How long do you need to be employed to collect unemployment in Washington?

What exactly is the base period? Is that the last year I worked?

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 2024.

Close! For 2025, you need at least $3,653 in your base period AND at least $2,435 in your highest earning quarter. Plus wages in at least two quarters.

thanks for the correction! these numbers change every year dont they?

That's really helpful to know! I did work at my previous job for about 8 months before starting this one, so hopefully that would count.

Definitely! Just make sure to report all your employers when you file your claim. Washington ESD will verify your wages with all of them.

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work or is it just another way to waste money?

It worked for me! I was able to get through and ask about my wage history directly. Much better than trying to call for hours on end.

I get the frustration, but the quarterly system actually helps people who might have gaps in employment or seasonal work. It gives you more flexibility in how your earnings are counted.

I guess that makes sense when you put it that way. Still wish it was easier to understand though.

Good point. In my case it would be a layoff due to budget cuts, so that should be fine right?

Yeah, layoffs due to lack of work or budget cuts are typically considered qualifying separations. You should be good on that front.

Yes, part-time wages count as long as they were from covered employment. The requirements are based on total earnings, not hours worked.

This is good to know. I've been working part-time at two different jobs and wasn't sure if that would qualify me.

How did you end up resolving that? Did they eventually find the missing wages?

I had to provide my old pay stubs and tax documents. It was a pain but they eventually updated my claim and I got approved.

Where exactly do you find that in the SAW portal? I've logged in before but never saw wage info.

It's under the Employment Security section. Look for something like 'View Wage History' or 'Quarterly Wages.' The exact menu might vary.

18 months? I thought it was just the base period which is like 15 months?

They ask for 18 months to be safe and make sure they capture everything. Better to have too much info than not enough.

Have you tried calling right at 8am when they open? That's usually the best time to get through.

I had the same problem until someone mentioned Claimyr to me. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Worth checking out at claimyr.com if you're stuck.

Where do they publish the current year's requirements? Is it on the Washington ESD website?

Yes, it's on esd.wa.gov under the unemployment benefits section. They usually update it in January for the new year.

Generally no, Washington ESD only counts wages from Washington employers. You'd need to file an interstate claim or file in the state where you worked.

thanks, that's what I was afraid of. Looks like I'll need to file in my previous state then.

How does the alternate base period work? Is it automatic or do you have to request it?

Washington ESD will automatically check the alternate base period if you don't qualify under the regular one. It uses the most recent four quarters instead of the first four of the last five.

Agreed! This cleared up a lot of confusion for me. Glad I asked here instead of trying to figure it out on my own.

This community is great for getting real answers about Washington ESD stuff. Way better than trying to navigate their website alone.

Right, I'll need to do the job search activities and file weekly claims. Hopefully that part is more straightforward than figuring out the wage requirements!

The weekly claims are pretty routine once you get used to them. Just make sure to keep track of your job search activities for your log.

There's typically a one-week waiting period for your first payable week. So you'll file weekly claims but won't get paid for the first week.

Thanks for the info. Good to know so I can plan accordingly.

Perfect summary! This makes so much more sense now. I feel much better about my situation knowing I have wages from two different jobs during the base period.

Exactly right. The quarterly system is actually more flexible than people realize once you understand how it works.

Good suggestion. Sometimes it's worth it to just talk to someone who can give you a definitive answer based on your actual records.

I might do that if I end up needing to file. Thanks for the recommendation!