How long must you work before you can collect unemployment in Washington state?

What exactly is the base period? Is it the last 4 quarters or something different?

The base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through December 2024.

The workplace really is toxic though - my manager yells at everyone and creates a hostile environment. Would that count as good cause?

Possibly, but you'd need to document everything and show you tried to resolve it first. It's much harder to prove than just being laid off.

I had a similar situation and couldn't get through to Washington ESD to explain my circumstances. Ended up using Claimyr.com to actually reach an agent who helped me understand the good cause requirements. Their video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ shows exactly how it works.

It's actually 4.7% of your highest quarter earnings, up to the maximum weekly benefit amount which is $1,015 in 2025.

Thanks for the correction! Math was never my strong suit lol

What's the alternative base period? I've never heard of that.

It's the last 4 completed calendar quarters. So if the standard base period doesn't work, they'll check the more recent quarters instead.

Because unemployment is based on wages earned, not just time worked. Someone working part-time for a year might earn less than someone working full-time for 6 months.

i guess that makes sense but still annoying

Both my jobs were regular W-2 positions at retail stores, so those should be covered employment right?

Yes, retail jobs are definitely covered employment. You should be fine on that front.

6 months?? I thought it was just a few weeks delay or something.

Nope, if you quit voluntarily without good cause, you're disqualified from benefits. You have to work again and earn at least 10 times your weekly benefit amount before you can requalify.

That's actually not quite right. The disqualification lasts until you work at least 680 hours OR earn 10 times your weekly benefit amount in covered employment, whichever comes first.

Where do I find my quarterly wage statements? I've never seen those before.

You can request them from Washington ESD or check with your employers. They should have records of what wages were reported for unemployment purposes.

How many jobs do you have to apply for each week? I heard it varies by state.

In Washington, you need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week, but it can be more depending on your situation. You have to log everything in WorkSourceWA too.

I've tried calling but can never get through. The phone system just hangs up on me after being on hold forever.

Same problem here! I finally used Claimyr to get through to an actual agent. It's at claimyr.com and they have a demo video that shows how it works. Way better than trying to call on your own.

I'll have to check that out. The phone system is definitely frustrating.

Good to know! I had no idea you had to keep filing weekly even before approval.

Yep, and if you forget to file a weekly claim, you can't go back and file it later. You just lose that week's potential benefits.

I haven't been documenting anything so far. Is it too late to start, or should I begin keeping records now?

Start documenting now, but also try to recall and write down past incidents with as much detail as possible. The more evidence you have, the better your case will be.

6 weeks?? How did you finally get it resolved?

eventually got through using some service that helps you reach agents. cant remember the name but it was worth it to actually talk to someone

Probably Claimyr - I used them too when I was stuck in adjudication hell. Really helps to have someone who knows how to navigate their phone system.

I was planning to file right away. Is there any advantage to waiting to file?

No advantage to waiting. File as soon as you're unemployed, but just know that first week won't be compensated even if you're approved.

The manager does yell and create a hostile work environment. Would that count as harassment?

Possibly, but you'd need to show a pattern of behavior and that you tried to address it through proper channels first. Document everything and try to get witnesses if possible.

How long do you have to file an appeal?

You have 30 days from the date of the determination to file an appeal. Don't wait - file as soon as you get the denial if you think it's wrong.

And if you need help understanding the appeal process or talking to Washington ESD about your case, services like Claimyr can help you get through to the right people. Sometimes having an expert guide you makes all the difference.