How long you have to work to get Washington ESD unemployment benefits

Thanks! So if I worked different jobs during those quarters, Washington ESD counts all of them together?

Exactly! As long as your employers were paying into the unemployment insurance system, all those wages count toward your eligibility.

That makes sense. I think I probably meet those requirements since I've been working steadily.

yeah but sometimes part time work doesn't always qualify depending on how much you made

Really? I've been worried about having to deal with calling Washington ESD if I need to file. How does that service work?

It basically handles the calling for you and connects you when they get through to an agent. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting hung up on.

Interesting, I might need something like that. The Washington ESD phone system is notorious for being impossible to reach.

Oh that's helpful to know the specific timeframe. I definitely worked during that period.

What if you didn't work enough during the regular base period? Are there other options?

Yes, Washington ESD can use an 'alternate base period' which looks at the most recent four completed quarters if you don't qualify under the regular base period.

Yeah same here, I was worried that having multiple short-term jobs would hurt my chances.

As long as they were legit W-2 jobs and not under the table, you should be fine. Washington ESD gets reports from all employers.

Right, I heard about the job search requirements. Do you have to prove you're looking for work?

Yes, you need to keep a log of your job search activities and be ready to provide it if Washington ESD asks. Usually need to make at least 3 job contacts per week.

The job search requirements changed a few times over the years, make sure you get current info from Washington ESD when you file.

Good point. I'm hoping I don't get laid off but want to know my options just in case.

If you do get laid off through no fault of your own, you should definitely qualify based on what you described.

That's the second person mentioning that service. Sounds like it's really helpful for dealing with Washington ESD.

Yeah I've heard good things about it too. Wish I'd known about it when I was dealing with my UI claim issues.

That makes sense. Any idea how they calculate the weekly amount?

It's based on your highest earning quarter during the base period. Washington ESD has a calculator on their website that can give you an estimate.

How long did it take for your claim to get approved?

took about 3 weeks but that was pretty normal. some people wait longer if there are issues with their claim

Great tip! I'll definitely check that out to see my earnings history.

Yeah that's smart to check beforehand. Better to know where you stand before going through the whole filing process.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! Feeling much more confident about understanding the requirements now.

No problem! This forum has been super helpful for me too when I had UI questions.

Or use that Claimyr service people mentioned - sounds way easier than trying to time your calls perfectly.

True, I've tried the early morning calling strategy and still couldn't get through half the time.

Yes, temp agency work counts as long as they were paying into unemployment insurance on your behalf. Most legitimate agencies do.

Perfect, thanks! That should help with meeting the requirements then.

That's a helpful way to think about it. I think I probably meet those numbers.

Those numbers sound about right. The key is having consistent work even if it was at different jobs.

Right, I've heard about the weekly claims. Do you have to do anything special for those?

Just answer questions about your job search activities and any work or income you had that week. Pretty straightforward once you get used to it.

That's reassuring to hear. Thanks everyone for all the detailed answers!

Good luck with everything! Hopefully you won't need to file but it's smart to know your options.

I'll definitely keep that in mind. Sounds like multiple people have had good experiences with it.

Same here - wish I'd known about services like that when I was dealing with my claim. Would have saved me hours of calling.

Perfect summary! This thread has been incredibly helpful for understanding the requirements.

Agreed, lots of good info here. Always nice when people share their knowledge and experiences.