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

You need to meet several requirements to qualify for Washington ESD unemployment benefits. First, you must have earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period (usually the first four of the last five completed quarters). Second, you must have earned at least $1,000 in your highest quarter. Third, your total base period wages must be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter wages. Since you worked 18 months and earned $28k, you likely meet the monetary requirements.

Don't forget you also have to be able and available for work, and actively seeking employment. Washington ESD requires you to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep detailed records. You can't just sit around collecting benefits.

I had such a hard time getting through to Washington ESD when I was trying to understand my eligibility. Spent hours on hold just to get basic questions answered. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent without waiting forever. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

You also can't quit voluntarily unless you have good cause. Being laid off like you were should qualify you, but if you quit without good reason Washington ESD will disqualify you from benefits.

ugh the whole system is so complicated, why cant they just make it simple to understand if you qualify or not

One thing people often miss is that you have to have lost your job through no fault of your own. Getting fired for misconduct will disqualify you. But layoffs, reduction in force, or being let go due to lack of work all qualify.

I was in a similar situation last year and qualified easily. The hardest part was actually getting through to someone at Washington ESD to ask questions. Their phone system is brutal.

Make sure you apply as soon as possible. There's a waiting week before benefits start, and you can't get benefits for any week you don't file a weekly claim. Don't delay!

Also remember you have to report any income you earn while collecting benefits, even part-time work. They'll reduce your weekly benefit amount but you can still collect partial benefits in many cases.

The system rejected my first application because I made a mistake on the dates. Had to start over completely. Double check everything before submitting.

honestly i gave up trying to call washington esd after getting hung up on 12 times in one day. that claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier actually worked for me too, got through to an agent in like 20 minutes

Your earnings should definitely qualify you monetarily. $28k over 18 months means you probably earned well over the $1,000 minimum in your highest quarter. The main thing is making sure you were laid off and didn't quit.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements before you start collecting. Washington ESD is pretty strict about the 3 contacts per week and they do audit people.

I think Washington has some of the more generous unemployment benefits compared to other states. You should definitely apply if you think you qualify.

The qualification requirements aren't that hard to meet if you've been working steadily. Sounds like you should be fine based on what you described.

One more tip - if Washington ESD asks for additional documentation during your claim review, respond as quickly as possible. Delays can hold up your benefits for weeks.

Also remember that if you have any issues or questions after you apply, that Claimyr service people mentioned earlier can help you get through to Washington ESD agents when you need to. Their phone lines are impossible otherwise.

Best of luck with your application! Sounds like you have a solid case for benefits.