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

Thank you! What exactly do I need to prove my earnings? Just pay stubs or do they get that info automatically?

Washington ESD gets your wage info directly from employers through quarterly reports, so you don't usually need to provide pay stubs unless there's a discrepancy. Just have your employer info ready when you file.

Good to know! I was planning to wait until next week but I'll file today then.

Yeah don't wait, I lost out on like $800 because I thought I had to wait a certain amount of time after being laid off.

Interesting, how does that work exactly? Do they just call for you?

They basically handle the calling and waiting so you don't have to sit on hold for hours. When they get an agent on the line, they conference you in. Really helpful when you have specific questions about your claim.

That sounds too good to be true. What's the catch?

What does 'actively seeking work' actually mean? Like how many jobs do I have to apply to?

In Washington, you need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. This includes applying for jobs, networking, attending job fairs, etc. You'll report this when you file your weekly claims.

I understand the frustration, but the requirements exist to prevent fraud and ensure benefits go to people who are genuinely looking for work. It's not perfect but it's not arbitrary either.

I guess but when you're stressed about paying rent the last thing you want is to figure out 'base periods' and quarter calculations

Do I need exact dates or just approximate months?

Exact dates if you have them, but approximate is okay too. Washington ESD will verify the details with your employers anyway.

What's adjudication? That sounds scary.

Adjudication is just when Washington ESD needs to investigate something about your claim before approving it. Common reasons include separation circumstances, availability for work, or wage discrepancies. It's not scary, just annoying because it delays your benefits.

Yeah exactly, and good luck trying to call them to check on the status. That's when something like Claimyr becomes really useful.

When do I start filing weekly claims? Right after I submit my initial application?

Yes, you can start filing weekly claims the Sunday after you submit your initial claim. The system will tell you when your first weekly claim is due.

That would actually help a lot while I'm job hunting. Is there a limit on how long you can collect?

In Washington, you can collect for up to 26 weeks in most cases, though it depends on your work history and earnings. Since you worked 8 months you should qualify for the full duration.

Is that separate from the unemployment application or part of the same process?

It's separate but Washington ESD will direct you to register there as part of your claim process. It's at worksourcewa.com

That's reassuring! I was worried since I haven't been working super long.

8 months is plenty, I've seen people qualify with less work history than that

What if the job is way less money than what I was making? Do I have to take it?

Not necessarily - there are protections for the first few weeks of your claim where you can be more selective. But after a certain point, you're expected to consider lower-paying work as long as it meets the 80% threshold.

The exact rules on suitable work are complex and depend on factors like how long you've been unemployed and local job market conditions. If you get a questionable job offer, that's definitely something worth calling Washington ESD about.

How much does something like that cost? I'm trying to be careful with money right now.

I think it's pretty reasonable considering how much time and frustration it saves. Way cheaper than taking unpaid time off work to sit on hold all day. You can check their pricing on their website.

Should I use the exact business name from my W2 or what it says on my paystub?

Use whatever matches your official employment records - usually the W2 is most accurate since that's what gets reported to the state.

Good to know! I was worried about messing something up and ruining my claim.

Nah, Washington ESD deals with corrections all the time. Just be honest and thorough when you fill it out initially.

I didn't get any severance since it was a small retail store, so I should be okay there.

Perfect, then you shouldn't have any delays from that issue.

Thank you! Yeah I'm grateful there's at least some safety net while I look for something new.

Yeah it was definitely a layoff, the whole store closed down. Nothing I could have done about it.

Exactly, that makes your case very straightforward. No issues with misconduct or voluntary quit to worry about.

Thank you everyone! This has been super helpful. I'm going to file my claim right now.

Great! Come back and let us know how it goes. Good luck with the job search too.

Fingers crossed! Thanks again for all the advice everyone.