How much do you have to make to file unemployment with Washington ESD?

Thanks! That's super helpful. I think I might have made close to that amount but I'm not sure exactly. Is there a way to check my earnings history?

Yeah, you can create an account on the Washington ESD website and view your quarterly wage information. It should show all your reported earnings from employers in Washington state.

Oh that's good to know! I did work at a restaurant before the retail job so maybe that helps with the total earnings requirement.

exactly, they add up ALL your wages from all employers during the base period quarters

Never heard of that before. Is it legitimate? I'm always skeptical of third-party services for government stuff.

Yeah it's legit - they don't ask for your personal info or anything sketchy. Just helps you get through the phone queue faster when you need to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD.

I used Claimyr too when I had issues with my claim status. Way better than sitting on hold for 3 hours just to get disconnected.

How do I know which base period Washington ESD will use for my claim?

They automatically check the standard base period first. If you don't qualify, they'll check the alternative base period. You don't have to do anything special - it's automatic.

Don't put it off - just file and let them determine your eligibility. The worst they can say is no, and you'll know for sure either way.

you're right, I should just apply and see what happens. thanks for the push I needed lol

Good point! I'm just hoping I qualify at all at this point. Any weekly amount would help with bills.

The minimum weekly benefit in Washington is pretty low anyway, like $295 or something. But every bit helps when you're unemployed.

No, it's definitely $3,850 for Washington state as of 2025. The amount gets adjusted annually but that's the current minimum.

ah okay thanks for the correction. I was probably thinking of Oregon or something

That's exactly the point - unemployment insurance is designed for people who had substantial work history and earnings. It's not meant to support people who only worked very part-time.

which is why so many gig workers and part-timers get screwed over by the system. but that's a whole other rant...

The system assumes you were working enough to support yourself, so if you lose that work you need temporary support while finding new employment.

How would I know if there was a reporting error? Would it show up when I check my wage history online?

Yeah, if you see missing quarters or amounts that seem too low compared to what you remember earning, that could indicate a reporting issue. You can contact Washington ESD to investigate.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - it's specifically designed to help with Washington ESD's terrible phone system. Check out their demo video, it really does work.

I might have to try that. I'm getting desperate and need to know if I qualify before I waste time on the full application.

Yeah I'm definitely able and available for work. Actually actively job searching right now which is why I'm looking into unemployment benefits.

Good! Make sure you keep track of your job search activities because Washington ESD requires you to log them if you receive benefits.

If you filed in January 2025, your standard base period would be January 2024 through December 2024 (the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters). The alternative base period would be April 2024 through March 2025.

ok that makes more sense, thanks for explaining it with actual dates

Yes, reported tips count toward your base period earnings as long as your employer properly reported them to Washington ESD. Check your wage history to see if the tip income shows up.

Perfect, that might put me over the minimum threshold then. I'll check my wage history online.

Oh cool, I didn't know about that calculator. I'll look for it on their website.

yeah the calculator is helpful but remember it's just an estimate. Your actual benefit amount might be different depending on various factors

Wow, that's cutting it close! I'm glad you qualified though. Gives me hope that I might make it too.

that's crazy how close you came to not qualifying at all. the system is really not designed for people with irregular work histories

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm hoping I qualify for unemployment but it's good to know there are other options if I don't.

yeah I had to apply for food stamps when I didn't qualify for unemployment. it helped a lot during that tough period

All my work has been in Washington so that shouldn't be an issue for me. Good to know though!

Actually there are interstate agreements for unemployment. If you worked in multiple states you can potentially combine the wages. It's called an Interstate Claim.

You're probably right. I tend to overthink things. I'll just file the application this weekend and see what happens.

exactly! worst case scenario they say no and you're in the same position you are now. but if they say yes, you'll be getting benefits while you job search

That sounds really convenient. I might give it a try if I run into issues with my application.

how much does something like that cost though? I'm already strapped for cash

It's not expensive, especially compared to the time and frustration it saves. Check out their website for details.

Will do! Thanks everyone for all the helpful info. This thread has been way more useful than the Washington ESD website lol

seriously, this community is so much better than trying to navigate government websites. good luck with your claim!