How many hours do you need to claim unemployment in Washington ESD?

It's not about hours per week, it's about your total wages earned during your base period. Washington ESD looks at your highest earning quarter during the base period and you need to have earned at least $3,850 in that quarter to qualify. They also look at total wages across the entire base period.

i think you also need to have worked in at least two quarters during the base period but im not 100% sure on that

Had the same situation last year - multiple part time jobs with reduced hours. The wage requirements are what matter, not the number of hours you worked per week. If you've been consistently earning from both jobs for 8 months, you probably meet the wage threshold. I'd suggest just applying and letting Washington ESD determine your eligibility.

WAIT - if you're still working those jobs even with reduced hours, you might be eligible for partial unemployment benefits instead of regular UI. Washington ESD has a partial benefits program where you can collect some unemployment while still working reduced hours.

This whole system is so confusing! Why can't Washington ESD just use hours worked like every other state??? I've been trying to figure out if I qualify for weeks and all these different wage calculations make no sense.

From what I remember when I applied, you also need to be able and available for work and actively searching for a full-time job even if you're collecting partial benefits. Don't forget about the job search requirements!

Quick question - are both your employers in Washington state? If one of them is out of state it might complicate things with your claim.

Since you mentioned having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone, I wanted to follow up on that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. I used it a couple months ago when my claim was stuck in adjudication and I couldn't get through their regular phone line. It actually worked - got connected to an agent within a few hours instead of calling for days. Definitely worth trying if you need to talk to someone about your specific situation.

OP - definitely apply for benefits. Worst case scenario they deny you and you know for sure. Best case you qualify for partial benefits which could really help with those reduced hours. The application process isn't too bad if you have your wage info ready.

I was in almost the exact same situation - two part time jobs that both cut my hours. Applied for partial unemployment and got approved. The key thing is being honest about all your earnings when you file your weekly claims. They cross-check everything.

dont forget you have to register with WorkSourceWA too its part of the requirements now

The wage requirement formula is: highest quarter earnings of at least $3,850 AND total base period wages of at least $4,500 AND wages in at least 2 quarters. If you meet all three, you should qualify. Your weekly benefit amount will be based on your highest quarter earnings.

Just wanted to add - if you end up needing to call Washington ESD about your claim status or if there are any issues, that Claimyr service people mentioned is legit. My sister used it when her claim was taking forever and she got answers the same day. Sometimes it's worth it to avoid the phone runaround.

One more thing - if you get approved for partial benefits, make sure you understand how the earnings offset works. You can earn up to a certain amount each week before it starts reducing your benefit payment. Washington ESD has a calculator on their website that shows how it works.

Hope everything works out for you OP! The system seems complicated but once you get through the initial application it's pretty straightforward. Just stay on top of your weekly claims and job search activities.