How long do you have to work to be able to collect unemployment in Washington?

So if I started 3 months ago, would that count as working in at least two quarters? I'm still confused about how the quarters work.

It depends on when exactly you started. Quarters are Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep, Oct-Dec. If you started in January and it's now April, you'd have worked in Q1 and part of Q2.

This is exactly what happened to me! I worked part-time for 8 months but didn't meet the earnings requirement.

I'm working full-time at $22/hour so I think I should be okay on the earnings part, assuming I qualify time-wise.

I actually found a service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents quickly. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made my life so much easier when I needed to verify my eligibility.

Interesting, I've never heard of that. Does it actually work or is it just another service that takes your money?

It worked great for me. I was able to speak with an actual Washington ESD person within 30 minutes instead of calling for days.

The system is designed to ensure people have established a work history before receiving benefits. It prevents people from working very briefly just to collect unemployment.

i guess that makes sense but still sucks for people in tough situations

Those are the main financial requirements. You also need to be unemployed through no fault of your own, be able and available for work, and actively seek work while receiving benefits.

Don't forget you have to register with WorkSource and complete job search activities. Washington ESD is pretty strict about the work search requirements now.

File your claim as soon as you receive notice of your layoff, but make sure to report your last day of work accurately. Benefits don't start until after your last day of employment.

Thanks! I was worried about filing too early and messing something up.

You might have been eligible for an alternate base period calculation. Did you appeal the denial or ask about using different quarters?

I eventually figured it out but it took months of back and forth with Washington ESD. Really frustrating process.

Contract work generally doesn't count for regular unemployment benefits because you're considered self-employed. However, there might be other programs available depending on your situation.

You'd need to look into self-employment assistance programs or other options. Regular UI is for employees, not contractors.

At least you've worked longer than me! Sounds like you should definitely meet the requirements if you've been full-time.

Yeah, I've been full-time at decent pay so I think I'm good. Just hate that we have to worry about this stuff.

I'll check that out! Didn't know they had a calculator available.

That calculator is helpful but remember it's just an estimate. Your actual eligibility determination happens when you file your claim.

I used that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier and it was a game changer. Got through to Washington ESD in like 20 minutes when I needed to check my claim status. Worth every penny to avoid that calling nightmare.

I get that but it still feels harsh when you lose a job after 3-4 months through no fault of your own. Maybe there could be a middle ground.

That's fair. The system isn't perfect but it has to balance helping people with preventing abuse.

Good advice! I'll start keeping better track of my pay stubs and employment dates.

Yes! And keep records of any severance pay or vacation payouts too. Those can affect your benefit start date.

That's encouraging! Did you have any issues during the application process?

Pretty straightforward actually. Just had to wait for them to verify my earnings with my employer.

While the system can be frustrating, the requirements exist to ensure benefits go to people who've contributed to the system through their work history.

I understand that but the process could be more user-friendly and transparent.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much more informed about the requirements now.

Good luck OP! Hope you don't end up needing to use this information but at least you'll be prepared.