Washington ESD income requirements - how much do you need to make to qualify for unemployment?

Thanks! So if I made $18,000 over 8 months, that should be enough? I'm still working part-time so would I qualify for partial benefits?

Yes, you can get partial benefits if you're working reduced hours. Washington ESD will reduce your weekly benefit amount based on how much you earn each week, but you can still collect something if your hours are cut significantly.

Did you have trouble getting through to Washington ESD when you applied? I'm worried about the whole process.

Honestly yes, calling them was a nightmare. Spent hours on hold and kept getting disconnected. But once I got through the initial application process went smoothly.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true given how impossible it is to reach anyone at Washington ESD.

Yeah it's real. I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They handle the waiting and calling back for you so you don't have to sit on hold for hours.

My hours were cut due to slow business, I didn't quit or get fired. Does that count as a qualifying separation?

Yes, reduction in hours due to lack of work is considered involuntary and qualifies you for benefits. Just make sure you document that when you file.

Unfortunately you need at least $4,025 in your base period to meet the minimum wage requirement. You might want to check if you qualify under the alternate base period though.

whats alternate base period

It uses the last 4 completed quarters instead of the first 4 of the last 5. Sometimes that can help if you worked more recently.

Same thing happened to me for weeks. The phone system is completely overloaded.

This is exactly why I used Claimyr. They keep calling back automatically until they get through, then call you when they have an agent on the line.

That's confusing. Can you break that down? I made about $2,800 in my best quarter.

If your highest quarter was $2,800, you'd need total base period wages of at least $4,200 (1.5 x $2,800). Since you made $18k total, you easily meet both requirements.

Initial processing usually takes 2-3 weeks if there are no issues. If they need to verify your work history or job separation it can take longer.

Ugh, 2-3 weeks? I need to pay rent next week. This system is broken.

Good point. Do I report gross or net earnings?

Always report gross earnings before taxes and deductions. Washington ESD has their own formula for calculating how much to deduct from your benefits.

What other programs? I haven't heard about those.

There's WorkFirst, SNAP, and some county-specific programs. Check with DSHS if you don't qualify for unemployment.

exactly! minimum wage went up but the unemployment requirements stayed the same

Right? They need to update these requirements to reflect the current economy.

That's way more than I'd get with my income level. The benefit amount is based on your earnings, right?

Yes, it's calculated based on your highest earning quarter. You get roughly 3.85% of your total base period wages up to the maximum amount.

Did they charge you for it? I'm hesitant to pay for something that should be free.

There is a cost but honestly it was worth it to me. My claim was stuck in adjudication and I needed answers. Saved me days of frustration.

Good luck! Make sure you have all your employer information ready and be patient with the system.

File as early in the week as possible if you can. The system seems to be less glitchy Monday mornings.

How long did the appeal process take?

About 6 weeks from filing the appeal to getting the decision. But I got backpay for the whole period once I won.

How many job searches do I need to do per week?

I think it's 3 job search activities per week, but check the current requirements on the Washington ESD website. They can change.

Did you have to wait the full waiting week plus processing time?

Yeah, there's a one week waiting period for regular UI claims, then processing time on top of that. Plan for at least 3-4 weeks before your first payment.