How to qualify for unemployment in Washington - confused about WA ESD eligibility requirements
I'm trying to figure out if I qualify for unemployment benefits in Washington state and I'm getting confused by all the different requirements. I worked full-time for about 8 months before getting laid off last week, but I'm not sure if that's long enough to qualify. The Washington ESD website mentions something about base period wages and hours worked, but it's really confusing. Can someone explain in simple terms what you need to qualify for UI benefits here? I made about $42,000 during my time working if that matters. Also do I need to have worked a certain number of hours per week or is it just about the total time employed?
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Yara Khoury
In Washington, you need to have earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period, which is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. You also need to have earned at least $3,850 in your base period OR worked at least 680 hours. With 8 months of full-time work and $42k in earnings, you should definitely qualify.
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AstroAlpha
•Thanks! So the base period is like looking back at specific quarters, not just the past year? That's helpful to know.
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Keisha Taylor
•Yeah the base period thing confused me too when I first applied. Make sure you have your pay stubs ready when you file.
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Paolo Longo
You'll also need to be able and available for work, actively seeking employment, and register with WorkSource. The job search requirement is 3 job search activities per week once you start receiving benefits. Don't forget that part because Washington ESD will check on it.
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AstroAlpha
•What counts as a job search activity? Is it just applying for jobs or does networking count too?
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Paolo Longo
•Applications, networking events, job fairs, informational interviews, updating your resume with a professional - lots of things count. Keep detailed records of everything.
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Amina Bah
I spent WEEKS trying to get through to Washington ESD to verify my eligibility because the online system kept giving me error messages. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent without waiting on hold for hours. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made the whole process so much easier.
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Oliver Becker
•How does that work exactly? Do they just call for you or something?
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Amina Bah
•They handle the calling and waiting part, then connect you directly when an agent is available. Saved me probably 15+ hours of being on hold.
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CosmicCowboy
•That actually sounds really useful. I've been trying to reach them for days about my claim status.
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Natasha Orlova
wait i thought you had to work for a full year to get unemployment?? ive been putting off applying because i only worked 10 months before getting fired
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Yara Khoury
•No, that's not correct. You just need to meet the base period wage requirements, which can be done in less than a year if you earned enough.
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Natasha Orlova
•omg ive been struggling for nothing then... applying right now
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Keisha Taylor
The reason you got laid off matters too. If you were terminated for misconduct or quit without good cause, you might not qualify. But layoffs due to lack of work are usually fine.
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AstroAlpha
•It was definitely a layoff due to company downsizing, so I should be good there.
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Javier Cruz
•Even if you quit, there are some situations where it's considered 'good cause' like unsafe working conditions or harassment.
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Oliver Becker
The Washington ESD system has been SO BUGGY lately. I keep getting kicked out when I try to file my weekly claims. Anyone else having this problem?
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CosmicCowboy
•Yes! I've had to try multiple times to submit my weekly claim. Usually works better early in the morning.
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Oliver Becker
•Good tip, I'll try that. This is so frustrating when you're already stressed about money.
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Yara Khoury
One thing to note - Washington has some specific requirements about being available for work. You can't restrict your job search to just certain days or times unless you have a valid reason. They want to see you're genuinely looking for full-time employment.
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AstroAlpha
•What if you can only work certain shifts due to childcare? Is that allowed?
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Yara Khoury
•That's considered a valid restriction. You just need to document it and show you're looking for jobs that fit your available hours.
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CosmicCowboy
I used Claimyr last month when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Took forever to get answers through normal channels but they got me connected to someone who could actually explain what was happening. Worth it if you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD.
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AstroAlpha
•How long was your claim in adjudication? Mine just started and I'm worried it'll take forever.
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CosmicCowboy
•About 3 weeks total, but once I talked to an agent they resolved it within a few days. The waiting was the worst part.
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Javier Cruz
Make sure you file your claim as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. There's a waiting week but benefits are backdated to when you first became eligible, not when you finally get around to filing.
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AstroAlpha
•Good point. I was laid off last Friday so I should probably file this week then.
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Keisha Taylor
•Definitely file ASAP. Even if there are issues with your claim, getting it in the system early helps.
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Paolo Longo
Don't forget you'll need to report any severance pay or vacation payout you received. Washington ESD needs to know about all income when you file your initial claim and weekly claims.
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AstroAlpha
•I got 2 weeks severance pay. Will that delay my benefits?
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Paolo Longo
•It might delay the start of your benefits depending on how much you received. Be honest about it though - they'll find out anyway.
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Natasha Orlova
this whole system is so confusing why cant they just make it simple like 'worked X months = eligible' instead of all this base period quarter stuff
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Yara Khoury
•The quarterly system is designed to ensure people have a consistent work history, not just recent employment. It's more complex but fairer in the long run.
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Natasha Orlova
•i guess that makes sense but its still really hard to understand when youre already stressed about losing your job
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Oliver Becker
Has anyone had luck with the callback feature on the Washington ESD website? I requested one three days ago and still haven't heard anything.
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Amina Bah
•The callback system is pretty unreliable. That's why I ended up using Claimyr - much more reliable for actually getting connected to someone.
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Oliver Becker
•Yeah I'm starting to think I need to try something else. This is ridiculous.
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Keisha Taylor
Another thing - if you've worked in other states recently, you might need to file in the state where you earned the most wages during your base period. Washington has agreements with other states for this.
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AstroAlpha
•I've only worked in Washington so that shouldn't be an issue for me.
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Javier Cruz
•Good to mention though. I had a friend who had to file in Oregon even though they lived in Washington because of where they worked.
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CosmicCowboy
The WorkSource registration is mandatory but pretty straightforward. Just make sure you complete your profile fully - they check that you're registered when you file your weekly claims.
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AstroAlpha
•Do I need to register before filing my initial claim or can I do it after?
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CosmicCowboy
•You can do it after filing but don't wait too long. They'll eventually require it before paying benefits.
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Yara Khoury
One final tip - keep detailed records of everything. Your work history, the reason for separation, job search activities, any contacts with Washington ESD. If there are any issues with your claim, having documentation makes everything much easier to resolve.
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AstroAlpha
•Thanks everyone for all the help! I feel much more confident about applying now.
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Paolo Longo
•Good luck with your claim! The process can be overwhelming but most people who qualify get approved without major issues.
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Javier Cruz
Just remember that even if you qualify, there's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start. Plan your finances accordingly.
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AstroAlpha
•Is that waiting period for everyone or just certain situations?
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Javier Cruz
•It's for everyone in Washington. You file for that week but don't get paid for it - it's just how the system works.
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Amina Bah
If you end up needing to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your eligibility or claim status, definitely consider using Claimyr. I wish I had known about it earlier - would have saved me so much frustration trying to get through on my own.
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Oliver Becker
•I think I'm going to try that. This whole process is stressful enough without spending hours on hold.
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CosmicCowboy
•Same here. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to get clear answers.
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Natasha Orlova
update: just filed my claim and it was way easier than i expected. wish i hadnt waited so long
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Yara Khoury
•Great to hear! The online system usually works pretty well for straightforward claims.
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AstroAlpha
•That's encouraging. I'm planning to file mine tomorrow morning.
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Keisha Taylor
Don't forget to file your weekly claims every week even if your initial claim is still being processed. Missing a week can cause delays in getting your benefits.
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AstroAlpha
•Good reminder. I'll set a weekly reminder on my phone to make sure I don't forget.
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Paolo Longo
•Smart idea. Consistency with weekly filing is really important for keeping your claim active.
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Oliver Becker
This thread has been super helpful. I was also confused about the eligibility requirements but now I understand the base period thing much better.
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Yara Khoury
•Happy to help! The Washington ESD system can be confusing but once you understand the basics it's not too bad.
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AstroAlpha
•Agreed, everyone here has been really helpful. Makes the whole process feel less overwhelming.
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