Washington ESD eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits - confused about what qualifies

Thanks! That wage calculation is confusing though. How do I know what my base period is exactly?

Your base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be Q1 2024 through Q4 2024. Washington ESD will calculate this automatically when you apply.

Wait, so I have to start applying for jobs immediately? Even if I want to take a week or two to update my resume?

You can work on your resume as part of your job search activities, but you still need to be available for work if an opportunity comes up. The job search requirement is 3 activities per week once you start receiving benefits.

Actually you don't have to do job search activities for the first week after filing, there's a waiting period. But after that yes, you need to do the 3 activities per week and keep a log.

How much does that cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to the unemployment office.

I get the frustration but honestly after wasting days trying to get through, it was worth it to get my eligibility questions answered quickly. The Washington ESD phone system is just overwhelmed.

Being laid off generally makes you eligible, but Washington ESD will still verify the reason for separation with your employer. As long as you weren't fired for misconduct or didn't quit without good cause, you should be fine.

they might still put your claim in adjudication to verify everything with your employer. mine took 3 weeks even though i was clearly laid off due to budget cuts

I got a small severance package when I was laid off. Does that disqualify me completely or just delay when I can start collecting?

Severance usually delays your benefits rather than disqualifying you completely. Washington ESD will calculate how many weeks the severance covers based on your weekly benefit amount. You'll need to report it when you file.

RIGHT?? I spent 2 hours on their website yesterday and still don't understand the base period calculation. It's like they don't want people to apply.

The complexity comes from federal and state laws that have evolved over decades. But the basic requirements are: sufficient wages in your base period, separation through no fault of your own, able and available for work, and actively seeking work.

That's probably the smartest approach. I keep overthinking this when I could just apply and see what happens.

Exactly! I was worried about not having enough wages but turned out I qualified easily. The Washington ESD system calculates everything for you once you submit.

Oh no! I didn't realize there was a time limit. It's been two weeks since my last day - am I too late?

No you're fine! Two weeks isn't bad. I meant don't wait months. You can still get benefits for any week after you file as long as you're eligible. Just don't wait any longer.

Wait they can make you pay it back?? That's terrifying. How detailed do the records need to be?

You need employer name, position applied for, date, method of contact, and any follow-up. Keep copies of applications and emails. Better to over-document than under-document.

I use a spreadsheet to track everything. Makes it easy to have all the info if Washington ESD ever asks for it.

My brother got audited last year. They requested 6 months of job search logs with like 2 days notice. He had kept good records though so no problems.

I think they audit randomly plus if someone reports you for not actually looking for work. Better safe than sorry with the documentation.

Did they give you accurate information? I'm always skeptical of third-party services for government stuff.

They don't give advice themselves - they just get you connected to actual Washington ESD staff. So you're talking to the same people you'd reach if you could get through the regular phone lines.

Thanks everyone! I feel much more confident about applying now. Going to file this weekend.

Good luck! The hardest part is navigating the website honestly. Once you get your claim established it's pretty straightforward.

How do I file weekly claims if my main claim isn't approved yet?

You can still file them online. If your claim gets approved, you'll get paid for all the weeks you filed. If it gets denied, you just don't get paid but there's no penalty for filing.

Where is this handbook? I've been all over their website and haven't seen it.

It's under the 'Resources' section, called something like 'Unemployment Insurance Handbook' or 'Claimant Handbook'. Has way more detail than the basic eligibility pages.