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

What if I haven't worked a full year yet? I started in September so I haven't been through all those quarters.

If you don't qualify under the regular base year, Washington ESD will automatically check if you qualify under the alternate base year, which uses the four most recently completed quarters.

It's not based on hours worked, it's based on earnings. The 680 hours requirement is for a different program.

oh ok my bad, i always get confused by all the different rules

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Finally got to talk to someone about my claim status.

Interesting, I'll check that out. I'm so tired of calling and getting disconnected after waiting on hold for an hour.

Wait is that legit? How much does it cost?

I think I made around $1,800 in September-October and about $2,200 in November-December. Does that mean I might qualify?

You'd need to check which quarters those earnings fall into for Washington ESD's calculation. September earnings would be Q3, October-December would be Q4. You might qualify under the alternate base year if those add up correctly.

The quarter system exists because it tracks when employers pay into the unemployment insurance fund. It ensures there's actually money available for your benefits.

I guess that makes sense but it's still confusing for people trying to figure out if they qualify

Exactly. Q1 is Jan-Mar, Q2 is Apr-Jun, Q3 is Jul-Sep, Q4 is Oct-Dec. Washington ESD looks at your base year which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters.

Got it, so since I'm filing now in January 2025, my base year would be Q4 2023 through Q3 2024? But I wasn't working then...

That's why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - they specifically help with getting through to discuss complex eligibility questions like this. Way better than trying to figure it out from the website alone.

It is confusing, but it's worth taking the time to understand. You might be eligible even if you think you're not.

yeah maybe ill try again when i have more patience lol

So my September-December earnings would count under the alternate base year? That's actually hopeful news.

Potentially yes, but you'd need to calculate exactly how much you earned in Q3 2024 (Jul-Sep) versus Q4 2024 (Oct-Dec) to know for sure.

No, it's not about length of time, it's about earnings in specific quarters. You could theoretically qualify after just working two quarters if you earned enough in each.

wow thats good to know for the future

My sister used it last month when her claim was stuck in adjudication. She said it actually worked and she got through to someone who could explain what was happening with her case.

That's encouraging. I might try it if I can't figure out my eligibility from the website.

You have total earnings of $4,000 which exceeds the $3,800 minimum, and your high quarter of $3,200 exceeds the $2,500 minimum. You also have earnings in two quarters. You should definitely apply!

Really?! That's such a relief. I was so worried I wouldn't qualify. Thank you so much for helping me figure this out.

The key is understanding that it's about earnings, not time worked. Even part-time workers can qualify if they earn enough in the right quarters.

I understand the frustration, but the quarterly system ensures there's actually funding available for benefits and prevents fraud.

i guess but its still unnecessarily confusing for regular people trying to figure out if they can pay rent

That's great! I'm feeling more confident about applying now after doing the calculations, but it's good to know there's a way to get direct help if needed.

Happy to help! The Washington ESD eligibility requirements are confusing but once you understand the quarter system it makes more sense.

Congratulations! Even a partial benefit can make a huge difference when hours get cut.

So glad it worked out for you! This gives me hope for my own situation.

Great news! Remember to keep filing your weekly claims and maintain your job search requirements to keep receiving benefits.

Agreed! I learned more from this discussion than I did from the official website.

Yes, because they earned enough in two different quarters to meet Washington ESD's requirements. It's not about how long you worked, it's about meeting the earnings thresholds.

good to know, ill remember this if i ever need to file

Same! I wish I had found this information when I first started wondering about eligibility.