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

What exactly counts as a quarter? Is that like 3-month periods or something different?

Yes, quarters are 3-month periods: Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep, Oct-Dec. So if you file in November 2025, your base period would typically be July 2024 through June 2025.

Oh wow, that's pretty specific. How do they calculate all this when you apply?

Washington ESD automatically pulls your wage records from employers when you file your claim. You don't have to provide pay stubs or anything like that - they have access to all the quarterly wage reports your employers filed.

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit. You can check it out at claimyr.com. I was skeptical too but it saved me hours of calling and getting disconnected.

That's reassuring. I make about $4,500 a month so I should be well over those amounts.

Just remember that part-time work counts too if you've had multiple jobs or worked part-time before your current position.

It's not just about length of time - it's about earnings in specific quarters. You might have worked 6 months but if it was all in one quarter or you didn't earn enough, that could cause a denial.

That makes no sense though. If you work you should get benefits!

The system is designed to ensure people have a substantial work history before claiming benefits. It prevents abuse but can seem unfair to people who worked but didn't meet the specific requirements.

What's the difference between the two base periods?

The alternate base period is more recent. So if you file in November 2025, alternate would be Oct 2024-Sep 2025 instead of Jul 2024-Jun 2025. It helps people who worked more recently.

How do you check your wage records?

You can request them from Washington ESD or sometimes see them when you file your claim. If something looks wrong, contact the employer and ESD immediately.

Because employers report wages quarterly to the state. That's how all the employment data is tracked for tax purposes.

Still confusing for regular people trying to figure out if they qualify.

Yeah I'm worried about a layoff, not planning to quit. Good to know about the misconduct thing though.

There are some exceptions for quitting with good cause, but they're pretty specific. Things like unsafe working conditions or harassment.

Right, I'm just trying to be prepared. Hopefully it won't come to that but better to know the rules.

Smart thinking. A lot of people wait until they're unemployed to learn about the system and then panic when they don't qualify or get stuck in adjudication.

Do you get that letter right away when you file?

Usually within a few days to a week. It comes through your online account and sometimes by mail too.

How much does something like that cost?

I don't remember the exact cost but it was worth it to actually get through and get my questions answered instead of spending days trying to call.

What are the job search requirements?

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. There are specific activities that count and don't count.

And you have to be able and available for work each week when you file your weekly claim.

Good idea, I'll look for that on their website.

It's under the 'Calculators and Tools' section I think. Pretty helpful for planning.

I've only worked in Washington so that shouldn't be an issue for me.

Lucky you! Interstate claims can be a real headache from what I've heard.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! This thread has been really educational.

Good luck! Hopefully you won't need to use any of this information but it's good to be prepared.