How long to work for unemployment benefits in Washington - confused about work requirements

What's a base year? Is that just the past 12 months?

Your base year is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in January 2025, your base year would be January 2024 through December 2024.

Yeah that sounds right. I had to work at least 680 hours AND meet the wage requirements to qualify.

So it's both hours AND wages? This is more complicated than I thought.

Is that legit? I've never heard of using a service to call Washington ESD.

Yeah it's real. I used it when I couldn't get through the phone lines myself. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

That might help me since I've been working more recently. How do I request that?

Washington ESD will automatically check your alternate base year if you don't qualify with the regular one. You don't have to do anything special.

I make about $18/hour and work 40 hours a week, so hopefully that's enough.

Yeah you should be fine with those numbers. You're probably earning way more than the minimum required.

I know it's frustrating but the wage-based system actually helps people who work irregular hours or seasonal jobs.

I guess that makes sense but it's still way too complicated for regular people to understand.

Were you working full time? And what did you make if you don't mind me asking?

yeah full time, made like $16/hr

This is super helpful, thank you! Is there a way to check my wage history online?

Yes, you can log into your Washington ESD account and view your quarterly wage statements. That'll show you exactly what employers reported for you.

Good to know. I've been full-time so I should be over 680 hours by now.

Yeah if you're working 40 hours a week for 8 months you're definitely over 680 hours.

Right, I'm just worried about potential layoffs at my company. I wouldn't quit without another job lined up.

Smart thinking. Better to be prepared and know where you stand before anything happens.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like it might be expensive.

It's worth it when you consider how much time you'd spend trying to get through on your own. Plus if you're not eligible, better to find out now than when you really need the benefits.

The minimum high quarter wage for 2025 is $2,481. So you need at least that much in your highest earning quarter.

Okay, I think I'm earning more than that per quarter so I should be good on that requirement too.

What does able and available mean exactly?

You have to be physically able to work, available to accept suitable work, and actively looking for a job. It's part of the ongoing requirements to keep getting benefits.

That's reassuring. I was getting worried reading about all the different requirements.

What kind of technicality? That sounds frustrating.

Something about how my employer reported my wages. Took months to sort out even though I obviously worked and earned the money.

How would I know if my employer reported my wages correctly?

Check your wage history in your Washington ESD account. If something looks wrong, you can contact them to investigate.

Good to know there are options if I need help. Hopefully I won't need to file at all but it's good to be prepared.

Right, I've heard about having to apply for jobs and report it. That seems like a lot of work.

It is work, but that's the point. Unemployment benefits are meant to be temporary while you look for your next job.

Thanks for the reassurance. I feel much better about my situation now.

No problem. Just make sure to file as soon as possible if you do get laid off. Benefits don't start until you file your claim.

Thanks! Yeah, hopefully I won't need to use this information but better safe than sorry.