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

So if I file in January 2025, my base period would be January 2024 through December 2024? That makes more sense than needing a full year of continuous work.

Not quite - if you file in January 2025, your base period would actually be October 2023 through September 2024. It's the first four of the last five completed quarters, so there's usually a lag.

So it's not about how many months you worked but how much you earned? That's confusing.

Exactly. It's wage-based, not time-based. If you earned enough in those quarters, the actual number of months doesn't matter as much.

Thanks! So if I file now in January 2025, my base period would be January 2024 through December 2024? And I need wages in at least 2 of those quarters?

Actually, your base period would be October 2023 through September 2024. It's the first four of the last five completed quarters, so January-March 2025 wouldn't count since it's not complete yet.

No, there's no minimum time requirement like that. It's all about your earnings during the base period quarters. You could theoretically qualify with just a few months of high-paying work.

oh that makes more sense, thanks!

So they combine wages from different jobs during that time period? That's helpful to know, thanks!

Wait, so it's not about how long you worked at one specific job but about your total earnings over that time?

Exactly - they look at all your covered employment during the base period, not just one job. As long as you meet the wage requirements and the other eligibility criteria, you should be good.

That's helpful! I should definitely meet the $1,000 requirement since I've been working 8 months. Did you have any trouble proving your work history when you applied?

Washington ESD gets your wage information directly from employers, so you don't usually need to prove anything. Just make sure your employer has been reporting your wages correctly to the state.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already worried about money if I lose my job.

It's worth it when you can't get through the regular way. The peace of mind of actually talking to someone who can look at your account is huge.

This is so confusing! I've been trying to figure out if I qualify and the Washington ESD website just keeps talking about base periods and alternate base periods. Is there an easier way to check?

You can create an account on the Washington ESD website and it will show you your wage history. That's the best way to see if you meet the requirements before filing a claim.

That's helpful to know. Do you remember roughly how much you needed to earn per quarter to qualify?

There's no specific per-quarter minimum, just the $1,000 total and wages in at least 2 quarters. But having higher wages in your high quarter determines your weekly benefit amount.

How does that service work? I've been trying to call Washington ESD but can never get through.

Basically they handle the calling for you and connect you when an agent is available. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.

Sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

How do you find out which quarters they're looking at for your case?

When you file your claim, they'll show you the base period they're using. You can also check your wage history in your eServices account on the Washington ESD website.

Wait, so there's TWO different dollar requirements? The $1,000 minimum AND the 1.25 times thing?

Exactly. You have to meet both requirements. Most people who work regularly meet both easily, but it can be tricky for people with very irregular work patterns.

Thanks! What exactly counts as the base period? I'm confused about the quarters part.

The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January-December 2023.

What exactly is a quarter? Like January-March, April-June, etc? And how do I know which quarters count as my base period?

Yes, quarters are 3-month periods. Q1 is Jan-Mar, Q2 is Apr-Jun, Q3 is Jul-Sep, Q4 is Oct-Dec. Your base period depends on when you file your claim - Washington ESD calculates it automatically.

I was working about 25-30 hours a week at $16/hour, so hopefully that's enough!

That should definitely be enough. You'd have made around $10,000-12,000 over 8 months which is way above the minimum threshold.

Thanks! So it's based on hours worked, not how long you've been at a job?

Exactly - it's about total hours worked during the base period, not consecutive employment at one place.

What counts as 'good cause' for quitting?

Things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, significant changes to your job duties or pay, health issues - basically situations where a reasonable person would leave. But you have to document everything.

I quit my last job because my boss was terrible but I didn't document anything. Guess I'm screwed?

How do you figure out which quarters they use?

It depends on when you file your claim. They use a specific formula but honestly just call Washington ESD or use one of those services to get a straight answer about your specific situation.

Actually Washington eliminated the waiting week a few years ago during COVID and it's still gone. You get paid for your first week now.

Really? That's great news! I filed in 2019 and had to deal with that waiting week nonsense.

Interesting, I'll check that out. The phone lines are definitely impossible to get through on.

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

It's legit - they basically call for you and get you connected to an actual Washington ESD representative. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Gig work typically makes you an independent contractor, not an employee, so those earnings usually don't count for regular UI benefits. You'd need traditional employer-employee relationships where taxes were withheld.

That's not fair! Gig workers pay taxes too, why can't we get unemployment?

There were some pandemic programs for gig workers but those ended. Regular UI is only for employees, not contractors.

Washington ESD has worksheets on their website but they're pretty confusing. The easiest way is to add up all your wages from the relevant quarters and see if they meet the thresholds.

I tried using their online calculator and it didn't make sense. Ended up having to call anyway.

That's reassuring! Did you have any trouble getting through to Washington ESD when you filed?

Oh man, calling Washington ESD was a nightmare. I spent hours on hold multiple times before I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual person. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Oh wow, so there's both an hours requirement AND a minimum earnings requirement? That's more complicated than I thought.

Yeah, Washington ESD has several requirements you need to meet. The wage requirement helps ensure you had substantial work history.

No, it's based on quarters and earnings, not months. You could technically qualify with just 6 months of work if you earned enough in the right quarters.

omg that changes everything for me. i've been putting off filing because i thought i needed a full year

Yeah, lots of people think that. The quarter system is confusing but it's actually more flexible than requiring a full year.

Never heard of that before. Did they actually help you get answers about your eligibility?

Yeah, I was able to speak to a Washington ESD rep who explained exactly how my base period worked and confirmed I had enough earnings to qualify. Way better than trying to call on my own.

Interesting, might have to check that out. The phone situation with Washington ESD is ridiculous.

That's reassuring! I've definitely been paying taxes on my paychecks. Did you have to provide any documentation when you applied?

nope just filled out the online application and they had all my info already

You generally file in the state where you worked most recently, but you can combine wages from multiple states. Washington ESD can help you file an interstate claim to include your Oregon wages.

That sounds complicated. Do you need to provide pay stubs from all the different states?

Correct - it's based on wages earned, not hours worked. You could work 40 hours a week at minimum wage or 10 hours a week at a high-paying job, what matters is meeting the dollar thresholds.

ok that makes more sense. my job pays pretty well so even part time i probably made enough

The gap doesn't matter as long as you earned enough in the quarters that are counted. But cash work only counts if taxes were taken out and it was reported to Washington ESD. Under-the-table work won't show up in their system.

Ugh that's what I was afraid of. Some of my work was cash only. I guess I need to calculate what I actually earned from my regular jobs.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true honestly. How much do they charge?

Yeah it's real, I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They don't charge anything upfront, it's worth checking out their site for the details.

I've heard good things about Claimyr too. The Washington ESD phone system is absolutely terrible so anything that helps get through is worth it.

That's good to know! So there's a backup option if the regular base period doesn't work.

Exactly. It helps people who had recent employment that wouldn't show up in the standard base period calculation.

Right, I read about the job search requirements. How many job contacts do you need per week?

It's typically 3 job search activities per week, but can vary based on your situation. Washington ESD will tell you the exact requirement when you file.

And make sure you keep detailed records of your job searches. They can audit your job search log at any time.

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

Not really. Washington ESD sent me a monetary determination showing my qualifying wages and benefit amount. Just had to wait for the eligibility determination after that.

That sounds frustrating. Did you appeal the decision? There might have been a specific reason for the denial.

Yeah I'm in the appeal process now. They said I was fired for misconduct which is complete BS.

Misconduct disqualifications are different from not meeting work history requirements. That's about the reason you became unemployed, not how long you worked.

If you received a 1099 and paid self-employment taxes, that income should count toward your base period wages. But you'd need to check with Washington ESD to confirm.

Good to know. I kept all my tax documents so I can provide proof if needed.

How does that work exactly? Do they just call for you or something?

They help you get through the phone system and connect you with an actual Washington ESD representative. Really helpful when you need specific info about your claim eligibility.

Oh that's super helpful! I didn't know you could check beforehand. Is that through the same site where you file your weekly claims?

Yes, it's all through the Washington ESD website. You create an account and can see your wage history there.

My hours got cut to almost nothing because business was slow, so I think that should count as laid off right?

Yes, reduction in hours that makes your job unsuitable can qualify you for benefits. You might even be able to file while still technically employed if your hours are low enough.

Good to know! I was planning to wait until I was sure I qualified but maybe I should just file now.

Definitely file right away. Washington ESD will determine if you qualify during the claims process. Waiting just costs you potential benefit weeks.

It's actually 3 job search activities per week, and they can include things like going to job fairs, networking events, or working with WorkSource WA. Not just applying to jobs.

oh yeah thats right. i always just did applications though, easier to document

What if you worked in three quarters but only made like $1,000 in each? Would that still qualify?

No, because $3,000 total is under the $3,800 minimum. You need both the total amount AND the two-quarter requirement.

I tried that but got confused about which wages to include. Do I count tips or just my base pay?

Include everything that shows up on your paystubs and W-2s. If tips were reported to your employer, they count toward your wage base.

I didn't know you could collect partial benefits! That might be really helpful since retail hours are so unpredictable.

Yes, but you have to report ALL earnings each week when you file your weekly claim. Washington ESD will reduce your benefits based on what you earn, but you can often still get something.

I used Claimyr after getting frustrated with the same thing. Got through to an actual person in like 15 minutes instead of calling for days.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true.

Totally legit. They just help you get in the phone queue more efficiently. Check their video demo if you're skeptical.

I might try that. I want to make sure I understand my wage history before I file.

How much does it cost though? Is it worth paying for something you can technically do yourself?

For me it was worth it to avoid the hassle of calling over and over. Time is money, especially when you're unemployed.

What's the alternate base period? I haven't heard of that.

The alternate base period uses the last four completed calendar quarters instead of the first four of the last five. It can help people who worked more recently but didn't meet the standard base period requirements.

exactly - it's for people whose work pattern doesn't fit the regular calculation

Let's see - 25 hours x 26 weeks = 650 hours. You'd be just under the 680 hour minimum requirement unfortunately.

Ugh, seriously? I'm 30 hours short? That seems so arbitrary.

Check if you had any other work during your base period, even small jobs. Every hour counts toward that 680 minimum.

I feel you on the frustration, but the requirements are actually designed to ensure the system helps people who have a substantial work history.

8 months of full-time work isn't substantial? Give me a break.

How exactly does Claimyr work? Do they actually talk to Washington ESD for you or just help you get through?

They get you connected to an actual Washington ESD agent, then you handle the call yourself. It's just the getting through part that they help with, which is honestly the hardest part.

How long did it take for your claim to get approved? I'm worried about how long I'll be waiting for money.

Mine took about 2 weeks, but I didn't have any complications. If they need to verify your employment or investigate anything it can take longer.

Actually, most states use a similar wage-based system rather than time-based. It's designed to ensure people who worked enough to contribute to the unemployment insurance system can benefit from it.

Makes sense when you think about it. Someone working full-time for 3 months contributed more than someone working 5 hours a week for 8 months.

That makes me feel so much better! I've been stressing about this for weeks thinking I wouldn't qualify.

The worst part is just not knowing! Once you apply and they tell you if you qualify, the stress goes away. You sound like you probably qualify based on 8 months of work.

My situation was definitely not my fault - they just didn't have enough work for everyone. Should be pretty clear cut.

Even clear cut cases sometimes end up in adjudication if there's any confusion in the paperwork. Don't stress too much but be prepared for potential delays.

Those hour requirements are for certain eligibility scenarios, but the main requirement is still the monetary thresholds I mentioned earlier - $1,056 total with at least $396 in your highest quarter.

You're right, I was thinking of the alternative base period requirements. The monetary test is usually what most people use.

I didn't know you could check that online! That would be super helpful to see before filing.

Yeah, log into your SAW account and look for the wage inquiry option. It's not always 100% up to date but gives you a good idea.

It really depends on how much they earned during those 6 months and which quarters the wages were in.

yeah she made decent money at her job so that probably helped

In my case, my hours were cut drastically, so I think that would qualify as involuntary reduction in work.

That should definitely qualify. Reduction in hours is considered involuntary unemployment for Washington ESD purposes.

Wow I had no idea there was an alternate option! Does Washington ESD automatically check that or do you have to request it?

I believe they check it automatically if you don't qualify under the regular base period, but you can also request it specifically when you file your initial claim.

That's correct - Washington ESD will automatically consider the alternate base period if you don't qualify using the standard one.

Good point - I was thinking more about layoffs but quitting definitely complicates things.

Yeah, if you quit you better have rock-solid documentation of why it was necessary. Washington ESD doesn't just take your word for it.

That's a common misconception. It's about your total wages during the base period, not how long you worked at any single job. You could work multiple jobs for shorter periods and still qualify.

Yeah my parents thought the same thing. The rules are way more complicated than people think.

This is smart advice! I waited an extra month to file because I knew I'd have higher earnings in the next quarter that would be included.

How do you know when the quarters change? I don't want to wait too long if I lose my job.

Quarters are just Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep, Oct-Dec. You can file anytime but your base period gets recalculated based on when you file.

Yes, you can file a combined wage claim that includes wages from other states. Washington ESD will coordinate with the other state's unemployment agency to get your wage information.

That's great! I was worried I'd have to start over with my work history when I moved here.

Unfortunately, unpaid hours don't count toward the work requirement. It has to be hours where you actually received wages.

That's annoying but makes sense I guess. Thanks for the clarification.

How do you check if your wages were reported correctly?

You can check your quarterly wage statements in your Washington ESD eServices account. Compare those to your pay stubs to make sure everything matches up.

Did they charge you for that service?

They do charge but it was worth it to get actual answers instead of guessing. Way better than spending all day trying to get through on my own.

True, I've been overthinking this. I'll file this weekend and see what happens.

Smart move. The application process will walk you through everything you need to know anyway.

How many job searches do you have to do per week?

It varies but usually 3 job search activities per week. They're pretty specific about what counts as a valid job search activity.

The job search requirements are so tedious. Half the jobs I apply to are probably fake postings anyway.

That's actually good advice. I was hesitating because I wasn't 100% sure but you're right, let them make the determination.

Exactly! I almost didn't file because I thought I wouldn't qualify but turns out I did. Don't assume you know the rules better than the system does.

I keep seeing people mention Claimyr. Is it legit? I'm desperate to talk to someone at Washington ESD about my claim.

Yeah it's legit. They basically call Washington ESD for you and handle the hold time, then connect you when an agent picks up. Saved me hours of frustration.

What's the difference between standard and alternate base period?

Standard base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters. Alternate base period uses the last 4 completed quarters, which includes more recent work that might not be in the standard calculation.

That's exactly my situation! I'm still working but way fewer hours. How does that work with the weekly claims?

You report your earnings each week and they reduce your benefit amount accordingly. You can still receive some benefits as long as your weekly earnings are below a certain threshold.

The threshold is usually your weekly benefit amount plus $5. So if your weekly benefit is $300, you can earn up to $305 and still get partial benefits.

That sounds really helpful. I think I'll try that before I file just to make sure everything looks correct.

Good idea to verify everything first. Better to catch any issues before you file than deal with delays later.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much more confident about filing now.

Good luck! The worst they can say is no, and then you can always appeal if you disagree with their decision.

Definitely apply! Restaurant workers often qualify because the wages add up even with variable hours. Just make sure you have all your employment info ready when you file.

Thanks! I'm going to gather my pay stubs and file this week.

Good point. What exactly does 'actively seeking work' mean? Do you have to apply to a certain number of jobs each week?

In Washington, you need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log of them. This can include applying for jobs, networking, attending job fairs, etc.

That's encouraging! I was worried I needed to work for a whole year to qualify.

Nope! As long as you earned enough in the right quarters, you're good. The system is actually pretty fair about part-time and variable work.

How long does it usually take to get approved once you file?

It varies a lot. Mine took about 3 weeks, but I've heard of people waiting 6-8 weeks, especially if there are any issues that need adjudication.

That's why services like Claimyr can be so helpful - if your claim gets stuck or you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD to resolve issues, they can actually get you through to a live person instead of waiting on hold for hours.

So I should file right away even if I'm not sure I'll qualify?

Yes, definitely file as soon as you're unemployed. Washington ESD will determine your eligibility, but you can't get retroactive benefits for weeks you didn't file.

How can I check if my wages were reported correctly? I want to make sure there aren't any issues.

You can request a wage and tax statement from Washington ESD after you file your claim. They'll show you exactly what wages they have on record for you.

That's good to know! I had three different part-time jobs last year and wasn't sure how that would work.

Yeah, Washington ESD looks at all your covered employment during the base period, regardless of how many different employers.

In Washington, you can typically collect benefits for up to 26 weeks, though this can vary based on the unemployment rate and other factors.

Thanks! So once you qualify based on work history, you get about 6 months of benefits?

Right, assuming you continue to meet the ongoing requirements like job searching and filing your weekly claims.

How do you request the alternate base period? Do they automatically check that?

They should automatically check if you don't qualify with the regular base period, but you can also request it specifically when you file your claim.

Oh good point, I was thinking about my take-home pay which is obviously less. My gross wages would definitely meet the requirements then.

Yeah that trips up a lot of people. Always think in terms of what your paystubs show as gross pay.

That's so encouraging! Did you apply online or over the phone?

Online application was pretty straightforward. Took about 30 minutes and I got my determination letter in about a week.

Good point! I'm not planning to quit, just worried about potential layoffs with the economy being uncertain.

If you get laid off, you should definitely qualify based on what you've described. Layoffs are exactly what unemployment insurance is designed for.

Being a student doesn't automatically disqualify you, but you still have to meet the 'able and available for work' requirements. If your school schedule prevents you from accepting suitable work, that could be an issue.

I was in school when I got laid off and still got benefits. Just had to show I was available for work during normal business hours.

Do veterans get priority or anything special for unemployment benefits?

There are some special programs and job search requirements might be different, but the basic eligibility is similar. Military wages count just like civilian wages for the most part.

Thanks everyone for all the info! I'm going to file and see what happens. Sounds like I probably do qualify based on my work history.

Good luck! The application process isn't too bad, just make sure you have all your employer information handy when you file.

what about uber drivers and stuff like that? do they count as employees now?

It depends on how they're classified and whether the company is paying unemployment taxes. The classification of gig workers has been changing, so it's worth checking your specific situation.

You're right, I'm probably overthinking it. I'll just apply and see what happens.

Exactly! And if you get denied, you can always appeal the decision if you think they made a mistake.

Thanks! I'll gather all that info before I start the application. This thread has been super helpful.

Good luck with your claim! Sounds like you should qualify without any issues based on what you've described.

You're right, I'm probably overthinking this. I'll just make sure I understand the basics and apply if I need to.

Exactly! The worst thing that happens is they say you don't qualify, but based on your work history you probably do.

That would be amazing! Right now you basically have to do the math yourself or call and hope to get through.

This is exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - getting a real person to walk through the calculation was so much easier than trying to figure it out myself.

How long do you have to appeal a denial?

Usually 30 days from the date of the determination letter. Don't wait - appeal deadlines are strict.

I appealed my initial denial and won. Sometimes it's just a matter of explaining your situation better or providing documentation they didn't have initially.

So true. I wasted weeks trying to figure things out on my own when I should have just gotten professional help from the start.

The online resources are helpful but nothing beats talking to an actual person who can look at your specific case.

I was laid off, not quit, so I should be okay on that front.

Perfect, then you just need to worry about the wage requirements. Sounds like you're in good shape to apply!

Was that Claimyr? That's what I used too. Made the whole process so much easier when I actually needed to talk to someone at Washington ESD.

Yes! Worth every penny to not spend my whole day trying to get through on the phone.

Good reminder! How do the weekly claims work exactly?

You log into your Washington ESD account every week and answer questions about whether you worked, looked for work, etc. It's pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it.

Thanks for the encouragement! I feel much more confident about applying now.

Good luck! Remember that unemployment insurance is something you paid into while working, so don't feel bad about using it when you need it.

Great advice! I'll gather all that information before I start the application.

You'll also want dates of employment and reason for separation for each job. The more prepared you are, the faster it goes.

Same here! Thanks everyone for all the helpful information and encouragement.

Glad this helped! Don't hesitate to ask more questions if you run into issues during the application process.

That's reassuring that they check both automatically! I was worried I'd have to figure out which one to use.

Nope, they handle all that behind the scenes. Just focus on applying when you need benefits and let them sort out the details.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful responses! I feel much more confident about the requirements now.

Good luck! Hope you don't need to use unemployment but at least now you know you'd probably qualify if you did.