How to qualify for unemployment benefits in Washington state - need clarification on requirements

That's helpful, thanks! So the base period would be like January through December of last year for me?

Not exactly. If you filed in January 2025, your base period would be October 2023 through September 2024. It's the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters.

Thanks! What exactly counts as the 'base year' though? I'm still confused about how they calculate those quarters.

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

Do I need to start the job search activities right away or can I take a week or two to get organized first?

You need to start job search activities immediately. The requirement kicks in the first week you claim benefits. No grace period unfortunately.

This is where I struggled - keeping track of all those job applications gets overwhelming fast

I was definitely laid off, not fired. The store was closing down so they let everyone go.

Perfect, that's exactly the kind of separation that qualifies for benefits. Store closures are textbook examples of qualifying separations.

Good to know! How many jobs do I need to apply to each week to meet the job search requirement?

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week in Washington. Keep detailed records because Washington ESD can audit your job search log at any time.

I was laid off due to slow business, not fired for performance issues. Should be okay then?

Yes, layoffs due to lack of work typically qualify. Just be honest and clear about the circumstances when you file your claim.

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

I've tried that but still can't get through. The hold times are insane.

I actually found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD agents. They have a system that calls for you and connects you when an agent is available. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

I think I meet that requirement but I'm not 100% sure about my exact quarterly earnings. Where can I find that information?

You can request a wage statement from Washington ESD or check your old pay stubs. Your employer should have also sent you wage statements.

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - they basically handle the phone queue for you and connect you when an agent is available. Way better than sitting on hold for hours only to get disconnected.

What exactly is a waiting week? Do I still need to file a claim for that week?

Yes, you still file your weekly claim but you won't receive payment for the first week. It's just how the system works - everyone has to serve one unpaid waiting week.

exactly, its basically a week you dont get paid for but you still have to do all the job search stuff and file your claim

Unfortunately, you need to meet the minimum wage requirement of $7,000 in your base year to qualify for regular unemployment benefits. There might be other assistance programs available though.

ugh this system is so broken... guess ill keep looking for other options

Is there a specific format for keeping job search records, or can I just write them down however?

Washington ESD has a job search log template on their website, but you can use your own format as long as it includes date, employer name, position applied for, and method of contact.

How long did it take for your claim to be processed? I'm worried about how long I'll have to wait.

Mine took about 2 weeks from application to first payment. Some people get approved faster, others take longer if there are issues with their claim.

What if I pick up a small side job while collecting benefits? Is that allowed?

You can work part-time while collecting, but you have to report all wages. Your benefits will be reduced based on how much you earn. Generally, you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount without losing benefits.

Actually, the calculation is more complex. You can earn up to $5 per week without any reduction, then for every $4 you earn above that, your benefits are reduced by $3.

I hear you on the frustration, but once you get through the initial process it's not too bad. The weekly claims are pretty straightforward.

Maybe, but that initial process is deliberately designed to discourage people from applying. They make it way more complicated than it needs to be.

Seasonal workers can qualify as long as they meet the wage requirements and weren't told they'd be rehired for the next season. Each case is different though.

Thanks, I'll probably need to apply then since they haven't said anything about next season yet.

That's a great tip! I didn't know they had that information available online.

Yeah, it's under the 'View Benefit Year Earnings' section once you create an account. Super useful for planning.

That sounds awful! What triggered the adjudication review?

They said it was because I had multiple employers in my base period. Apparently that's 'complex' enough to require manual review.

This is exactly why I used Claimyr when I had adjudication issues. Being able to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD made all the difference in getting my claim resolved quickly.

This is important advice. I made the mistake of waiting a week to file and lost out on that week's benefits permanently.

Good to know! I'll file my claim this week then. Better safe than sorry.

Good advice. I'll make sure to keep records of everything.

Smart move. I've seen too many people lose appeals because they didn't have proper documentation.

What kind of restrictions would disqualify someone? I can only work during school hours because of my kids.

School hours restriction is usually considered reasonable, especially for single parents. The key is that there are still plenty of jobs available during those hours.

How long does the whole application process usually take from start to first payment?

If everything goes smoothly, about 2-3 weeks. But if there are any issues or they need additional information, it can stretch to 4-6 weeks or more.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to the agency that's supposed to help us.

I agree it shouldn't be necessary, but when you're desperate to resolve an issue with your benefits, sometimes you need alternatives to the broken phone system.

How long do you have to file an appeal if you get denied?

You have 30 days from the date of the determination notice. Don't wait - the appeal process can take time and you want to get it started as soon as possible.

Good point! I always forget about the tax implications. Better to have them withheld upfront than get surprised later.

Thanks for mentioning this - I wouldn't have thought about taxes until it was too late.

Has anyone actually been audited? What's that process like?

I was audited about 6 months into my claim. They wanted to see my job search log and verify some of my contacts. As long as you've been honest and kept good records, it's not a big deal.

I moved here from Oregon last year - do I need to do anything special to make sure they have my work history?

When you file your claim, they'll ask about out-of-state employment. Make sure to report it accurately and be prepared to provide additional documentation if needed.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much more confident about applying now. Going to file my claim tomorrow.

Good luck! The process can be frustrating but hang in there. Most people do eventually get their benefits sorted out.

This is so important. I know someone who got hit with a huge overpayment because they didn't report some part-time work correctly.

Exactly. Washington ESD will find out eventually through wage matching and then you'll owe everything back plus penalties and interest.

I was planning to apply online. Is there anything I should know about the online application process?

Just make sure you have a reliable internet connection and don't rush through it. Double-check all your information before submitting because mistakes can delay processing.

Yes, I used it twice and both times got connected to an agent within a reasonable time. Much better than spending hours on hold or getting disconnected.

I was skeptical at first but it actually worked for me too. Worth trying if you're getting nowhere with the regular phone lines.

You don't need to be a US citizen, but you do need to be authorized to work in the US. Green card holders, people with work visas, etc. can qualify if they meet the other requirements.

thanks, that helps!

I'm not receiving any other benefits, but good to know for future reference.

Yeah, it's one of those things they don't always make clear upfront but can cause problems later if not reported properly.

What counts as a legitimate job search activity?

Applying for jobs, contacting employers directly, attending job fairs, networking events, interviews. You need to keep a log with employer names, dates, and what you did.

I got in trouble for not keeping detailed enough records. Make sure you write down everything - employer contact info, position applied for, method of contact, date, etc.

That's the problem - getting through to talk to someone is nearly impossible with their phone system.

This is exactly why services like Claimyr exist. Sometimes you need to use alternative methods to get the help you need from state agencies.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful information. I feel much more confident about applying now.

You're welcome! Don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions as you go through the process.

How long do you have to file an appeal if needed?

You have 30 days from the date on the determination notice to file an appeal. Don't wait - the deadline is strict.

That's really thoughtful advice. Hopefully I won't need it but good to know resources are available.

yeah, unemployment can be stressful enough without worrying about basic needs. take care of yourself