Washington ESD age requirements - how old do you have to be to get unemployment benefits?

That's disappointing but makes sense I guess. So when I turn 18 in 3 months, will those 8 months of work count toward qualifying?

Yes, all your covered employment where UI taxes were deducted will count toward your wage history once you're eligible to file.

Good luck getting through to them on the phone lol. I've been trying to reach someone at Washington ESD for weeks about my claim.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that explains how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

What if my parents cosign or something? There has to be some way around this.

Unfortunately, unemployment benefits don't work that way. It's not like a loan where someone can cosign. The claimant must be legally able to enter employment contracts independently.

Yeah this is frustrating. The system doesn't really account for teenagers who are working to support their families.

That's correct - age 18 is the minimum regardless of your work situation or hours. It's based on legal capacity to enter contracts.

ugh that really sucks. guess I'll have to wait 6 more months if something happens to my job

That's reassuring to know the work history carries over. Did she have any trouble with the application process when she turned 18?

The application itself was straightforward, but she did have issues getting through to verify some information. That's when we used Claimyr to help connect with an agent - much easier than trying to call repeatedly.

Do you know if there are any other benefits available to minors who lose their jobs? Seems like there should be something.

There might be other social services available depending on family income, but unemployment insurance specifically requires being 18. You'd need to check with DSHS for other programs.

Did he find any other resources to help bridge the gap until he turned 18?

He ended up finding another part-time job pretty quickly, but I know that's not always possible for everyone.

Yeah it's one of those things that seems unfair but probably exists for good legal reasons.

Exactly. The unemployment system wasn't really designed with teenage workers in mind, even though many teens do work and pay into the system.

How long did it take to get approved once you filed at 18?

About 2 weeks for my first payment, but that was a few years ago. Processing times might be different now.

Good idea, I'll ask them tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestion!

Yeah school counselors often know about local resources that others don't think of.

Makes sense that it would be consistent across states since there are federal rules involved.

I guess I'll just have to be patient and wait a few more months then. At least I know my work history will count!

Thanks, yeah it's frustrating but I understand the legal reasons now. Hopefully I'll find another job before then anyway.

Good luck with the job search! The experience you got will definitely help you find something else.

That's great advice. I'll start organizing everything now so I'm prepared if I need it.

Also keep track of any job search activities you do - Washington ESD requires you to document your work search efforts when you're claiming benefits.

That's a good way to look at it. The experience will definitely help me in future jobs.

Absolutely, and employers appreciate seeing young people who have been working and supporting themselves.