What are the eligibility requirements for Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

There's actually several different requirements you have to meet for Washington ESD unemployment. First, you need to have earned enough wages during your base period - that's usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed. You also need to be unemployed through no fault of your own, which sounds like your situation since you were laid off.

Don't forget about the ongoing requirements too. Once you're approved, you have to file weekly claims every week, be able and available for work, and actively search for jobs. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week unless you're on standby with your employer.

I had such a hard time getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my eligibility. Spent hours on hold and kept getting disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me so much frustration!

wait so if i quit my job can i still get unemployment? i hated my manager and just walked out last week

Also want to add that you need to be a US citizen or authorized to work in the US. And if you're receiving certain other benefits like worker's compensation, that might affect your eligibility too.

The Washington ESD website has all this info but it's so confusing to navigate. I wish they'd make it clearer. Took me forever to understand the base period calculation.

I got disqualified initially because Washington ESD said I didn't meet the wage requirements, but then I appealed and got approved. Sometimes their initial determination is wrong so don't give up if you think you qualify.

Just want to mention that if you're getting severance pay, that might affect when your benefits start. Washington ESD has specific rules about how severance is treated.

The system is so broken tbh. I've been trying to get answers about my claim for weeks and can't reach anyone at Washington ESD. The phone lines are always busy.

Don't forget you also have to register with WorkSource Washington and maintain an active profile there. It's part of the job search requirements.

Physical ability to work matters too. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from working, you might not qualify for regular unemployment. There's disability benefits for that instead.

Quick tip - make sure your address is updated with Washington ESD before you file. I had issues because I moved and forgot to update my info.

The whole eligibility thing is really case-by-case. What worked for me might not work for someone else. But the basic requirements are: earned enough wages, unemployed through no fault of your own, able and available to work, and actively seeking work.

Also worth mentioning that if you're a federal employee or military, there might be different rules. Washington ESD handles those claims differently.

One more thing - if you worked in multiple states, Washington might not be where you should file. You usually file in the state where you worked most recently, but there are exceptions.

The eligibility interview can be nerve-wracking if they call you. Just be honest and have your employment dates and reason for separation ready. Don't overthink it.

Remember that even if you're eligible, there's usually a one-week waiting period before you can start receiving benefits. Plan accordingly.