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

The work requirement in Washington isn't about how long you worked at one job - it's about your total earnings during what they call the 'base period.' You need to have earned at least $3,850 during your base period, and you also need earnings in at least two quarters of that base period. The base period is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim.

I was in a similar situation last year and qualified even though I had only worked 7 months total. As long as you made enough money in at least two different quarters during your base period, you should be good. The dollar amount matters more than the time.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check your eligibility, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach an agent. They have a system that calls for you and gets you connected - check out claimyr.com. There's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.

Wait I'm confused about the quarters thing. If I started working in March 2024 and it's now January 2025, would that count as two quarters? March would be Q1 and then I worked through Q2, Q3, and Q4 right?

The whole system is ridiculous if you ask me. Why should someone who worked 11 months get benefits but someone who worked 10 months doesn't? It's all about the arbitrary quarters and dollar amounts, not about whether you actually need help.

Don't forget about the alternative base period too. If you don't qualify under the regular base period, Washington ESD can look at a more recent time frame - the last four completed quarters before you file. This helps people who recently started working or returned to work.

ugh i went through this same thing last year and it was such a headache trying to figure out if i qualified. ended up having to call washington esd like 50 times before getting through to someone who could actually check my earnings history

Just to clarify the exact requirements since there's been some confusion: You need at least $3,850 in total earnings during your base period AND you need earnings in at least two different quarters of that base period. There's also a requirement that your highest quarter earnings be at least 1.5 times your weekly benefit amount, but that's calculated automatically.

I qualified with only 6 months of work but I made decent money during those months. The key is hitting those dollar thresholds across multiple quarters, not the length of time you worked.

Pro tip: if you're not sure about your earnings history, you can request a wage statement from Washington ESD before you even apply. It shows exactly what employers reported for you in each quarter.

For anyone still struggling to get through to ESD to check their eligibility, seriously check out Claimyr. I used it again last week when I had questions about my job search requirements and got connected right away. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Just want to add that if you're close to qualifying but not quite there, sometimes it's worth waiting a few weeks to file if you're still working. Every extra paycheck could push you over the threshold.

The Washington ESD website has a tool where you can estimate your benefits before you apply. It's not perfect but gives you a rough idea if you qualify and how much you might get.

been unemployed twice in the past 5 years and qualified both times even though i had gaps between jobs. the key is making sure you worked in at least 2 quarters during your base period like everyone said

One thing people don't always realize is that if you worked in another state during your base period, those earnings might count too. Washington has agreements with other states to combine wages.

Bottom line: 8 months of work is probably enough as long as you made decent money and it was spread across at least 2 quarters. Don't stress too much about it until you actually need to file.

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and it really does work. Got connected to ESD in about 15 minutes when I'd been trying to call for days. Definitely recommend it if you need to talk to someone about your eligibility.

For what it's worth, I think Washington's requirements are actually pretty reasonable compared to some other states. $3,850 over 12-15 months isn't that hard to hit if you're working regularly.

Just remember that even if you qualify for benefits, you still have to meet the ongoing requirements like job searching and filing weekly claims. The work requirement is just the first hurdle.

Hope this all helped! The main thing is don't let the complexity discourage you from applying if you think you might qualify. Worst case they say no and you know for sure.