What are the qualifications to collect unemployment in Washington - confused about requirements

The basic requirements for Washington unemployment are pretty straightforward. You need to have earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period (usually the first four of the last five completed quarters), be unemployed through no fault of your own, be able and available to work, and actively seek work. Since you were laid off, that should qualify as 'not your fault.' You'll also need to register with WorkSource and file weekly claims.

Also just to add - make sure you apply right away. There's a waiting week but you want to get your claim started asap. I waited too long when I got laid off and it just delayed everything.

The job search requirement is 3 contacts per week once you start receiving benefits. Keep good records because they do audit these. Also, if you have trouble getting through to Washington ESD by phone, I found a service called Claimyr that helped me connect with an agent when I had questions about my claim. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Don't forget about the able and available requirement. You need to be ready to accept suitable work if offered. This means being physically able to work and not having restrictions that would prevent you from taking a job.

ugh the whole system is so complicated. I got denied the first time because I didn't understand the base period thing. Had to appeal and it took forever

To clarify the base period - it's 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 January 2024 through December 2024. If you don't qualify with the standard base period, Washington will automatically check your alternate base period (last four completed quarters).

Also remember you have to be unemployed or working reduced hours. If you're working part-time, you might still qualify for partial benefits depending on how much you earn.

Don't forget about the WorkSource registration requirement. You have to create an account and keep it active. They'll check that you're using it for job searches.

The weekly claims are important too. You have to file every week even if you haven't received your first payment yet. Miss a week and it can mess up your whole claim.

If you get confused about any of this stuff, seriously consider using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. I used it when I had questions about my eligibility and it saved me so much time compared to trying to call Washington ESD directly.

One thing to watch out for - if you quit your job voluntarily, you probably won't qualify unless you had good cause. Being laid off like you were should be fine though.

Also be prepared for the identity verification process. They're pretty strict about this now and might ask for additional documents.

The whole process seems overwhelming but it's really not that bad once you get started. The key is just making sure you meet those basic requirements and staying on top of your weekly claims.

One more tip - if you run into any issues with your claim getting stuck in adjudication or need to speak with someone at Washington ESD, that Claimyr service really does work. I was skeptical at first but it connected me with an agent in minutes instead of hours of calling.

Just remember to be honest on your application. Any discrepancies can cause delays or even disqualification. Better to be upfront about everything from the start.

Just wanted to add that you should also make sure you have all your employment information ready when you apply - dates of employment, employer contact info, and your gross wages for each quarter. Having this organized beforehand will make the application process much smoother. Since you worked retail for 18 months and were laid off due to store closure, you should definitely qualify. The hardest part is usually just getting through the initial application, but it sounds like you have all the right circumstances.