How to qualify for unemployment benefits in Washington - need help understanding requirements

What's considered 'enough wages'? I was making about $15/hour at both jobs.

For 2025, you need at least $4,200 in wages during your base period, with at least $1,050 in your highest-earning quarter. At $15/hour working even part-time, you likely qualify wage-wise.

That's helpful! What exactly is the base period? I'm still confused about how they calculate which quarters count for the wage requirements.

The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you filed in January 2025, your base period would be January-December 2024. Washington ESD uses this to determine both your eligibility and your weekly benefit amount.

Thanks! Do you know what the minimum amount is? I'm worried I might not have made enough.

For 2025 it's around $3,400 in your highest quarter. At $18/hour full-time you definitely hit that. Don't stress about the earnings part.

Thanks! What exactly is the base period though? Is that just the last year of work?

Base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, it would be January-December 2024. Washington ESD uses this to calculate your weekly benefit amount.

What's a base period? And do I need to prove the 3 job contacts somehow?

Base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, it would be October 2023 through September 2024. You keep your own job search log but Washington ESD can audit it anytime.

Do the job contacts have to be in the same field I was working in? Or can I apply to different types of jobs?

You can apply to different jobs but they should be suitable work - generally similar pay and within your skill set. Washington ESD can be picky about this during audits.

Is registering with WorkSource required before filing the claim or after?

You can register before or after filing, but you need to be registered before your first weekly claim is processed.

How many job search activities do I need to do each week? Is there a specific number required?

You need to complete at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log of them. This includes things like applying for jobs, attending job fairs, or networking events. Make sure to document everything properly.

Same here! I probably called 200+ times before I got through to someone. It's ridiculous.

I actually found this service called Claimyr that calls Washington ESD for you. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration trying to reach an agent.

3 jobs per week?? That seems like a lot. What if there aren't that many openings in my field?

You can apply to related fields too, not just your exact job. The key is documenting everything properly in case Washington ESD audits your job search log.

Never heard of that - is it legit? I don't want to get scammed when I'm already stressed about money.

It's totally legitimate. They don't ask for personal info or anything sketchy. Just helps you get through the phone queue faster when you need to reach an actual person at ESD.

I used Claimyr last month when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on. Worth it when you actually need help.

That sounds useful! I've been dreading having to call them if I have questions during the application process.

I've heard of Claimyr before. Did they charge you anything for connecting you to Washington ESD?

They do have a fee for the service, but it was worth it to me to avoid spending hours on hold. The peace of mind knowing I could actually talk to someone at Washington ESD was valuable.

What happens if I file and then find out I don't qualify? Do I get in trouble?

No trouble at all. They'll just deny your claim and send you a letter explaining why. Better to apply and find out than miss out on benefits you're entitled to.

Is that service legit? I'm nervous about using third-party stuff for unemployment.

Yeah it's legitimate - they just help you get through the phone queue to talk to real Washington ESD staff. You're still dealing directly with ESD agents.

I've heard of that too, my cousin used it when she couldn't get through the regular way.

If you quit, you generally don't qualify unless you had 'good cause' related to the work. This includes things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or significant changes to your job duties. You'd need to document everything and potentially go through an adjudication process to prove good cause.

thats what i was afraid of. my manager was awful but i dont know if i can prove it was bad enough to justify quitting

Oh wow I didn't know that. So if I wait a week to file I lose that week's benefits?

Exactly right. You can only backdate benefits in very specific circumstances. File your initial claim the week you become unemployed.

Wait really? I thought there was still a waiting week?

Nope, they got rid of it during COVID and kept it that way. One less thing to worry about.

Is that service legit? Seems too good to be true after dealing with Washington ESD's phone system.

Totally legit. Used it twice now when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Way better than redialing 200+ times a day.

3 weeks?? I can't wait that long for money. Were there any issues with your claim?

nope just normal processing time. they say 2-3 weeks but seems like 3 is more common lately

I was laid off 3 weeks ago but just started looking into this. Am I too late?

No you're not too late to file, but you won't get benefits for those 3 weeks you didn't have a claim. File ASAP for future weeks.

Exactly right. The sooner you file, the sooner you can start receiving benefits for eligible weeks going forward.

What if I was fired for performance issues? Does that disqualify me automatically?

Not automatically. Washington ESD looks at whether it was misconduct or just poor performance. Poor performance usually still qualifies, but misconduct doesn't. Each case is reviewed individually.

This is why you might need to talk to someone at ESD directly. Performance vs misconduct can be a gray area and they'll want details about your specific situation.

What triggers an adjudication? Should I be worried about that happening to my claim?

Adjudication usually happens when your employer disputes your claim or there are conflicting statements about why you left. Since you were laid off due to downsizing, it's less likely unless your employer contests it for some reason.

That's really helpful! So if I made about $2,500 in my best quarter, my weekly benefit would be around $96?

That's the right calculation. Keep in mind there's also a waiting week - your first week of unemployment that you don't get paid for, but you still need to file a weekly claim.

Did you have any issues with adjudication or did your claim go through right away?

Mine went through automatically since it was a clear layoff. If there's any question about why you lost your job, it might go to adjudication which can take weeks.

Definitely laid off - they eliminated my position along with 12 other people. Should be good there.

What counts as misconduct? I'm worried because I was late a few times at my last job.

Minor attendance issues usually don't rise to the level of disqualifying misconduct, especially if you were laid off rather than fired for cause.

6 weeks is way too long. Have you tried contacting your state representative? Sometimes they can help push things through.

Didn't know that was an option. Will try anything at this point.

Do I need my W-2 or just pay stubs?

Pay stubs are fine, but W-2 is helpful too. Washington ESD can verify wages directly with employers so you don't need everything, but having docs speeds things up.

What's an alternate base period? How do you know if you should use that instead?

The alternate base period uses the last four completed quarters instead of the first four of the last five. Washington ESD will automatically check this if you don't qualify under the standard base period. It's helpful for people who had recent wage increases or employment changes.

What kind of employment information do they need? I want to make sure I have everything ready.

They'll need your employer's name, address, dates of employment, reason for separation, and your last day worked. If you worked for multiple employers during your base period, you'll need this info for all of them.

I think I'm getting like a week's pay as severance. Will that mess everything up?

One week shouldn't be a big deal. It just means your benefits might start the week after instead of immediately. You still need to file your weekly claims though.

What if I have a doctor's appointment or something? Do I need to report that?

Doctor appointments are fine. It's more about being generally available for work opportunities. If you're sick for a whole week, you'd mark that on your weekly claim.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr when I had questions. At least their agents actually know the rules and can give you straight answers.

Never heard of that but might be worth it. I spent so much time on hold with Washington ESD.

Do I need pay stubs or anything like that when I file?

Not usually for the initial claim, but keep them in case Washington ESD needs to verify your wages later. They'll contact your employers directly to confirm your work history.

Wait, I can file weekly claims before my initial claim is approved? That doesn't make sense to me.

Yes, you should file weekly claims starting the week after you become unemployed. Washington ESD will backpay you once your claim is approved, but only for weeks you actually filed.

Do I need pay stubs or will they verify wages another way?

They verify wages through employer reports, but having pay stubs handy is good in case there are any discrepancies.

Is WorkSource WA different from the Washington ESD website? Getting confused by all these different sites.

WorkSource is the job search site, Washington ESD is for filing claims. Two different systems but you need both for unemployment benefits.

True. I guess I'm just nervous about messing something up on the application.

You can always call and ask questions if you're unsure about something. Better to get it right the first time.

So you can work part-time and still collect some benefits? How does that work exactly?

Yes, you can work part-time and still receive partial benefits. They'll reduce your weekly benefit amount based on how much you earn, but you can still get something as long as you work less than full-time hours.

How long did it take for you to get your first payment after you were approved?

It took about 3 weeks after I filed my first weekly claim. They have a waiting week where you don't get paid, plus processing time. Make sure you file your weekly claims on time even if you haven't been approved yet.

That's scary! How did you know they made an error, and how hard was it to appeal?

I compared their wage calculation to my own records and saw the discrepancy. The appeal process took about 6 weeks but I eventually got all my back benefits. Keep detailed records of everything just in case.

Yeah their website can be glitchy. Try filing early in the morning or late at night when fewer people are online.

I had that problem too! Kept timing out. Eventually got through though.

That would actually be a huge help right now. How long can you collect benefits?

Standard is 26 weeks in Washington, but can be less depending on your work history and the unemployment rate.

That's reassuring. Did you have any issues with the application process?

Nope, pretty straightforward. Just took forever to get someone on the phone when I had questions later.

What counts as 'suitable work'? Do I have to take any job offered to me?

Generally has to be in your field with similar wages and working conditions. You can't be forced to take a huge pay cut, but the standards get lower the longer you're unemployed.

It was definitely a layoff - they eliminated my whole department. Should I be worried about them contesting it?

Probably not if it was a legitimate layoff. Employers usually only contest when they think someone was fired for misconduct.

Yeah, seems like the consensus is just to apply and see what happens. Thanks everyone for the help!

How much does something like that cost? I'm already tight on money.

It's very reasonable considering the time and frustration it saves. Check their website for current info - claimyr.com has all the details.

Good idea, I'll check that out. Want to know what I'm looking at financially.

When do you file the weekly claims? Is there a specific day?

You can file starting Sunday for the previous week. I always do mine Sunday morning so I don't forget.

Is WorkSourceWA free to use? I've never heard of it before.

Yes it's the state job search website. Free to create an account and they have job postings, career resources, all that stuff.

That's good to know. I was thinking of waiting until I got all my paperwork together but sounds like I should just file now.

Exactly. You can always provide additional documentation later if they need it.

Definitely planning to be honest. This whole process is intimidating enough without having to worry about getting in trouble later.

It's really not as complicated as it seems once you get started. The hardest part is usually just getting connected to a real person if you have questions.

Thanks for all the encouragement everyone. Going to file my application tonight.

Good point, I didn't think about taxes. How much do they withhold?

I think it's 10% federal withholding if you choose that option. You can change it later if needed.

What's the maximum weekly benefit amount for 2025?

I believe it's around $900 something per week max, but most people get less than that.

What's adjudication? Is that bad?

It just means they're reviewing something about your claim - could be verifying why you left your job or checking wage information. It's normal but annoying to wait.

That's actually another good reason to use Claimyr if you need to talk to someone about adjudication status. Much easier than trying to get through on your own.

When do the weekly claims open? Is it the same day every week?

Yeah they open Sunday morning and you have until Saturday night to file for the previous week. Don't wait until the last minute though.

Thanks everyone! This is really helpful. I'm going to try filing this weekend.

Good luck! The system works, it's just bureaucratic and slow sometimes.

How much can you earn before it affects your benefits?

There's a formula but generally you can earn up to about 1.5 times your weekly benefit amount before you lose all benefits for that week. Anything less gets deducted partially.

Yeah I've heard the overpayment notices are no joke. They want all the money back plus penalties.

Exactly. Just be truthful and you'll be fine. They cross-check everything anyway.

How quickly does it work? Like same day or do you have to wait?

Usually pretty quick - way faster than trying to call ESD directly. Check out their demo video to see how it works.

Thank you! I was worried I didn't have enough work time but it sounds like I should be okay.

14 months is definitely enough. I qualified with way less work history than that.

What kind of records do they want? Just a list of where you applied?

Date, employer name, position, how you applied (online, in person, etc.), and any follow-up. Keep it simple but complete.

I use a simple spreadsheet to track mine. Makes it easy when filing weekly claims.

Thanks to everyone who replied! This thread was super helpful. Going to file my claim this weekend.

3 weeks isn't terrible. Did you have any issues with your application or was it pretty straightforward?

Pretty smooth once I figured out how to upload my wage information correctly. Make sure you have your pay stubs ready.

This is crucial advice. I've seen claims delayed for months because people couldn't provide requested documentation.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already stressed about money.

Focus on the value - getting your claim resolved quickly vs losing weeks of benefits. Check their site for current info.

Ugh, didn't even think about taxes. This is getting complicated fast.

You can choose to have taxes withheld when you file your weekly claims. Easier than dealing with a big tax bill next year.

That's actually more than I expected. Would help a lot with basic expenses while I look for work.

Is there anything I can do if they contest it? We were definitely laid off due to budget cuts.

If they contest it Washington ESD will investigate. Just be honest about the circumstances and provide any documentation you have about the layoff.

Good point. I'll make sure to double-check everything before submitting.

What counts as suitable work? I did warehouse but also have some customer service experience.

Both would count as suitable work. As time goes on they expect you to expand your search to related fields too.

That's reassuring. I keep hearing horror stories but maybe those are just the worst cases.

Most people don't post about things going smoothly lol. You'll be fine as long as you follow the rules and file on time.

How long does adjudication usually take? I keep seeing people say weeks or months.

Really depends on how busy they are. Could be 2 weeks, could be 8 weeks. That's where services like Claimyr help - you can actually talk to someone to check status.

Thanks for the tip! I was planning to do it tonight but I'll wait until tomorrow morning.

26 weeks gives me some breathing room. Really appreciate all the advice everyone. Feeling much more confident about applying now.

Good luck! The hardest part is just getting started. Once you're in the system it gets easier.

That's good to know. Might help if I can pick up some temporary work while job hunting.

Just make sure to report any earnings on your weekly claims. Being honest about income is super important.

Yikes, that sounds intense. Is there a specific format for the log?

Washington ESD has a job search log template on their website. Use that format and you'll be fine. Include employer name, contact method, date, and result.

That's terrible! Since mine is a layoff that shouldn't be an issue right?

Layoffs are usually straightforward. Just make sure your employer reports it correctly to Washington ESD. Sometimes they mess up the reason code.

Good tip! I'll do that this weekend. Is that the same login for other state services?

Yes, SAW is the single login for most Washington state services. Once you're set up there, you can access your unemployment account easily.

What's WorkSource? Is that different from the job search log?

WorkSource is Washington's job placement service. You register there and it helps track your job search activities. It's connected to the Washington ESD system.

Have you tried the Claimyr thing that was mentioned earlier? I used them when I couldn't get through and it actually worked. They called me back within a few hours.

I'll check that out. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get some answers.

That's good to know. Hopefully I won't need it but at least there's some security there.

Exactly. The system isn't perfect but it does provide a safety net when you need it most.

Thanks everyone for all the help! This makes me feel way less anxious about the whole process.

You're welcome! The key is just staying on top of the weekly filing and job search requirements. You've got this!

Is it legitimate though? I'm always worried about third-party services when it comes to government benefits.

It's completely legitimate - they're just facilitating the phone connection. You're still talking directly to Washington ESD agents, just without the hassle of calling repeatedly. They don't handle any of your personal claim information.

Good tip! I'll try calling them early if I have questions after I file my claim.

I tried that but still spent 2 hours on hold. The volume is just too high no matter when you call.

What's shared work? I haven't heard of that option before.

Shared work allows employers to reduce employee hours instead of laying people off, and workers can collect partial unemployment benefits to make up for lost wages. Your employer would need to apply for the program though.

That's concerning. What counts as proper documentation for job search activities?

You need to record the date, employer name, position applied for, and method of contact for each job search activity. Keep screenshots of online applications and any correspondence with employers.

I hadn't thought about taxes. Is it better to have them withheld or pay later?

It depends on your situation, but I'd recommend having them withheld so you don't get surprised with a big tax bill. You can change this setting in your online account.

How soon after filing my initial claim can I start filing weekly certifications?

You can usually file your first weekly claim the week after you file your initial application. The system will tell you when it's available, and you have a specific window each week to file it.

That's reassuring! I was worried that 18 months might not be enough, but it sounds like the wage requirements are more important.

Exactly right. As long as you have sufficient wages during your base period from any covered employment, you can qualify regardless of how long you worked at your last job specifically.

Good point! I was thinking about waiting a bit to see if I could find something quickly, but I guess there's no benefit to waiting.

Exactly. Even if you find a job right away, you can just stop filing weekly claims. But you can't go back and claim benefits for weeks before you filed your initial application.

Thanks for all the encouragement and information everyone! I feel much more confident about filing my claim now.

You're welcome! Based on what you've shared about your employment history and the reason for your separation, you should definitely qualify. Good luck with your claim!