How to qualify for unemployment in Washington - what are the requirements?

You'll need to meet Washington ESD's base year earnings requirements. Generally, you need to have earned wages in at least two quarters of your base year and have total base year wages of at least 680 times the state's minimum wage. You should also have worked at least 680 hours in your base year. Apply as soon as possible after your job loss - don't wait! You can file online through the Washington ESD website.

Also make sure you were laid off or terminated through no fault of your own. If you quit without good cause or were fired for misconduct, you probably won't qualify. Being laid off due to lack of work like you described should be fine though.

You'll also need to be able and available to work and actively searching for a job. Washington ESD requires you to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. Don't skip this requirement - they do check!

I was in a similar situation last year and had trouble getting through to Washington ESD by phone to ask questions about my eligibility. The wait times were insane! I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helped me get connected to an actual ESD agent much faster. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that explains how it works. Really saved me a lot of frustration.

don't forget you also have to file your weekly claims every week even if you haven't received your first payment yet. I made that mistake and it delayed my benefits

The whole system is so confusing honestly. I've been trying to figure out if I qualify too and it's like they make it as complicated as possible on purpose

Make sure you have your Social Security card, driver's license, and employment history ready when you apply. You'll need specific dates and employer information for the past 18 months. Also have your bank account info if you want direct deposit.

One thing I wish someone had told me - if your claim gets put into adjudication for any reason, it can take weeks to resolve. That's when having a way to actually reach ESD becomes really important.

Also be prepared for the fact that there's usually a one-week waiting period before you start receiving benefits, even if you qualify. Plan your finances accordingly.

The maximum weekly benefit amount in Washington is currently $999, but what you actually get depends on your earnings during the base year. It's calculated as your highest quarter earnings divided by 26.

I was denied initially because of some confusion with my employer about whether I was laid off or quit. Had to file an appeal and everything. Make sure your employer reports the separation reason correctly to ESD.

Just apply as soon as you can! Even if you're not 100% sure you qualify, it's better to apply and find out than to wait and potentially miss out on benefits. The worst they can say is no.

One more tip - keep track of all your job search activities from day one, even before you start receiving benefits. You never know when ESD might audit your job search log.

The online application is pretty straightforward once you get started. Just make sure you answer all questions honestly and completely. Any inconsistencies can cause delays.

If you're still working part-time while collecting unemployment, you need to report those earnings on your weekly claims. You can still receive partial benefits in some cases.

I had a really hard time reaching ESD when I had questions about my eligibility. Spent hours on hold. Finally tried Claimyr and got through to someone the same day. It's not free but honestly worth it when you need answers fast.

Make sure you understand the difference between being 'able and available' for work versus actively searching. You need to be both to qualify for benefits.

Don't panic if your first payment takes a few weeks to arrive. The system moves slowly but it will eventually come through if you qualify.

Good luck with your application! It sounds like you should qualify based on what you've described. Just be thorough with your application and don't give up if you hit any snags.