How to qualify for unemployment Washington ESD - confused about requirements

Thanks! What exactly counts as the base period? I started working in March 2024 and got laid off in November 2024.

For a claim filed now, your base period would be July 2023 through June 2024. If you didn't work during that time, you might qualify under the alternate base period which would be October 2023 through September 2024.

Do I need to apply to a certain number of jobs each week?

Yes, you need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a detailed log of your job search activities. You'll report this when you file your weekly claims.

That's really helpful! What counts as 'enough wages' though? I was only making about $400-500 per week when I had more hours.

For 2025, you need at least $7,689 in total wages during your base period, with at least $2,563 earned outside your highest-earning quarter. Your $400-500/week would likely qualify you if you worked consistently.

Is this a free service or do they charge?

They do charge but it's worth it compared to spending hours trying to get through on your own. Way less stressful than the usual Washington ESD phone nightmare.

Never heard of this but might try it. Been calling Washington ESD for a week straight with no luck.

How much does that cost? I'm already strapped for cash with reduced hours.

Worth every penny compared to the stress of trying to reach them on your own. Plus you get actual answers instead of guessing about your eligibility.

Yep! It's called partial unemployment. As long as your weekly earnings are less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5, you can receive some benefits. You just report what you earned that week.

mind blown... wish I'd known this when my restaurant cut everyone's shifts during the slow season

I understand the frustration, but the eligibility requirements are pretty straightforward once you understand them. The main issue is getting through to someone who can review your specific situation.

Easy for you to say! I've been dealing with this mess since September and still don't have a straight answer about whether my part-time work disqualifies me.

Do I still have to job search if I'm hoping my current employer gives me more hours back?

Yes, you still need to actively search for work. Being on standby waiting for your hours to return doesn't exempt you from the job search requirement. You need to be genuinely seeking other employment opportunities.

This is so dumb though. Why make someone look for work when they already have a job and just want their hours back?

Yes, you can qualify for partial unemployment benefits if you were working part-time. The key is whether you earned enough during your base period and if the job loss was through no fault of your own.

That's a relief! I was worried part-time work wouldn't count.

Oh no, I did quit a job about 4 months ago because the manager was horrible. Will that disqualify me?

Not necessarily, but they'll want to know the details. If you had good cause to quit (unsafe conditions, harassment, etc.) you should be fine. Just be honest about what happened.

Did you ever actually get through? I've been trying for days and either get busy signals or hung up on after waiting forever.

Eventually yes, but it took using one of those callback services. Someone mentioned Claimyr earlier - that's what I should have used from the start instead of wasting so much time.

How do I actually apply? Do I do it online?

Yes, through the Washington ESD website at esd.wa.gov. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the past 2 years, and banking info if you want direct deposit.

The online application is pretty straightforward, just have all your employment dates and employer info ready before you start.

How do you report gig work? Like if I do DoorDash or something?

You report all earnings for the week you earned them, not when you get paid. So if you earned $100 doing deliveries Monday-Friday, you report that $100 for that week even if you don't get paid until the following week.

What's the best way to follow up if it's taking too long?

Calling is really the only way to get status updates, but good luck getting through. The callback services people mentioned might be worth it if you're worried about your claim.

Ugh, I forgot about this when I was on unemployment last year. Had to pay back like $800 in taxes.

Yeah, it's 10% federal withholding if you choose it. Better to have it taken out up front than get hit with a big tax bill later.

Yes, layoffs due to company downsizing, reduction in force, or lack of work definitely qualify as 'no fault of your own.' You should be good on that requirement.

Just make sure you have documentation of the layoff reason. Sometimes Washington ESD will contact your employer to verify.

So true. I almost didn't apply because the website was so overwhelming, but I'm glad I pushed through.

The hardest part is just getting started. Once you file your initial claim, the weekly claims are pretty easy to do online.

Take a deep breath! If you were fired, the key question is whether it was for misconduct or not. If it was for reasons beyond your control (like poor performance, not being a good fit, etc.) you might still qualify. You apply online at esd.wa.gov.

It wasn't misconduct, just said I wasn't meeting expectations. I'll try applying online, thanks!

Did they help you figure out if you qualified?

Yeah, the agent was able to look at my work history and confirm I met the wage requirements. Saved me weeks of uncertainty.

That's a good point. I think I'm just going to go ahead and apply tonight. Thanks everyone for all the helpful info!

Good luck! Remember to file your weekly claims every week even if your claim is still processing. You can't go back and claim weeks you missed.

You need to be able and available for work from the start, which includes being ready to search for and accept suitable work. The active job search requirement kicks in once you start filing weekly claims.

Got it, so I need to be ready to work but don't need to have already started job searching before I apply?

Exactly. You just need to be in a position where you can start searching and would be available to work if offered a suitable job.

How long does it usually take to get approved?

If everything is straightforward, usually 2-3 weeks. But if there are any issues or they need to verify information with your employer, it can take longer.

No, Washington ESD doesn't have asset limits for regular unemployment benefits. It's based on your work history and wages earned, not your current financial situation.

That's good to know! I was worried my savings would disqualify me somehow.

How did you get through to someone? I keep getting busy signals.

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Way easier than trying to call directly.

Good point. I was overthinking this. I'll just apply and see what happens.

Exactly! The application process will walk you through everything and they'll determine your eligibility based on your specific situation.

If you were classified as an independent contractor for gig work, those earnings typically don't count toward regular UI eligibility. You'd need to have been an employee with wages reported to Washington ESD.

Darn, that's most of my recent work history. Guess I need to look into other options.

I'll check that out! It would be helpful to know what to expect.

Yeah, it's under the 'Calculator' section. Gives you a rough idea based on your wages.

Luckily I was laid off, not quit. But good to know for others reading this.

Yeah, quitting makes it much harder to qualify. Layoffs are usually straightforward as long as you meet the other requirements.

Glad we could help! Good luck with your application.

Hope it goes smoothly for you. The process isn't as scary as it seems at first.