How to qualify for unemployment in Washington - need help with eligibility requirements

That's helpful, thanks! What counts as the base period exactly? I started working in March of last year.

If you're applying now in 2025, your base period would likely be January 2024 through December 2024. Washington ESD uses the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters when you file your claim.

Good point about the job search requirement. Do I need to set up the WorkSourceWA account before I apply or after?

You should set it up as soon as possible. You'll need it linked to your unemployment claim for reporting your job search activities.

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

It's legit. They basically handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent picks up. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

That sounds useful if I run into issues. Hopefully I won't need it but good to know it exists.

I do have the layoff notice they gave me. Should I upload that somewhere or just keep it on hand?

Keep it on hand for now. If Washington ESD needs it, they'll ask for it during the application process or if your claim goes into adjudication.

Try calling right when they open at 8 AM or during lunch hours around 1-2 PM. Those times seem to have shorter wait times.

i'll try that thanks. so frustrating when you need help and can't get through to a real person

Yes, include all employers from your base period. Washington ESD needs to see your complete wage history to calculate your benefit amount properly.

What if you can't remember exact dates or addresses for old employers? I'm in the same situation.

Do your best with approximate dates. You can always provide corrections later if needed. The important thing is to get your claim started.

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

You'll get instructions after your initial claim is processed. Usually you file for the first week about 7-10 days after submitting your application.

It's based on your highest earning quarter during the base period. They take that amount, divide by 26, and that's your weekly benefit amount. Maximum is currently $999/week in Washington.

So if I made $8,000 in my best quarter, I'd get about $307 per week?

That's right, assuming you meet all other requirements. Keep in mind it's subject to federal and state taxes too.

Wait, so I don't get paid for the first week even if I qualify?

Exactly. You still have to file the weekly claim for that first week, but you won't receive payment for it.

How long did adjudication take for you? That sounds scary.

About 6 weeks in my case, but I've heard it can take longer. That's when having a service like Claimyr would have been helpful to actually talk to someone about the status.

Part-time work counts as long as you meet the total wage requirements. It doesn't matter if it was full-time or part-time, just that you earned enough wages in the base period.

That's good to know. I had multiple part-time jobs so I wasn't sure how that would work.

Do most people have to do an eligibility interview or is it only in certain cases?

It's not everyone, but it's pretty common if there are any questions about your separation from work or if your employer provides information that contradicts your claim.

I feel your frustration but hang in there. The system is complicated but once you get through the initial hurdles it gets easier.

hope so because I'm about to lose my apartment if this doesn't get resolved soon

Good advice. I'll start a folder with all my unemployment paperwork and emails.

Screenshots are your friend too. Save screenshots of your weekly claim confirmations and any important pages from the Washington ESD website.

That's reassuring. I was worried about applying if I wasn't 100% sure I qualified.

Yeah, better to apply and find out than to assume you don't qualify and miss out on benefits you're entitled to.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like it might be worth it if you're having serious issues.

I don't want to get into pricing here, but check their website. For me it was worth it to avoid the stress of calling repeatedly and never getting through.

Good luck! You should hear something within a few days to a week. Don't panic if it takes a little longer - the system can be slow sometimes.

Hope it works out for you! Remember to keep filing those weekly claims once you get the instructions.

Will do! This forum has been super helpful. I feel much more confident about the process now.

Good point. I'll double-check that everything is current in my profile.

And keep checking your messages in the system regularly. Sometimes important notices only show up there and don't get sent by email.

Same here. The Washington ESD website has the information but it's not always clear how it all fits together.

Exactly. Having real people explain it in plain English makes such a difference.

What happens if you get audited and they find problems with your job search log?

They can disqualify you from benefits and potentially make you pay back what you've already received. It's not worth the risk to fake your job search activities.

Noted. I'll make sure to keep detailed records of all my job applications.