How many weeks of work to qualify for unemployment in Washington - confused about base period requirements

So if I file now in 2025, they'd look at quarters from 2024? And it's about money earned, not weeks worked?

Exactly. If you file in Q1 2025, they'd look at Q1-Q4 of 2024 as your base period. As long as you earned enough wages spread across at least 2 quarters, you should qualify.

That's not correct for Washington. The 680 hours requirement is for some other states. Washington ESD only looks at wages earned, not hours worked.

oh ok my bad, got confused with different states rules

Yeah I've been trying to call for days and either get busy signals or get disconnected after waiting forever.

I actually found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. They handle the calling for you - you can check it out at claimyr.com. There's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

That sounds interesting. Did you actually get through to someone using that service?

Yeah, they connected me within like 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. Really helpful for getting specific questions answered about my claim.

Wait, there's a maximum for the highest quarter? That doesn't make sense - why would earning more money hurt your chances?

I think you're mixing up the monetary determination formula with the basic qualification requirements. The $5,200 thing isn't a maximum - it's part of how they calculate your weekly benefit amount.

You might be right, I get confused by all the different calculations Washington ESD uses

How do I know which base period they'll use for my claim?

Washington ESD automatically checks the regular base period first. If you don't qualify, they'll automatically check the alternative base period. You don't have to do anything special to request it.

Because unemployment benefits are based on wages, not hours worked. Someone working part-time at a high-paying job might earn more in fewer hours than someone working full-time at minimum wage.

i guess that makes sense when you put it that way

If you earned at least $1,950 total and worked in at least 2 different quarters, you should meet the basic requirements. Your actual weekly benefit amount will depend on your highest quarter wages.

You can always apply and see what happens. Washington ESD will send you a monetary determination letter that shows exactly how much you earned in each quarter and whether you qualify.

How long did the appeal process take?

About 6 weeks total, but it was worth it. I ended up getting back pay for all the weeks I should have been getting benefits.

They'd need wages in at least 2 different quarters, so working just 2 weeks in one quarter wouldn't qualify them. The multi-quarter requirement prevents exactly that scenario.

ohh ok that makes more sense then

Right, the wage requirement is just one piece of it. Thanks for reminding me about the job search requirements.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like it might be expensive.

It's really reasonable considering how much time and frustration it saves. Plus when you're dealing with unemployment benefits, getting accurate information quickly can make a huge difference in your payments.

I've looked at their website but some of the examples don't match my situation exactly. That's why I was hoping to talk to someone.

Yeah, every situation is a little different. Getting personalized help really makes a difference.

True, I guess there's no harm in applying. Better to find out for sure than keep wondering.

Good point! I was laid off in January so I should definitely get my application in soon.

Exactly. And remember to file your weekly claims every week once you're approved, even if your claim is still pending or in adjudication.

Yeah, I'm glad it's mostly online now. That should make the process easier once I get started.

Contract work can count if taxes were withheld, but if you were paid as an independent contractor (1099), that usually doesn't count toward your base period wages for regular unemployment benefits.

Ah ok, mine was 1099 work so probably doesn't help then. Good to know though.

I might have to try that if I can't figure out my situation from the online tools. Thanks for the recommendation!

Good luck! Feel free to come back here if you have questions about the process.

Hope it goes smoothly for you! The hardest part is usually just understanding the requirements, which you've got figured out now.

Glad it helped! I was really confused about the whole thing but everyone here explained it well.

That's a good way to think about it. Makes the complexity seem more worthwhile.

Exactly. It's more fair than a simple weeks-worked requirement because it accounts for different wages and work patterns.