Washington ESD - who qualifies for unemployment benefits in 2025?

Thank you! That's a relief about the earnings. What about the non-monetary requirements? I'm still worried about having quit that earlier job.

Non-monetary requirements focus on your most recent job separation. Since you were laid off due to restructuring, that should qualify. The earlier job quit might not matter if it wasn't your most recent separation, but Washington ESD will review your entire work history during the base year.

I do have some text messages from coworkers about the situation, but I didn't file any formal complaints at the time. Would that still help?

Any documentation can help, but since your most recent separation was a layoff, it might not even come up unless Washington ESD specifically asks about all your work history. Focus on the fact that you were laid off from your retail job.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs or other things too?

Job applications, attending job fairs, networking events, interviews, creating or updating your resume, and some training activities can count. Washington ESD has a list on their website of what qualifies.

Don't forget you have to register with WorkSource Washington too. That's a requirement for most people getting unemployment benefits.

That sounds helpful! I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days but keep getting disconnected. How does Claimyr work exactly?

Basically they handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when they get an agent on the line. Saved me hours of frustration trying to get through myself.

Never heard of that service but anything that helps get through to Washington ESD sounds worth trying. Their phone system is absolutely terrible.

Being fired for tardiness might disqualify you, but it depends on whether Washington ESD considers it misconduct. Contract ending should be fine. The quit for scheduling might be okay if it was for school - there are some exceptions for education-related reasons.

Great, so I might be screwed because of one job even though the other two weren't my fault. This is so stressful.

Don't panic yet. Washington ESD looks at each separation individually and your most recent job matters most. If your contract just ended, that's not disqualifying. Apply and let them make the determination.

Good point, I am authorized to work and live in Washington so that shouldn't be an issue for me.

That's reassuring! Since I was laid off from my most recent job, hopefully that won't be a problem.

Yeah, layoffs are usually straightforward. It's the quits and fires that get complicated.

Six weeks?! That's so long. Did you eventually get all the back pay?

Yeah, once it was approved I got all the retroactive payments. Just had to be patient, which is hard when you need the money.

This is exactly why I ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Got tired of waiting and not knowing what was happening with my claim. The agent was able to explain the delay and give me a timeline.

Wait, so even if I qualify I don't get paid for the first week? That seems unfair.

Yeah, it's just how the system works. You still have to file for that first week, you just don't get paid for it. Think of it as a built-in waiting period.

Good idea! I'll check that calculator to see what my potential benefit amount might be.

What's difficult about the weekly claims? I thought you just had to certify that you're still unemployed.

You have to report any work you did, any money you earned, document your job search activities, and answer questions about your availability. It's not hard but you have to be consistent and honest.

That's a good point. I was worried about applying if I wasn't sure I qualified, but it sounds like I should just go ahead and apply.

Exactly. The worst they can do is say no, but if you qualify you don't want to miss out on benefits you're entitled to.

I have most of that info but I'll need to track down the exact addresses for a couple of my employers. Thanks for the reminder!

Good to know. I'll make sure to double-check my earnings information before submitting.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much more confident about applying now. I'm going to gather my employment documents and submit my application this week.

Good luck! Remember you can always call Washington ESD if you have questions during the process, though the wait times can be long.

Or try that Claimyr service if you need to actually talk to someone quickly. Seriously saved me so much time and frustration.