Under what circumstances can you file for unemployment in Washington - confused about eligibility

You can file for unemployment in Washington if you lost your job through no fault of your own and meet the work/wage requirements. Since you were let go due to business being slow, that's typically considered a qualifying separation. The key is having enough wages in your base period - usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed.

yeah you can file if you got laid off, fired for non-misconduct reasons, or quit for good cause. sounds like you got laid off so you should be fine. just make sure you file as soon as possible because there's a waiting period

I had a similar situation and had trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask questions about eligibility. The phone lines are always busy and the website isn't super clear. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected with an actual ESD agent who could review my work history and confirm I was eligible. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process way less stressful.

The Washington ESD website has a eligibility tool but it's confusing as hell. I think the main circumstances are: 1) You lost your job through no fault of your own (layoff, business closure, etc), 2) You were fired for reasons other than misconduct, 3) You quit for approved good cause reasons, 4) You're on approved leave (like family leave), 5) You meet the wage requirements. Part-time workers can definitely qualify if they meet the wage thresholds.

wait can you file if you're still working part time? my hours got cut way back and I'm barely making anything now

I've been through this process twice now and the key things Washington ESD looks at are: 1) Reason for separation (voluntary vs involuntary), 2) Your wage history during the base period, 3) Whether you're able and available to work, 4) Whether you're actively seeking work. If you were laid off due to lack of work, that's typically an approved separation reason.

Don't overthink it too much. If you were let go through no fault of your own and you worked enough to earn decent wages, just apply. The worst they can say is no, and then you'll know for sure. The Washington ESD will review your case and make the determination.

Also remember you can file even if you're not sure about eligibility - Washington ESD will make the determination. But you should file as soon as possible because benefits don't start until you file, and there's usually a one-week waiting period before you can collect.

I was in almost the exact same situation - part-time retail job, got let go due to slow business. I qualified no problem. The work history requirement isn't that hard to meet if you've been working steadily. Just gather your pay stubs and employment info before you start the application.

The Washington ESD system is so confusing. I tried to figure out my base period wages myself and gave up. When I finally got through to them on the phone they calculated everything for me and told me I qualified. Sometimes it's just easier to let them do the math.

One thing to keep in mind - even if you qualify based on wages and separation reason, you still need to meet the ongoing requirements like doing job searches and filing weekly claims. Make sure you understand all the requirements before you start collecting.

Just to add - you can also file if you're temporarily unemployed due to a plant shutdown, natural disaster, or similar circumstances. And there are special rules for things like domestic violence situations or if you had to quit to care for a family member.

honestly the eligibility requirements aren't that complicated once you understand them. if you didn't quit voluntarily without good reason and you worked enough hours, you probably qualify. the hard part is dealing with the bureaucracy and getting your claim processed

I used Claimyr last month when I was confused about my eligibility after getting fired. The agent I talked to was really helpful in explaining exactly what documentation I needed and walked me through the process. Worth checking out if you want to talk to someone who actually knows the system.

Bottom line - if you were laid off or let go through no fault of your own, and you've been working and earning wages, you should apply. Washington ESD will review your case and tell you if you qualify. Don't let uncertainty stop you from getting benefits you might be entitled to.