How long must you be employed to get unemployment benefits in Washington state?

What do you mean by quarters? Like January-March, April-June, etc.? And how much do you need to earn in those quarters?

Yes, exactly! Calendar quarters are Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep, and Oct-Dec. You need to have earned at least $1,000 in your highest quarter and total wages of at least 1.25 times your high quarter wages during the entire base period.

That's reassuring! I've been working full-time so hopefully my earnings will be enough.

Just make sure you keep track of your pay stubs. Washington ESD will verify your wages with your employer but it helps to have your own records.

Is this legit? I'm always skeptical of third-party services for government stuff.

Yeah I was hesitant too but it actually worked. They don't ask for your personal info or anything, just help you get connected to Washington ESD faster.

Good idea! I'll log into my account and check that out. Thanks for the tip.

Make sure you're looking at the right base period though. It can be confusing because they use the first four of the last five completed quarters, not the most recent ones.

If you just started this month, you probably won't have enough wages in your base period to qualify right now. You'd need to wait until you have earnings in at least two quarters of your base period.

that sucks. so basically new workers are screwed if they lose their jobs quickly

It's not ideal but the system is designed to help people who have been working and paying into it for a while. You might qualify later once you have more work history.

Oh that's perfect! I'll look for that calculator. Did you have any issues with the application process?

The application itself was pretty straightforward online. The hardest part was getting through to someone when I had questions about my claim status.

Right, I know about the job search requirements. If I get laid off it won't be my fault so that shouldn't be an issue.

Just document everything if you do get laid off. Keep emails, notices, anything that shows it wasn't your fault. Makes the process smoother.

I hear you. The bureaucracy is frustrating but at least the benefits are there when you need them.

Yeah I guess. Just wish it wasn't such a pain to deal with Washington ESD sometimes.

I haven't worked in other states recently but that's good to know for the future.

Yeah that saved me when I moved to Washington from Oregon. Was able to use my wages from both states.

It's all about the wages you earned, not whether you were full-time or part-time. As long as you meet the wage requirements in your base period, you can qualify.

Thanks! I work two part-time jobs so I was worried about that.

That's true. I guess there's no harm in trying if I do get laid off.

Exactly. Plus filing early means you get your claim started sooner rather than waiting and wondering.

Good to know! If I end up needing to call them I'll check that out.

Same here. The phone lines are always busy but Claimyr actually got me through to someone who could help.

That makes sense. I've been getting regular raises so hopefully that helps if I do need to file.

Yeah the benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website will show you exactly what you'd get based on your wages.

Right, I'm just trying to prepare in case it happens. Better to know the rules ahead of time.

Smart thinking. It's good to be prepared so you're not scrambling if something does happen.

Seems like a lot of people have had good experiences with that service. I'll definitely keep it in mind.

Yeah it's legit. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.

Yeah I'm a regular employee so that shouldn't be an issue for me.

Good. Regular employment makes everything more straightforward with unemployment claims.

That's great news! At least you know where you stand now.

Awesome! Hope you don't need to use it but good to know you're covered.

Thanks everyone! This community is so helpful. I feel much better prepared now.