How long to work before getting unemployment benefits in Washington?

Thanks! So if I file in January 2025, my base period would be from January 2024 through December 2024?

Actually, it would be October 2023 through September 2024. Washington ESD uses completed quarters, so they don't count the current quarter you're filing in.

Close! It's actually 680 hours of work OR you need to have earned at least $1,000 in your base period. Whichever requirement you meet first qualifies you.

oh ok thanks for clarifying that

This is getting complicated. Is there an easy way to check if I qualify without calling Washington ESD? Their phone lines are always busy.

Honestly, calling Washington ESD is a nightmare. I spent weeks trying to get through. Then I found Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an agent in like 10 minutes. They have this demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works. Total game changer for getting actual answers from Washington ESD.

That sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

It's worth it to actually talk to someone who can look at your specific situation. Way better than guessing or waiting on hold for hours.

What counts as 'good cause' for quitting? My current job might become unbearable if things don't improve.

Good cause includes things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, significant changes to job duties or pay, or health issues. But you'd need to document everything and prove it to Washington ESD.

same thing happened to my brother, he eventually got it sorted out but it took forever

That's why it's important to understand the base period calculation. Sometimes you can delay filing by a few weeks to get better wage quarters included.

So if I worked 6 months at my previous job and now 3 months at my current job, I should qualify?

Probably, but it depends on which quarters those wages fall into and how much you earned. You might want to check your wage history on the Washington ESD website.

How do I request the alternate base period?

Washington ESD will automatically check it if you don't qualify under the regular base period. You don't need to request it specifically.

Did they charge you upfront or only if they got you through?

they got me connected and i could ask all my questions directly to the esd agent. much better than trying to guess from websites

Right, I was just asking hypothetically in case my current job doesn't work out. Better to know the rules ahead of time.

Smart thinking. It's good to understand your options.

Yes, it's under the 'Unemployment Benefits' section. Though it's not always accurate for complex situations.

25 hours a week for a year would be about 1,300 hours, which is well above the 680 hour requirement. As long as you earned enough wages and worked in at least two quarters, you should qualify.

That's reassuring, thanks!

What's the minimum wage threshold for Washington?

It varies based on your highest quarter, but generally you need at least $1,000 total in your base period and your total wages need to be 1.25 times your highest quarter earnings.

That's exactly why I started using Claimyr. No more waiting on hold for hours just to get disconnected. They handle the calling and get you connected when an agent is actually available.

Wish I had known about that earlier. Would have saved me so much frustration.

Good point. I hadn't thought about the benefit amount, just whether I'd qualify at all.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll make sure to check the official Washington ESD site for the most current requirements.

BUT if you file and then keep certifying when you're not eligible, that can cause problems. Better to know for sure first.

True, you should only certify if you're actually unemployed and eligible. I was just talking about the initial application.

This is the clearest explanation I've seen. Thanks for breaking it down simply!

agreed, this thread has been really helpful for understanding the requirements

Great advice. I'll start keeping better track of my employment records just in case.

Yes, always keep your final paystubs and any separation paperwork. You never know when you'll need them for a UI claim.