Washington ESD unemployment qualification requirements - what exactly do you need?

That's good to know! What counts as the base period exactly? I started working in March last year so I'm not sure if I have enough quarters.

If you file now in 2025, your base period would be October 2023 through September 2024. You need wages in at least 2 quarters during that time to qualify.

What counts as 'good reason' for quitting? I've been thinking about leaving my job because of harassment but I'm scared I won't get benefits.

Washington ESD recognizes several good reasons for quitting including harassment, unsafe working conditions, significant changes to your job duties, or domestic violence situations. You'd need to document everything though.

Thank you, that's really helpful to know. I've been keeping records of incidents just in case.

How much does that cost though? I'm already broke which is why I need unemployment lol

It's worth checking out their site for details, but honestly after wasting days trying to call myself, it was totally worth it to actually talk to someone who could answer my questions.

This is super helpful! What if I don't meet the wage requirement in the regular base period? I saw something about an alternate base period?

Yes! If you don't qualify using the regular base period, Washington ESD will automatically check your alternate base period, which uses the most recent 4 completed quarters. This helps people who recently started working.

I wish I had known about the alternate base period when I applied last year. I got denied initially but never knew I could use different quarters.

But what if you apply and aren't eligible? Does that affect future applications?

No, applying when you're not eligible doesn't hurt future applications. Washington ESD will just send you a determination letter explaining why you don't qualify.

What exactly counts as a job search contact? Does applying online count?

Yes, online applications count. You can also attend job fairs, networking events, contact employers directly, or participate in WorkSource workshops. Each contact needs to be logged with details.

Do you have to apply for jobs you don't want? I'm worried about being forced to take something way below my qualifications.

You're only required to apply for 'suitable work' which considers your training, experience, and local wage rates. Early in your claim, you have more flexibility to be selective.

Yes, Washington has partial unemployment benefits! If you're working reduced hours, you can still qualify as long as your weekly earnings are less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5. The benefit is reduced dollar-for-dollar for earnings over $5.

Oh wow, I had no idea! So I could potentially get some help even while still working part-time?

Exactly! Many people don't realize partial benefits exist. You'd still need to meet all the regular eligibility requirements and do job searches though.

Did they help you figure out the wage calculation stuff? That's where I'm getting stuck.

Yes! The Washington ESD rep walked me through exactly which quarters counted and how to calculate my wages. Much clearer than trying to decipher the website.

What if you have medical restrictions? I can't lift heavy things due to a back injury but I can do office work.

As long as you can perform some type of work and are actively seeking jobs within your restrictions, you should still qualify. Washington ESD considers your ability to do suitable work, not all work.

This is really good to know. I was worried my knee problems would disqualify me completely.

Really? I thought there was still a waiting period. When did that change?

Washington eliminated the waiting week in 2018. You can receive benefits starting with your first week of unemployment if you're eligible.

How do they investigate? Do they contact your employer?

Yes, they send a form to your employer asking about the reason for separation. Your employer has 10 days to respond. If there are conflicting stories, it goes to adjudication.

What happens during adjudication? That sounds scary.

Adjudication is just when they review all the information and make a decision. You might get contacted for additional information. It can take a few weeks but you'll get a written determination.

That's encouraging! I've been overthinking this whole thing. Maybe I should just go ahead and apply.

Exactly! The application process will tell you if you qualify and what your benefit amount would be. Better to know than to keep wondering.

Wait, you can file weekly claims before you're approved? How does that work?

Yes! You file for every week you're unemployed or underemployed, starting with your first week. If you're approved, you'll get paid for all the weeks you filed. If denied, no harm done.

This is so confusing. I wish Washington ESD made this clearer on their website.

Did they help you figure out how freelance income affects benefits? That's my exact situation right now.

Yes! They explained that you report freelance earnings in the week you actually get paid, not when you do the work. Makes a big difference for benefit calculations.

Wow, I had no idea about that second test. Is there anywhere that explains all these rules clearly?

The Washington ESD website has the details but it's pretty dense. Sometimes talking to an actual person helps make sense of it all.

This thread has been incredibly helpful. I feel like I actually understand the process now instead of being completely lost!