How long must you work to qualify for unemployment in Washington state?

Thanks! So if I file in January 2025, my base period would be January-December 2024? And I need to have worked in at least 2 of those quarters?

Actually, if you file in January 2025, your base period would typically be October 2023 through September 2024. It's the first four of the last five completed quarters. But you can request to use the alternate base period if that helps you qualify.

Oh wow, I didn't realize there were two different wage requirements. How do I find out what I earned in each quarter?

You can check your quarterly wage history on the Washington ESD website once you create an account. It shows all your reported wages by quarter.

Really? How does that work exactly? I'm dreading having to call them if I need to apply.

It basically handles the calling process for you and gets you connected to an actual Washington ESD agent. Way better than spending all day redialing yourself.

I've heard of services like that but never tried one. Did it actually help resolve your issue?

Not necessarily! If you don't qualify using the standard base period, you can request the alternate base period which uses the most recent four quarters. This might include some of your current work.

Oh thank god. How do I request that alternate base period thing?

What was the technicality? Sometimes those denials can be appealed if they made an error.

They said my hours were too irregular or something. I was working gig economy stuff so my schedule varied a lot.

That's really helpful. So my 6-month gap shouldn't matter as long as I earned enough in the quarters I did work?

Exactly. The gap itself doesn't disqualify you - it's all about meeting the wage thresholds in your base period quarters.

Good point. I should probably calculate my wages first before making any decisions about leaving my job.

Definitely. And remember, you have to be laid off or have 'good cause' to quit - you can't just quit and expect to get benefits.

What causes a claim to go into adjudication? Is that something I should be worried about?

Adjudication happens when there are questions about your eligibility - like if you quit your job, were fired, or if there are discrepancies in your work history. It can add weeks to the process.

Try clearing your browser cache or using a different browser. The SAW system can be glitchy.

Thanks, I'll try that. This whole process is so frustrating already and I haven't even filed yet.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already broke, don't need another expense.

I'd rather pay a reasonable fee than waste weeks of my time fighting their phone system. Plus you only pay if they actually get you connected.

Right, I heard about the job search requirements. How many jobs do you have to apply for each week?

It's typically 3 job search activities per week, but it can vary based on your situation. Make sure to keep detailed records in your job search log.

How do you check if employers reported wages correctly? What if they didn't?

You can see all reported wages in your account. If something's missing, you can contact Washington ESD to have them investigate, but it can delay your claim.

Did you document the reasons you quit? If you had good cause like unsafe working conditions or harassment, you should be able to appeal successfully.

yeah i have some documentation but the appeal hearing isn't for another month. meanwhile bills are piling up

That's encouraging! How long did it take to get approved using the alternate base period?

About the same time as normal claims, maybe a week longer. The important thing is knowing to request it if you don't qualify with the standard period.

If you were paid as a W2 employee, yes. If you were paid as a 1099 contractor, probably not, unless you elected to pay into the unemployment system as self-employed.

Ugh, most of it was 1099 work. Guess I need to look into other options.

That's good to know. At least I'm in a state that's somewhat reasonable about it.

Yeah but the weekly benefit amounts are still pretty low compared to cost of living here

Good advice. I'll keep that in mind if I do end up losing my job.

Exactly. Even if there are issues with your claim, at least you'll have a filing date established.

WorkSourceWA? What's that about?

It's the state job search website. You have to register there as part of your unemployment claim and use it for some of your job search activities.

Maybe I should try it too. I've been calling for weeks about my denial and getting nowhere.

Definitely worth a shot if you're stuck in phone hell like I was. The agent was able to explain exactly why my claim was delayed.

You're welcome! Feel free to come back if you have questions when you actually file your claim.

Good luck! The process can be stressful but at least now you know what to expect.