How long do you have to work somewhere to claim unemployment in Washington?

In Washington state, you need to have earned at least $1,000 in your base period to qualify for unemployment benefits. The base period is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. It's not just about how long you worked at one job, but your total earnings during that period.

Be careful about quitting though - if you quit voluntarily without 'good cause' you'll be disqualified from receiving benefits. Washington ESD is pretty strict about this. You need to show that quitting was your only reasonable option due to circumstances like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or major changes to your job.

I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks about my own claim issues and it's impossible. Their phone lines are always busy and the callback system never works. If you do need to contact them about eligibility questions, good luck getting through. I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually helps you get connected to an ESD agent - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

the whole system is messed up anyway. ive been waiting 6 weeks for my claim to get approved and they keep asking for more documentation. even if you qualify it doesnt mean youll actually get paid anytime soon

Just so you know, there's also a waiting period requirement. You have to serve a one-week waiting period before benefits start, and you need to be actively looking for work and reporting your job search activities every week.

I quit my job last year for similar reasons - toxic management and unsafe conditions. I documented everything like the other person said and was able to get my benefits approved. The key is proving you had no other choice but to quit.

wait so if you quit you can still get unemployment? i always thought you had to be fired or laid off

Another thing to consider - even if you qualify, your benefit amount is based on your earnings during the base period. With only 8 months of work, your weekly benefit might be pretty low depending on what you were making.

DON'T QUIT!! The system is so backed up right now, even if you qualify it could take months to see any money. I'm still waiting on my claim from December and it's been a nightmare trying to get answers from anyone at ESD.

You might want to talk to a lawyer before quitting, especially if you're documenting unsafe working conditions. You could have grounds for other legal action beyond just unemployment benefits.

my friend quit her job for hostile work environment and got approved for benefits but it took like 2 months and a bunch of appeals. just be ready for a fight if you go this route

The earnings requirement isn't just $1000 total - you also need to have earned at least $1,005 in your highest earning quarter AND total base period earnings need to be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter. Washington ESD has specific formulas for this stuff.

Just want to add - even if you qualify based on earnings, quitting puts you at risk for a misconduct disqualification. ESD will investigate and you might have to do a fact-finding interview. Be 100% sure you can prove good cause before you quit.

I used to work at ESD (different department) and honestly the good cause standard is pretty high. Unsafe working conditions need to be documented and you usually need to show you tried to resolve the issue with your employer first.

whatever you do dont just walk out. if youre gonna quit make sure you follow the right process and have everything documented. the last thing you want is to be unemployed with no benefits

Another option to consider - can you stick it out long enough to find another job first? That way you don't have to worry about unemployment eligibility at all.

If you do end up needing to contact ESD about any of this, definitely check out that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. I tried it last month when I couldn't get through their regular phone lines and it saved me hours of frustration. Worth checking out their demo video to see how it works.

Bottom line - 8 months of work should be enough to meet the earnings requirements if you were working full time at $18/hour. But quitting is risky unless you can clearly prove good cause. Document everything and maybe consult with an employment attorney before making your decision.