How much money do you have to make to qualify for Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

You need to meet Washington's base year earnings requirement. For 2025, you need at least $5,265 in your base year (the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file). Plus you need earnings in at least 2 quarters of your base year, and your total base year wages must be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter.

i think you probably qualify with $18k but the formula is confusing. you also need to have worked in at least 2 quarters

The monetary determination is one of the first things Washington ESD processes when you file your claim. They'll send you a notice showing your base year wages and whether you qualify. But honestly, calling to check your wage records beforehand can save you time if you're unsure. I used Claimyr.com recently to get through to an agent quickly - there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

The wage requirements change slightly each year but $18,000 should definitely be enough if it was spread across multiple quarters. The bigger issue is usually whether your separation was qualifying - like if you were laid off vs quit.

just apply and see what happens! worst case they say no

UPDATE: I tried calling Washington ESD but got disconnected twice after waiting over an hour each time. This is so frustrating when you just need basic information.

For 2025, the specific requirements are: minimum $5,265 in base year wages, earnings in at least 2 quarters, and total base year wages must be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter earnings. There's also an alternate base year calculation if you don't qualify under the regular base year.

Washington ESD's website has a benefits calculator but it's not very user friendly. You plug in your quarterly wages and it tells you if you qualify and what your weekly benefit would be.

The system is so broken. I made $25k last year and still had to fight for my benefits because of some computer glitch with my wage records.

One thing to keep in mind - even if you qualify monetarily, you still need to meet the weekly requirements like job search activities and being able and available for work. But first step is definitely confirming you have enough wages in your base year.

If you're close to the minimum requirements, definitely file. The worst they can say is no, and if your wages are borderline, the alternate base year might help you qualify.

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and it actually worked great. Got through to an agent who checked my wage records over the phone. Worth the cost when you're stressed about qualifying.

The 1.5 times your highest quarter rule trips people up. So if your highest quarter was $6,000, you'd need at least $9,000 total in your base year. But with $18k you should be fine.

also remember that if you do qualify the weekly benefit amount depends on your wages too. higher wages = higher weekly benefit up to the state maximum

File online if you can. The phone system is a nightmare but the website usually works okay for initial claims. Just make sure you have all your employer information ready.

Don't let the requirements intimidate you. $18k over 8 months of work sounds like you definitely qualify. The state wants to pay benefits to people who've worked and contributed to the system.

washington state is actually pretty generous with unemployment compared to other states. if you worked steadily and were laid off you should be fine

Final update - I used Claimyr to get through and confirm my wage records. I definitely qualify! The agent was super helpful and walked me through what to expect. Filing my claim tomorrow.

This thread was really helpful. I'm in a similar situation and was also worried about qualifying. Good to know about the Claimyr option for getting through to check wage records.

For anyone else reading this later - the key numbers are $5,265 minimum base year wages, earnings in at least 2 quarters, and total wages at least 1.5x your highest quarter. Most people who worked steadily will qualify.