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Zara Khan

How to qualify for unemployment benefits in Washington - confused about requirements

I'm trying to figure out if I qualify for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD but honestly I'm pretty confused about all the requirements. I got laid off from my retail job last week after working there for about 8 months. Before that I had another job for like 6 months but quit because my hours got cut to almost nothing. I've been reading the Washington ESD website but it's kind of overwhelming with all the different rules about base periods and monetary requirements and stuff. Can someone break down what I actually need to qualify? I really need to know if I should even bother applying or if I'm just wasting my time.

The basic requirements for Washington unemployment are pretty straightforward. You need to have worked enough hours and earned enough wages during your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 quarters). For 2025, you need at least 680 hours of work OR earn wages in at least two quarters with total wages at least 1.25 times your highest quarter earnings. Since you were laid off from your recent job, that part looks good for qualifying. The tricky part might be that you quit your previous job - Washington ESD will look at why you quit and whether it was for 'good cause.

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What counts as 'good cause' for quitting? My hours were seriously cut - like from 35 hours a week down to maybe 10-12. I couldn't pay my bills on that.

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Substantial reduction in hours can definitely be good cause. If your hours were cut by that much, Washington ESD typically considers that constructive dismissal. You'll need to document the hour reduction when you file your claim.

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The basic requirements for Washington ESD unemployment are: 1) You must have earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period, 2) Your total base period wages must be at least 1.25 times your highest quarter wages, 3) You must be unemployed through no fault of your own, and 4) You must be able and available for work. Part-time work counts toward your wage requirements as long as you meet the minimum thresholds.

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What exactly is a base period? Is that just the last year of work?

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Your base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through September 2024.

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To qualify for unemployment in Washington, you need to meet several requirements. First, you must have earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters). You also need to have earned at least $1,096 in your highest quarter and total base period wages of at least 1.25 times your high quarter wages. Since you worked for 14 months total, you should have enough work history. You also need to be unemployed through no fault of your own, actively seeking work, and able/available to work.

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Thanks! I think I meet the wage requirements but I'm not sure about the base period thing. How do I find out what quarters count as my base period?

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Your base period is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be July 2023 through June 2024. Washington ESD will calculate this automatically when you apply.

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ugh the whole process is such a pain. i applied like 3 weeks ago and still waiting to hear back. they keep asking for more paperwork and verification stuff

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Same here! It's taking forever to get through to anyone at Washington ESD. The phone lines are always busy and when you do get through they just tell you to wait longer.

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If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone, I found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to an agent in like 20 minutes. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours just to get disconnected.

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There are several requirements you need to meet for Washington ESD unemployment benefits. First, you need sufficient earnings during your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters). You also need to be unemployed through no fault of your own, which sounds like your situation since the restaurant closed. You must be able and available for work, and actively seeking employment.

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What counts as sufficient earnings? I made about $18,000 total at the restaurant job.

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That should be enough. Washington requires at least $3,850 in your base period, so $18,000 definitely qualifies you earnings-wise.

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you also have to register with WorkSource and do job searches every week once you start claiming

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How many job searches do I need to do per week?

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It's typically 3 job search activities per week, but this can vary based on your situation. You'll get specific requirements when you file your claim.

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I was in a similar situation last year when my employer shut down. The hardest part was actually getting through to Washington ESD to ask questions about my claim. I spent weeks calling the main number and either getting busy signals or being disconnected after waiting on hold for hours. Finally found Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have this demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Made the whole process so much easier once I could actually talk to someone.

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Never heard of that service before. Did they charge you a lot?

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It was worth it to avoid the phone frustration. Much cheaper than missing weeks of benefits because I couldn't get answers to my questions.

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I might need to look into that if I have trouble reaching them. Thanks for the tip!

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You don't need a full year of work to qualify for Washington ESD unemployment benefits. The basic requirements are: you need to have worked in at least two quarters during your base period (which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters), earned at least $3,800 total during your base period, and earned at least $1,267 in your highest earning quarter. Since you worked 14 months total, you should meet the work history requirement.

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That's helpful! How do I know what my base period is exactly? And does part-time work count the same as full-time for the wage requirements?

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Part-time work absolutely counts! Your base period is determined by when you file your claim. If you file now, it would likely be January 2024 through December 2024. You can check your wage history on the Washington ESD website once you create an account.

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The basic Washington ESD qualifications are actually pretty straightforward once you understand them. You need to have earned wages during your 'base period' which is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed. For your wage requirement, you need at least $5,265 in total wages during your base period, AND you need wages in at least two quarters of your base period. With 18 months of work at $16/hour, you should easily meet the wage requirements assuming you worked close to full-time.

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Thanks! So the base period thing is just looking at my work history from the past year or so? That makes more sense.

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Yeah exactly, and since you were laid off due to store closure that's definitely a qualifying reason. You didn't quit or get fired for misconduct so you should be good there.

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Make sure you file your claim as soon as possible! Benefits don't backdate to when you became unemployed, only to when you actually file the claim. I made that mistake and lost 2 weeks of benefits.

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Oh no, I didn't know that! I lost my job 3 weeks ago but haven't filed yet.

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You can still file now, but you're right that those first weeks are lost. The sooner you file, the better.

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8 months should definitely be enough if you were working consistently. I qualified with just 6 months of part-time work last year. The key is making sure your earnings meet the wage requirements in your base period quarters.

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That's reassuring! I was worried 8 months wasn't long enough.

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It's not just about time worked, it's about how much you earned in each quarter. You could work 2 years and still not qualify if your wages were too low.

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The wage requirements can be tricky. You need to have worked in at least 2 quarters during your base period and earned a minimum amount. Washington ESD uses something called the 'alternate base period' if you don't qualify under the regular base period - this uses the most recent 4 quarters instead. Given your work history, you should be fine but definitely apply to find out for sure.

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I had the same confusion when I applied. The system automatically checks both base periods for you so don't worry too much about calculating it yourself.

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That's reassuring! I was getting overwhelmed trying to figure out all the math.

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You definitely should apply if you think you might qualify. Even if Washington ESD denies your initial claim, you can always appeal their decision. The worst thing that happens is they say no, but if you don't apply you definitely won't get benefits. Make sure you apply as soon as possible though - there's a waiting period and you can't get benefits for weeks you don't file.

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How long does the whole process usually take? I'm already stressing about next month's rent.

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If everything goes smoothly, you might see your first payment in 2-3 weeks. But if there are any issues or they need to do adjudication on your quit from the previous job, it could take 4-6 weeks or longer.

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That's IF everything goes smoothly which it never does with Washington ESD. I've been waiting 2 months for them to make a decision on my claim. The whole system is broken.

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I've been trying to call Washington ESD for three days to ask about my specific situation and I can't get through to anyone! The phone just rings busy or hangs up on me. How is anyone supposed to get answers about their eligibility?

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Have you tried calling right when they open at 8am? That's usually the best time to get through.

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I had the same problem until I found Claimyr - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. You just go to claimyr.com and they handle the calling for you. There's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works. Saved me hours of calling!

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That sounds too good to be true. Does it actually work?

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Yeah it worked for me! I was able to speak with someone within an hour instead of calling all day. Really helpful when you need specific answers about your claim.

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the whole system is such a mess, took me 6 weeks to get my first payment even though i qualified easily

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Was there a specific reason for the delay?

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they said it was adjudication but never told me what they were reviewing, finally got approved without explanation

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Also make sure you meet the separation requirements - you need to be unemployed through no fault of your own. Since you were laid off, that should qualify. You also need to be able and available for work and actively searching for jobs once you start filing weekly claims.

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What counts as 'actively searching'? Do I need to apply to a certain number of jobs each week?

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Yes, you need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. This includes applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking, etc. Washington ESD can audit your job search log so keep detailed records.

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I had a similar situation last year and qualified with about 10 months of work history. The key thing is having wages in multiple quarters. When I couldn't get through to Washington ESD to ask questions about my eligibility, I used Claimyr.com to get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works - basically they call you back when an agent becomes available instead of you waiting on hold forever.

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That sounds useful! Did they charge you for that service?

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There is a fee but it was worth it to actually talk to someone and get my questions answered quickly. Way better than spending hours trying to call myself.

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Never heard of that before but sounds interesting. The Washington ESD phone lines are absolutely impossible to get through on.

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Don't forget about the other requirements though - you also have to be physically able to work, available for work, and actively searching for work once you start receiving benefits. Washington ESD requires you to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities.

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What counts as a job search contact? Just applying online or do I need to do more?

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Online applications count, but you can also attend job fairs, contact employers directly, networking events, even informational interviews. Just make sure you document everything properly.

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You mentioned you were laid off - that's good because it means you're unemployed through no fault of your own. If you had been fired for misconduct or quit without good cause, you might not qualify. Being laid off usually meets the separation requirement for Washington ESD benefits.

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Yes, it was definitely a layoff due to reduced business. They laid off about 6 of us at the same time.

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Perfect, that should definitely qualify as a separation through no fault of your own. Make sure you mention that when you apply.

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For your specific situation, here's what Washington ESD will look at: 1) Your work history and wages during the base period to see if you meet the monetary requirements, 2) The reason you were separated from your most recent job (layoff is good), and 3) The reason you quit your previous job. Since you were laid off most recently, that shouldn't be an issue. For the job you quit, reducing your hours from 35 to 10-12 per week would likely qualify as good cause under Washington state law. You'll need to provide documentation of the hour reduction when you file your claim.

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What kind of documentation do I need for the hour reduction? I don't think I have anything official.

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Pay stubs showing the difference in hours/wages would be ideal. If you don't have those, any written communication about the schedule change, or even a detailed written statement explaining the situation with dates and specifics.

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I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks about my claim and it's impossible! The phone lines are always busy. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there? I need to verify my eligibility but can't reach anyone.

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Oh man, I had the same problem! I was calling like 50 times a day and getting nowhere. Then I found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to a Washington ESD agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration!

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Really? How does that work? I'm desperate at this point, I've been trying for 3 weeks to get through.

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It basically calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual person. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting busy signals all day.

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Don't forget you also need to register with WorkSource Washington and actively search for work once you start receiving benefits. That's a requirement a lot of people don't realize until after they've already started filing weekly claims.

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Do I need to register before I apply or can I do it after I'm approved?

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You should register as soon as possible, but you have a grace period. Just don't wait too long or it could affect your benefits.

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I'm in a similar boat - got laid off but worried about qualifying because I haven't worked a full year. Does anyone know if 8 months of work is enough to meet the requirements?

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It depends on how many hours you worked and how much you earned. The 680 hour requirement is for the entire base period, not per job. So if you worked full-time for 8 months, you'd probably have around 1,280 hours which is well over the minimum.

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Oh that's a relief! I was working about 40 hours a week so I should be way over that number.

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the wage thing is confusing.. i worked at two different jobs in 2024 do both count toward my base period wages?

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Yes, all covered employment in Washington state during your base period counts toward your wage requirements, regardless of how many different employers you had.

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ok good cause one job was only like 3 months but decent pay

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Don't forget about the ongoing requirements too. Once you're approved you have to file weekly claims, do job searches, and report any work or income. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week unless you're in approved training or on standby with a specific return-to-work date.

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What counts as a job search activity? Is it just applying for jobs or are there other things?

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Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, career counseling sessions, skills assessments - there's a whole list on the Washington ESD website. You have to keep a log of your activities in case they audit you.

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And make sure you're looking for 'suitable work' - they can deny benefits if you're being too picky about jobs. Generally suitable work is anything that pays at least 70% of your previous wage or minimum wage, whichever is higher.

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For the restaurant closure, you should qualify under the 'lack of work' reason which is good cause. You'll need documentation of the closure if Washington ESD requests it during processing. Keep any final notices or communications from your employer about the shutdown.

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I do have the letter they gave us about the permanent closure. Should I upload that when I file?

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Yes, definitely include that documentation. It will help prevent any delays in your claim processing.

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Wait, don't you have to wait a week before you can collect anything? I thought there was a waiting period.

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Washington eliminated the waiting week requirement. You can receive benefits for your first week of unemployment if you qualify and file on time.

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Oh good! That's changed since I last needed unemployment then.

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I'm dealing with something similar but my former employer is fighting my claim saying I quit voluntarily. Even though they cut my hours to basically nothing and I couldn't survive on 8 hours a week. Anyone know if that counts as good cause?

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Substantial reduction in hours can qualify as good cause for leaving. You may need to appeal if they initially deny your claim.

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This is exactly the kind of situation where being able to talk to a Washington ESD agent helps. I used Claimyr again when I had questions about a work separation issue. Much better than trying to guess what the right answer is.

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Honestly the hardest part isn't figuring out if you qualify - it's actually getting through to Washington ESD to resolve any issues that come up. I spent weeks trying to call them when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have this video demo that shows exactly how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me so much frustration.

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How much does that cost though? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay to reach a government agency.

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I get the frustration but honestly it was worth it for me. When you're dealing with delayed benefits, sometimes you need to try different approaches to get answers.

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ugh the whole system is so confusing!! i've been trying to figure this out for weeks and every website says something different. why cant they just make it simple - if you worked and got laid off you should get benefits right?? this is so stressful when you're already worried about money

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I know it's frustrating, but the requirements exist to make sure the system is fair and sustainable. The good news is that most people who worked regularly for several months do qualify.

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i guess... just wish there was like a simple calculator or something to tell you yes or no instead of all this confusing stuff about quarters and base periods

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Don't forget about the ongoing requirements too! Once you qualify and start receiving benefits, you need to file your weekly claims every week and actively search for work. Washington ESD requires you to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities.

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Good point! What counts as a job search contact? Just applying online or do I need to do other things too?

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Job applications count, but you can also include things like attending job fairs, networking events, contacting employers directly, or using WorkSourceWA services. The key is to document everything in your job search log.

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And make sure you keep good records! Washington ESD can audit your job search activities at any time and if you can't prove you were looking for work, they might make you pay back benefits.

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Don't forget you also can't be disqualified for misconduct or voluntary quit without good cause. Since you were laid off that shouldn't be an issue, but it's worth mentioning. Also, if you're collecting any severance pay, that might affect when your benefits can start.

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I didn't get any severance, they just told us the store was closing. Is there anything else that could disqualify me?

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Main things that disqualify people are quitting without good cause, getting fired for misconduct, refusing suitable work offers, or not meeting the work search requirements. Since you were laid off due to store closure, you should be fine on the separation issue.

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just a heads up that if you worked in another state in the past 18 months you might need to file a combined wage claim to get all your earnings counted

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I only worked in Washington, so I should be okay with a regular claim, right?

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yeah if all your recent work was in washington then a regular claim is fine

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I qualified for unemployment last year and the process wasn't too bad once I figured it out. The hardest part was understanding all the terminology on the Washington ESD website. Make sure you apply as soon as possible though - there's a waiting week before you can start receiving benefits.

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What do you mean by waiting week? I thought benefits started right away if you qualify.

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