How long must an employee work to qualify for Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

Thanks for the info! So if I've been working 8 months that should cover two quarters right? What are the minimum wage requirements you mentioned?

Yes, 8 months would definitely cover two quarters. For 2025, you need at least $7,500 in total base period wages and wages in your highest quarter must be at least 1.5 times your lowest quarter wages.

That's reassuring to hear! Did you have any trouble with the application process?

The application itself was straightforward, but I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my claim status. Took forever on hold.

Interesting, I've never heard of that service. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legitimate - they basically call Washington ESD for you and connect you when they get through. Saved me hours of trying to call myself.

I used Claimyr too when I couldn't get through about my adjudication delay. Worth it to avoid the frustration of busy signals and dropped calls.

Wait, so it goes back that far? I thought it was more recent than that.

That's the standard base period, but there's also an alternate base period if you don't qualify under the standard one. The alternate uses the most recent four quarters.

I understand the frustration, but the quarterly system actually helps people who might have worked multiple jobs or had irregular schedules. It looks at your total earnings rather than just time at one employer.

i guess that makes sense... just wish there was an easier way to check if you qualify before you actually need to file

That's really helpful! I'll check that out to see where I stand before anything happens with the layoffs.

Good idea to check ahead of time. Better to know now than find out you don't qualify when you actually need the benefits.

Good point. In my case it would be a layoff so hopefully that makes things simpler.

Layoffs are definitely easier to qualify for. Just make sure you get documentation from your employer about the reason for separation.

I'll look for that calculator. It would be good to know what to expect if the worst happens.

The calculator is helpful but remember your actual benefit amount might be different depending on how they calculate your base period wages.

Thanks for mentioning that. I hadn't thought about the ongoing requirements after you qualify.

Yeah the job search requirements are pretty strict. Keep good records of your applications and contacts because they do audit people.

I don't think we get severance but that's good to know for other people who might.

Severance rules can be tricky. If you do get severance, make sure to report it accurately when you file your claim.

That's reassuring to hear. I feel better knowing I would at least have some income if the layoffs happen.

Just remember to file your claim as soon as possible after your last day of work. Benefits don't backdate to before you file.

Good advice. I'll keep that in mind if I need to file a claim and run into issues.

Claimyr was a lifesaver when I had adjudication issues. Sometimes you really need to talk to someone and the regular phone lines are impossible.

I hadn't heard about standby status. What's the difference?

Standby is when your employer gives you a specific return-to-work date within 4 weeks. You don't have to do job searches but you have to be ready to return when called.

Right, I assume a layoff would satisfy the separation requirement since it's not my fault.

Exactly. Layoffs due to lack of work are typically considered involuntary separations that qualify for benefits.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. I feel much more prepared now if I do need to file for unemployment.

Good luck with everything! Hopefully the layoff rumors don't turn into reality, but at least now you know what to expect.