How long do you need to work for Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

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

Yeah, and you also need to have earned at least $2,167 in your highest quarter during the base period to meet the wage requirements.

Good to know there's help available if I need to talk to someone at ESD directly about my situation.

How does that service work exactly? Do they actually get you connected faster?

Yeah, it basically handles the calling and waiting for you so you don't have to sit on hold for hours. Pretty straightforward to use.

It's actually based on earnings and quarters worked, not just the length of time. The specific requirements I mentioned above are what Washington ESD uses to determine eligibility.

oh ok thanks for clarifying that!

Right, I've heard about the job search requirements. Do you know how many jobs you need to apply for each week?

You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a detailed log. This can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, or networking activities.

And make sure you document everything! ESD can audit your job search activities at any time.

That sounds helpful! I'll check that out before I potentially need to file a claim.

Yeah that calculator is really useful. Just make sure you have your wage information handy when you use it.

That's reassuring to know. I was worried that part-time work wouldn't count the same way.

Part-time work definitely counts! I qualified for benefits after working mostly part-time jobs for over a year.

Good point. I'll keep that in mind if I ever need to file. Better to be prepared!

And report any work or earnings honestly on your weekly claims, even if it's just a few hours or small amount.

Thanks for sharing your experience! It helps to hear from someone who was in a similar situation.

Same here - part-time work definitely counts toward eligibility as long as you meet the wage requirements.

Yeah, it does seem pretty complex. Hopefully I won't need to use it but good to understand the basics.

If you do need to talk to ESD directly about your specific situation, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really helps with getting through their phone system.

True, no harm in applying if I ever need to. Better to know now what the requirements are though.

Exactly! It's smart to understand the system before you potentially need it.

Good point about quitting vs being laid off. I wasn't planning to quit but that's important to know.

Yeah, the reason you're unemployed definitely matters for eligibility. ESD looks at why you lost your job.

Good to hear another positive review of that service. Seems like getting through to ESD can be really challenging.

Yeah ESD's phone system is terrible. Any help getting through is worth it.

Smart advice. I'll start keeping better records of my work history just in case.

And keep pay stubs if you can! They can be helpful documentation if there are any questions about your wages.

Thanks! Yeah, it does seem complicated but at least there's help available if needed.

It's definitely not user-friendly but it serves its purpose when people need financial support.