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

What counts as enough wages though? Is there a minimum amount you have to earn?

Yes, you need to have earned at least $1,000 in your base period. Also, your earnings in one quarter must be at least 1.5 times your earnings in the highest quarter of your base period.

Thanks! So it's not just about how long you worked, but how much you earned in different quarters? That makes sense.

Yeah and you also need to have total earnings of at least 1.25 times your highest quarter earnings during the entire base period. It's more complicated than just time worked.

I'll check my SAW account to see my wage history. Hopefully those 8 months of steady work will be enough.

Make sure to look at the specific quarters though - if you started working in the middle of a quarter, that might affect your eligibility calculation.

It doesn't matter if you worked for different employers - Washington ESD looks at your total wages from all covered employment during your base period.

oh ok that makes me feel better then

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

They focus on getting you connected rather than being expensive. Worth checking out if you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD directly.

Good to know there are options if I can't get through the regular way. Thanks for sharing that!

The quarterly system actually helps people who had irregular work schedules or seasonal jobs. It's more flexible than just counting months.

i guess that makes sense but its still confusing as hell when youre stressed about losing your job

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 demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

Never heard of that before. Does it actually work?

Worked great for me. Got connected to an agent within 20 minutes instead of calling for hours and getting nowhere.

Oh that's interesting! So even if my gap in employment affects the regular calculation, the alternate base period might help?

Exactly. The alternate base period uses the four most recently completed quarters instead of the standard base period. It's designed to help people in situations like yours.

Good point. I should probably start familiarizing myself with WorkSourceWA just in case.

The job search requirements are pretty straightforward once you get used to them. Just keep good records of your applications and contacts.

That's really good advice. I was thinking I should wait until I was sure I qualified, but you're right that I should just apply.

Yeah definitely don't wait. The worst they can do is say no, but at least you'll know for sure and won't lose out on potential benefits.

Wait, so if I worked 680 hours total but only earned like $800, I still wouldn't qualify?

Correct. You need BOTH the hours AND the minimum earnings. It's not one or the other.

That's not right. You need 680 hours OR the wage requirements, not both.

Thanks for clearing that up. I was mixing up the requirements.

So if I have 680 hours but only earned $800 total, I could still qualify under the hours test?

Exactly. As long as you meet one of the tests, you're eligible to file a claim.

That's a good point. I've been working full-time so hopefully my earnings will be sufficient.

Full-time for 8 months should definitely meet the earnings requirements unless you're working for really low wages.

Unfortunately, gig work usually doesn't count because those companies typically classify workers as independent contractors, not employees. You need covered employment where taxes were withheld.

damn that sucks. guess i need to find a regular job then

How can I check if my employer reported my wages correctly?

You can check your wage history in your SecureAccess Washington account. It should show all wages reported by your employers.

Someone else mentioned Claimyr earlier too. Seems like it might be worth looking into if I have trouble reaching them.

I was skeptical at first but honestly anything that helps you actually talk to a human at Washington ESD is worth it. The phone system is brutal.

That's encouraging! Did you have to provide any documentation about why you quit?

Yeah, I had to explain the circumstances and provide some documentation, but since it was for good cause they approved it.

The quarter distribution requirement can be tricky. You need earnings in at least two quarters, and the total of your two highest quarters must be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter.

I know what the rules are, they're just stupid rules that don't help actual workers

Good idea! I totally forgot about checking online first.

Sometimes the wage info isn't updated though, especially if you just started or stopped working recently.

Oh I didn't know about the waiting week. So even if I qualify, I won't get benefits for the first week?

That's right. You still have to file your weekly claim for that first week, but you won't receive payment for it.

That's good to know. I was worried about being part-time but it sounds like it shouldn't matter as long as you meet the requirements.

Part-time work definitely counts. I worked 20 hours a week for over a year and qualified no problem.

The online calculators are estimates only. Washington ESD uses your actual reported wages from employers, which might be different from what you think you earned.

yeah learned that the hard way

That's reassuring. I've been really worried about this but it sounds like I should be okay if I do lose my job.

Yeah, the requirements are reasonable. They want to make sure you have a work history but 8 months of full-time work definitely shows that.

Good point. I'm hoping I won't lose my job at all, but if I do it would likely be a layoff rather than me quitting.

How does that work exactly? My most recent work isn't in my base period?

Right, there's a lag. Your base period doesn't include the most recent quarter you worked. So if you work more now, it won't help your current claim but could help a future one.

How long did the appeal take? I'm thinking about appealing mine too.

Took about 6 weeks total. Had to provide pay stubs and get my employer to submit the missing wage info to Washington ESD.

How much does something like that cost?

Honestly I don't remember the exact amount but it was worth it considering how much time I saved. Check their website for current pricing.

Good point! I only worked in Washington though so that shouldn't apply to me.

Yeah interstate claims are a whole different beast. Much more complicated.

True, there's no penalty for applying if you don't qualify right?

Nope, no penalty. Just make sure you're honest about everything on your application.

That's reassuring. I was worried it would take forever to find out.

The work history part is usually fast. It's the other stuff like job separation issues that can take longer.

Thanks everyone! This has been super helpful. I'm going to check my wage history online and then file my claim.

Let us know how it goes! Always good to hear success stories.

That seems to be a common theme - actually getting through to talk to someone is the biggest challenge.

Yeah the phone system is definitely the worst part. Once you actually talk to someone, they're usually pretty helpful.

I'll need to look at exactly when I started working and how that aligns with the calendar quarters.

The base period is pretty standardized - it's the first four of the last five completed quarters before you file. Washington ESD will calculate it automatically when you apply.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. I feel much more confident now about understanding the requirements.

Good luck! Hopefully you won't need to use this information, but it's good to be prepared.