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

Oh okay that makes more sense. So if I add up both jobs I might qualify? How do I figure out what quarters count as my base period?

Yeah exactly! If you file in January 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through December 2024. Washington ESD has a calculator on their website that can help you figure it out.

You're right! You need wages in at least 2 quarters of your base period. Plus you need to earn at least $1,047 outside your highest earning quarter.

This is getting confusing... is there an easier way to check if I qualify without doing all this math?

Never heard of that before but anything is better than calling Washington ESD directly. Those wait times are insane.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true honestly

I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They don't ask for any personal info, just help you get through to the right person at Washington ESD.

I get the frustration but the requirements exist to make sure benefits go to people who've actually been working and paying into the system.

yeah but why can't they just say 'work 6 months, get benefits' instead of all this quarters and earnings calculation BS

That's reassuring, thanks! If I do get laid off, how soon should I file?

File as soon as possible after your last day of work. Benefits don't start until you actually file, so don't wait.

Also make sure you have all your employment info ready - employer names, dates, reasons for leaving, etc.

Yeah my first job was only part time so I'm worried about that. Hopefully my current full time job pushes me over the threshold.

You should be fine if you've been full time for 8 months. The wage requirement isn't that high if you're making minimum wage or above.

What other programs? I thought unemployment was just unemployment

There's things like disaster unemployment assistance in certain situations, or training benefits if you qualify for certain programs. But regular UI is the main one most people get.

The online tools can be glitchy. If you're unsure, it's better to just apply and let them determine eligibility rather than trying to guess.

Agreed, worst case they just tell you that you don't qualify. Better to try than assume you don't.

That's scary... I've been working 40 hours a week for 8 months so hopefully that's enough hours

40 hours a week for 8 months is definitely over the 680 hour requirement. You should be fine on that front.

It has to do with how employers report wages to the state. They report quarterly, so that's how Washington ESD processes the data.

I guess that makes sense from a technical standpoint but it's still confusing for regular people

What's an alternate base period?

Instead of using the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters, they can use the last 4 completed quarters. Helpful if you recently started working or got a better job.

Good point! I used alternate base period when I filed and it made the difference between qualifying and not qualifying.

It's good to know your options! Hopefully you won't need to use them but knowledge is power.

Same here! Better to know ahead of time than be scrambling if it actually happens.

Yes, they can combine wages from other states. You'll need to file what's called an interstate claim and provide wage information from Oregon.

Good to know, thanks! Makes me feel better about my eligibility.

How does it work exactly? Do they call for you or what?

They basically get you to the front of the line somehow. You still talk to the Washington ESD agent yourself, they just help you actually reach one.

Nobody said it should be a handout but the system could be way clearer about the rules

Fair enough, I'll give you that. The website could definitely explain things better.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! Feeling much less worried about this now.

Good luck! Hopefully the layoffs don't happen at all but at least you're prepared now.

What counts as a job search contact?

Applying for jobs, contacting employers directly, attending job fairs, some networking activities. They have a list on the Washington ESD website of what counts.

Also you have to register with WorkSource Washington which is their job search website. Don't forget that step or your benefits can get held up.

Good tip! I'll make sure to get something in writing if it happens.

Yes, documentation is always helpful. Also keep any emails or notices about the layoff in case Washington ESD needs proof later.

No problem! Glad it helped someone else too. That's what these forums are for right?

Exactly! Don't let the complexity scare you away from applying if you need benefits. The worst they can say is no.

That's reassuring. I was getting overwhelmed by all the quarters and wage calculations but if the system does it automatically that's much easier.