How many weeks do you have to work to collect unemployment in Washington

So it's based on quarters, not weeks? That's confusing. How much do you need to earn in those quarters?

You need to earn at least $1,000 in your highest quarter and total wages of at least 1.5 times your high quarter amount. So if your highest quarter was $4,000, you'd need at least $6,000 total.

Yes, part-time work counts as long as you earned enough wages. Washington ESD looks at your total wages, not how many hours you worked per week.

ok good because i was worried i didnt work enough hours but i did make decent money

Where is that calculator on their website? I've been looking but can't find it.

It's under the 'Apply for Benefits' section. Look for 'Benefit Estimator' or something like that. You'll need your quarterly wage statements.

How much does that service cost? I'm already broke and can't afford to pay just to talk to someone about my own benefits.

It's worth checking out their website for details. For me, it was less stressful than spending days trying to get through on my own. The agent I spoke with was really helpful and knew all the current rules.

That's interesting. I might try that if I can't figure this out on my own. Thanks for the tip!

Your base period is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January-December 2024.

Yeah that's what tripped me up. I was looking at the wrong time period when I calculated my wages.

What kind of employer info do they need? I've had like 4 different jobs in the past 2 years.

company name, address, phone number, your start and end dates, reason you left each job. basically everything

That's helpful to know. I was making about $3,500 per month so hopefully that's enough.

That should definitely be enough. You're probably fine if you worked for 8 months at that rate.

How many job searches do you have to do per week in Washington?

I think it's 3 job search activities per week, but double-check that. The requirements might have changed recently.

I had the same problem. Used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and finally got to talk to an agent. They were able to check my account and explain everything.

I might have to try that. I'm getting desperate and bills are piling up.

Where do you get those quarterly wage statements? From your employer or from the state?

You can request them from Washington ESD or sometimes find them in your employer's HR portal. You need them to verify your wages during the base period.

That's good to know! So they might look at different quarters if the first ones don't work?

Exactly. The alternate base period uses the 4 most recently completed quarters instead of the standard base period.

If you were paid as a W-2 employee, yes. If you were a 1099 contractor, it's more complicated and you might not qualify for regular unemployment benefits.

I was 1099 for most of it. That's probably why I'm having trouble with my application.

I think it's because they need complete quarters to calculate everything properly. But I agree it's confusing.

Still seems unnecessarily complicated. No wonder so many people get confused about eligibility.

That's interesting. So timing when you file can actually matter for eligibility?

Definitely. I waited an extra month to file because it meant my highest-earning quarter would be included in my base period.

Yes, they look at your total wages from all W-2 employers during your base period. Having multiple jobs can actually help you meet the requirements.

Good to know. I was worried they might only count one job or something.

I was laid off so hopefully that won't be an issue. But good point about there being multiple requirements.

Layoffs are usually fine for unemployment. It's when people quit or get fired for misconduct that it gets complicated.

True, I guess I'm overthinking it. I'll just gather my information and apply.

yeah exactly. worst case scenario you get denied and you know for sure. better than wondering forever

Where do you find the current wage requirements? The Washington ESD website is so hard to navigate.

Look for their 'Monetary Determination' information or search for current benefit amounts. It should have the wage thresholds listed.

That sounds really helpful. I might check that out before I apply just to be sure.

Yeah, it was worth it for the peace of mind. Plus they could see exactly what Washington ESD had on file for my work history.

Thanks! I'm feeling more confident about it after reading everyone's responses.

You'll probably be fine with 8 months of work at decent wages. Just make sure you have all your paperwork ready.