How many hours do you have to work to get unemployment benefits in Washington?

Oh wow, I had no idea it was wage-based! That makes way more sense. So even part-time work counts as long as you hit the dollar threshold?

Exactly! Part-time, full-time, multiple jobs - it all counts toward your wage requirement. The key is meeting that minimum dollar amount across the qualifying period.

Oh okay so it's either wages OR hours? That's helpful. I definitely didn't make $3,850 but I might have hit 680 hours between all my different jobs.

Yeah and make sure all your employers reported your hours correctly to Washington ESD. Sometimes part-time places mess that up.

This is getting complicated. Is there like a calculator or something to figure this out?

Washington ESD has a benefit calculator on their website but honestly it's easier to just apply and let them determine your eligibility.

Never heard of that service but might be worth trying if I can't figure this out on my own.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like it should be free to get basic info about your own claim.

I found it worth it just to avoid spending hours trying to get through myself. The Washington ESD phone system is brutal.

I guess that's true but I don't want to waste time if I definitely don't qualify.

Applying doesn't hurt anything and it's the only way to get a definitive answer about your specific situation.

That's encouraging! Were you able to file your claim pretty easily with multiple employers?

It was a bit more paperwork listing all the employers but not too bad. Just make sure you have all your wage info ready when you file.

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

Totally legit. Check out claimyr.com if you're skeptical. I was desperate after weeks of trying to call Washington ESD and this got me through in under an hour.

Might have to try that if I can't get through the normal way. The phone system sounds like a nightmare from what everyone says.

That's frustrating. What was your hourly wage if you don't mind me asking?

I was making $12/hour which seemed decent but apparently not enough for the wage requirements.

At $12/hour for 30 hours/week over 6 months you should have made around $9,360 which is way over the $3,850 minimum. Something doesn't add up - you might want to check your base period dates.

Good point about the job search stuff. Is that 3 applications per week or can it be other activities too?

It can be applications, interviews, networking events, job fairs, etc. Just has to be legitimate job search activities that you document properly.

If you made $12k and it was spread across at least two quarters in your base period, then yes you likely meet the wage requirement. You should definitely file!

omg i've been missing out on benefits for months thinking i didn't qualify. filing my claim tomorrow

How small are we talking? Like under $100 a week?

Mine was $67 a week which barely covered gas money. But hey, something is better than nothing when you're unemployed.

Did you appeal the denial? Sometimes the initial determination is wrong.

Yeah I had to appeal and it took 3 months to get resolved. Finally got approved but lost 3 months of benefits because of their mistake.

That's scary. I hope mine doesn't get that complicated.

Good point. I think I have most of my paystubs but some of the earlier ones I might have thrown away.

You can usually get copies from your employers or check if they're available online through payroll systems.

How do I check if my hours were properly reported? Some of my jobs were pretty casual.

You can request your wage and hour history from Washington ESD. It shows what employers reported for you.

That's good advice. The wage report will show exactly what's in their system for your base period.

That's super helpful, I'll check that out before filing. Thanks for the tip!

The calculator is pretty accurate too. My actual benefit amount was within $5 of what it estimated.

You're totally right, I probably would have never filed if I hadn't asked here first. The hour thing seems to be what everyone assumes.

Yeah it's frustrating how much bad info gets passed around. Wage-based eligibility makes way more sense when you think about it.

Only reported wages count toward your base period calculation. Tips that weren't reported to your employer won't be included in the wage records Washington ESD uses.

Figures. Restaurant industry screws you even when you're unemployed.

Good point. I got laid off from my main job so that shouldn't be an issue for me.

What counts as 'good cause' for quitting? Asking for a friend who quit because of harassment at work.

Harassment, unsafe working conditions, significant changes to job duties or pay - there are several qualifying reasons. Your friend should still file and explain the circumstances.

Someone else mentioned that service too. Seems like it might be legit.

Anything that helps bypass the Washington ESD phone system sounds good to me!

They can be combined from multiple employers as long as they're all covered employment that reported to Washington ESD.

Thanks! That makes me feel better about my chances.

Wait, they automatically check the alternate base period or do I have to request it?

I think they're supposed to check it automatically if you don't qualify with the regular base period, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Correct - if you don't meet the monetary requirements with the standard base period, they'll automatically check the alternate base period.

That's encouraging! How long did it take to get approved?

About 2 weeks for the initial determination. No issues with my claim thankfully.

That's exactly the kind of situation where talking to someone would be crucial. Good to know there are options when the phone lines are jammed.

How long did it take them to fix the wage calculation error once you got through?

About a week after I talked to the agent. They had to contact my old employer to verify the wages but it got resolved pretty quickly.

Thanks! I'll gather all that info before I start the application. Anything else I should have ready?

Social security number, driver's license, bank info for direct deposit, and reason for separation from each job. Having it all organized saves time.

That's really encouraging! Sounds like I should definitely qualify then with similar earnings.

The benefit amount is based on your highest earning quarter too, so even with part-time work you can get decent weekly payments.

Yeah I'm definitely going to file online. Seems like everyone has horror stories about trying to call.

Online filing took me like 20 minutes. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

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

I think it's 3 job search activities per week but they have different types of activities that count.

I'll make sure to do that right after filing. Is it a separate website or part of the Washington ESD system?

Separate site - worksourcewa.com. But they link your accounts so Washington ESD can see your job search activities.

Exactly right. If you were treated as an employee with taxes withheld, those wages count. Independent contractor work typically doesn't qualify for regular UI though.

Good to know the distinction. Most of my gig work was as an employee so I should be good.

Seems like that service really helps people get through the phone maze. I'll keep it in mind if I run into issues.

What did they tell you about seasonal work eligibility? I do landscaping and it's definitely seasonal.

Same wage requirements apply regardless of seasonal vs year-round work. As long as you hit the dollar thresholds you should qualify.

Good luck with your claim! Hope it goes smoothly.

Thanks! This thread definitely gave me the confidence to move forward with filing.

Good point! I just got laid off last week so I'll file this weekend for sure.

Yeah don't wait thinking you need to find another job first. File immediately and job search while collecting benefits.

Totally agree. If I hadn't asked here I would have assumed I didn't qualify and never filed.

The website has the info but it's buried in bureaucratic language. They need clearer explanations for regular people.

That's a great way to look at it. Nothing to lose by trying and potentially a lot to gain.

Exactly! I almost didn't file because of the hour misconception and would have missed out on months of benefits.

You're probably right. I've been overthinking this whole thing.

That's a good point. I should actually sit down and calculate all my hours instead of just guessing.

Exactly! I was surprised how quickly it added up when I actually did the math.

Oh no, I think one of my jobs was 1099. Does that completely disqualify me?

No, it just means those particular wages and hours don't count. Your other W2 employment still counts.

Correct - only covered employment where unemployment taxes were paid counts toward your base period wages and hours.

That does sound easier than trying to track down old paystubs from every job.

Yeah and they could tell me immediately whether I qualified or not based on what was actually in their system.

Will do! Thanks everyone for all the helpful info. I'm going to gather my employment records and apply this week.

Very true. I should stop procrastinating and just do it. Thanks for the motivation!

Exactly - there's no penalty for applying and finding out you don't qualify, but there is a cost to waiting if you do qualify.