar work history and got approved no problem. Filed online and was approved within a week. Don't overthink it too much.

Just remember you also need to be able and available for work and actively seeking employment. The work history is just one part of eligibility.

The base period thing trips people up all the time. It's not just the last 12 months - it's specific calendar quarters. Make sure you understand which quarters your work falls into.

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and it actually worked. Got connected to a Washington ESD agent who explained my whole eligibility situation. Worth trying if you need to talk to someone.

The system is designed to be somewhat flexible. Even if you don't meet the standard base period requirements, there's an alternate base period that uses more recent work history.

honestly the whole thing is a mess. i had to call like 50 times before getting through to someone who could actually help. the online system doesn't give you enough info about your specific situation

With 11 months total work history and those earnings amounts, you should definitely qualify. The key is making sure your work history is properly reported to Washington ESD.

Don't forget about the waiting week. Even if you qualify, there's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start.

I think you're definitely good with that work history. I had less and still qualified. The main thing is just filing the application and seeing what happens.

the work requirements aren't that hard to meet if you've been working steadily. 8 months full time should put you way over the minimum

Make sure to file as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. There can be delays in processing and you want to get in the queue early.

One more thing - keep all your employment records handy. Sometimes Washington ESD needs additional documentation to verify your work history.

Sounds like you're all set. With 11 months of work history and solid earnings, you should have no problem qualifying. Good luck with your claim!