How to know if I qualify for Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

You'll likely qualify based on what you've described. Washington ESD has specific requirements: you need to have worked and earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period, been separated from work through no fault of your own (layoffs count), be able and available to work, and actively seek work. Since you were laid off due to budget cuts and have 14 months of work history, you should meet the basic criteria.

Don't stress about filing incorrectly - Washington ESD will review your application and determine eligibility. The worst that happens is they deny your claim and you can appeal if you disagree. Based on your situation (layoff, not fired for cause), you should definitely apply. I was in a similar spot last year and got approved.

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my eligibility last month. The phone lines are always busy and I kept getting disconnected. Eventually found out about claimyr.com which helped me get connected to an actual agent who walked me through everything. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process way less stressful.

Make sure you file your claim as soon as possible! Benefits are calculated from the week you file, not when you were laid off. You can't get retroactive benefits for weeks before you filed. Also keep documentation of your job search once you start claiming - Washington ESD requires you to make at least 3 job contacts per week.

ugh the washington esd system is so confusing, i tried to figure out if i qualified and gave up after like an hour of reading their website. just file and see what happens lol

One thing to watch out for - if you quit your job or were fired for misconduct, you won't qualify. But layoffs, reductions in force, or being let go due to lack of work all qualify. Sounds like you're good since it was budget cuts.

Washington ESD also looks at whether you're able and available to work. That means physically and mentally capable of working, and available during normal business hours. If you have any restrictions like childcare issues or medical problems, you need to report those.

Been through this process twice now. The key things Washington ESD checks: earnings in your base period, reason for separation, and ongoing eligibility requirements. Your situation sounds like a straightforward approval. Just make sure you're honest on the application about everything.

Does anyone know if having a second part-time job affects eligibility? I have a weekend gig that I kept after the layoff but it's only like 8 hours a week.

The Washington ESD eligibility process seems complicated but it's really not that bad once you start. I was nervous too but got through it fine. Just gather your employment history, social security card, and ID before you start the online application.

Watch out for the waiting week! Washington doesn't have one anymore but some people still think they do. You can get benefits starting the first week you file if you're eligible. Also make sure to file your weekly claims every week even if your initial claim is still being processed.

I remember being so worried about qualifying when I first applied. Turns out Washington ESD is pretty reasonable about eligibility as long as you meet the basic requirements and weren't fired for cause. The hardest part is usually just getting through to talk to someone if you have questions.

Pro tip: keep detailed records of everything from day one. Your employment dates, wages, reason for separation, job search activities. Washington ESD might ask for verification of any of this information during your claim period.

honestly the washington esd website has all this info but nobody wants to read through it all. basically if you worked enough and got laid off you probably qualify. just apply and stop overthinking it

One more thing - make sure your address is current in the system before you file. Washington ESD sends important notices by mail and if they can't reach you, it can cause delays or issues with your claim. Learned this the hard way when I moved and forgot to update my address.

The whole Washington ESD qualification process gave me so much anxiety when I was unemployed. Kept second-guessing whether I'd done something wrong or if I'd get denied. But honestly, if you were laid off through no fault of your own and have a decent work history, you're probably fine. The system is designed to help people in situations like yours.