How many weeks do you have to work before you can collect unemployment in Washington ESD?

That's helpful but still confusing. So if I started working in March last year part-time, would my base period include those early months with lower earnings?

Yes, if you file now your base period would include last year's quarters. The key is having enough total earnings, not specific weeks worked.

That's not correct. Washington ESD doesn't have a specific weeks worked requirement. It's all about earnings during the base period quarters.

oh ok i was thinking of something else then. thanks for correcting me

How much does that service cost? I'm already worried about money if I lose my job.

I thought it was worth it given how impossible it is to get through to Washington ESD otherwise. The peace of mind knowing my eligibility status was huge.

Never heard of that but anything is better than sitting on hold for hours just to get disconnected

This is really helpful! So even though I started part-time, those earnings still count? I was worried they wouldn't.

Correct, all wages from covered employment count regardless of whether you worked full-time or part-time.

Good to know there's a backup option! How do you request the alternate base period?

Washington ESD should automatically check the alternate base period if you don't qualify under the standard one, but you can specifically request it when you file your claim.

I understand the frustration, but the earnings-based system actually protects workers better than a simple weeks requirement. Someone working part-time for a year could have more earnings than someone working full-time for just a few weeks.

I guess that makes sense but they could explain it better on their website

File as soon as possible after your last day of work. There's a one-week waiting period anyway, and you can't backdate benefits to before you file your claim.

Definitely don't wait. Even if there are issues with your claim, getting it filed starts the process.

Wow, good to know. I definitely won't make that mistake if it happens to me.

The job search requirement doesn't start until after you file and complete your waiting week. Filing first is always the right move.

Did you use it recently? I'm wondering if it still works with how busy they've been.

Used it about 2 months ago and it worked fine. Much better than the alternative of never getting through.

Good point! I should log in and check what wages they have on file for me.

Just remember that there can be a delay in when wages show up in the system, especially from your most recent employer.

Yes, all wages from covered employment during your base period count, whether from part-time or full-time work, and from multiple employers.

thats awesome i had no idea. thought you had to work full time for a certain period

This is why services like Claimyr exist. Sometimes you just need to talk to a human being and the regular phone system doesn't work.

True, might be worth looking into if I ever need it. Better than spending all day redialing.

Seriously! The website makes it sound way more complicated than it needs to be.

Government websites are notorious for being unclear. That's why forums like this are so valuable for getting real explanations.

Right, I forgot about that part. I assume being laid off would count as through no fault of my own?

Yes, layoffs typically qualify. It's things like being fired for misconduct or quitting without good cause that can disqualify you.

Agreed! I feel much more confident about understanding the requirements now.

Same here. Always good to know this stuff before you actually need it.

Perfect summary! This should be pinned at the top of the thread.

Excellent recap. This covers all the key points people need to know about work requirements for Washington ESD unemployment.

No need to be embarrassed! The system is genuinely confusing and not well explained anywhere official.

Totally agree. These kinds of basic questions should have clear answers on the Washington ESD website but they don't.

This is exactly when something like Claimyr comes in handy. Getting proactive answers before you actually need to file can save a lot of stress later.

Good idea! Better to know ahead of time rather than find out after the fact that there might be issues.

Thanks! Fingers crossed I won't need it, but I definitely feel more prepared now if the situation comes up.