How long you need to work to get Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

That's confusing - what exactly is a quarter? Like 3 months?

Yes, exactly. A quarter is 3 months. So Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep, Oct-Dec. If you file in January 2025, your base period would typically be Jan 2024 through Dec 2024.

Oh that makes more sense! I made most of my money in the last 6 months so hopefully that works out.

Just make sure Washington ESD can verify all your wages. Sometimes if employers don't report properly it can mess up your claim.

Never heard of that before. Does it actually work or is it some kind of scam?

It's legit. They basically navigate the phone system for you and get you connected to Washington ESD staff. I was skeptical too but it actually worked when nothing else did.

How did you fix the wage reporting issue? I'm worried about that now.

Had to get paystubs and tax documents from the employer and submit them to Washington ESD. Took forever.

That's why it's good to keep all your paystubs. Makes the verification process much easier if there are discrepancies.

What does 'actively looking' mean exactly? Do I need to apply to a certain number of jobs per week?

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities.

No, that's not correct. You just need sufficient wages in your base period. Could all be from one quarter if it meets the requirements.

Oh okay, I must have been thinking of something else. Thanks for the correction.

Good point. I was waiting to make sure I qualified but maybe I should just apply now.

Exactly. Better to have them tell you that you don't qualify than to miss out on benefits you're entitled to.

I'll look for that, thanks! Do you remember where on their site it was?

I think it's under the 'File a Claim' section but their website layout changes sometimes. Just search for 'benefit calculator' on their site.

Yeah I've been seeing more people mention services like that. The phone system really is broken.

It's frustrating because you need answers to move forward with your claim but can't reach anyone to get help.

One of my jobs was through a temp agency actually. How do I make sure that gets included?

When you file your claim, list all your employers including the temp agency. If the wages don't show up, you'll need to provide documentation like paystubs or W-2s.

How long should I expect to wait before I know if I'm approved?

Usually 2-3 weeks for a straightforward claim, but can be longer if they need to verify wages or if there are other issues.

Wait, I have to file weekly claims before I'm even approved?

Yes, you file weekly claims for every week you want benefits, starting the week after you file your initial claim. Even if your claim is still pending.

Same here. I've been putting off filing because I wasn't sure about the work requirements.

Yeah, I think the key is just to file and let them determine eligibility rather than trying to figure it all out ourselves.

I was laid off so hopefully that's not an issue. But good to know for others reading this.

Yeah, being laid off is usually not a problem. It's when people quit without good cause that eligibility gets complicated.

How much does something like that cost?

I don't remember the exact cost but it was worth it to actually talk to someone instead of wasting days trying to get through on my own.

Good luck! I'm planning to file mine this week too after reading all this.

Thanks! Hopefully we both get approved without too much hassle.

Good reminder. I'll start keeping a spreadsheet of my applications.

That's smart. Having good records makes everything easier if they ever question your job search efforts.

Agreed. Much more helpful than trying to navigate the Washington ESD website alone.

Definitely. Real people sharing actual experiences is way more valuable than reading bureaucratic language on government websites.