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

You need to have earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period to qualify for Washington ESD unemployment benefits. The base period is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you've been working 8 months full-time, you should definitely meet the earnings requirement.

I think you should be fine with 8 months of full-time work. When I got laid off last year I had only been at my job for 6 months and I qualified no problem. Washington ESD looks at your total earnings across all employers during the base period too, not just your current job.

Just went through this myself recently. The quarters thing can be confusing but Washington ESD has a tool on their website where you can check your earnings history. If you're still worried about qualifying, you might want to try calling them directly, though good luck getting through - I spent hours on hold before giving up.

The earnings requirement is really the key thing. You need wages in at least 2 quarters of your base period AND your total base period wages need to be at least 680 times the state minimum wage. With full-time work at $18/hour for 8 months, you're definitely going to meet both requirements. Don't stress about it.

been working for 3 years and still worried about this stuff lol. the system is so confusing sometimes

Don't forget you also have to be able and available to work and actively searching for jobs once you start collecting. That's another requirement people sometimes overlook.

I was in a similar situation last year - had to file after 7 months at my job. Washington ESD approved my claim without any issues. The online application process was pretty straightforward too, just make sure you have all your employment history ready.

The worst case scenario is that you apply and they determine you don't qualify, but then you'd know for sure. Better to apply and find out than assume you don't qualify and not try.

wait I thought you needed to work a full year minimum? that's what my manager told me when I started

If you do get laid off, make sure to file your claim right away. Benefits are only paid from the date you file, not from when you actually lost your job. Don't wait thinking you might find something quickly.

The Washington ESD website has a benefit calculator where you can estimate what you might receive too. Might be worth checking out just so you know what to expect financially.

Had to deal with Washington ESD last month and honestly the hardest part wasn't qualifying, it was actually getting through to talk to someone when I had questions. Ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and it was a lifesaver. Finally got my answers without spending my entire day on hold.

Just wanted to add that if you do get denied for any reason, you can appeal the decision. Don't just accept it if you think you should qualify.

bottom line - 8 months of full time work should definitely qualify you. I've seen people qualify with less