What are the qualifications to get unemployment benefits in Washington state?

You don't need to have worked full-time to qualify for Washington ESD unemployment benefits. The main requirements are: you must have earned wages in at least two quarters during your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters), you must be able and available for work, actively seeking work, and unemployed through no fault of your own. Since your hours were cut, you might qualify for partial unemployment benefits.

Thanks! What exactly counts as the base period? I'm confused about the quarters thing.

The base period is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would likely be January-December 2024. Washington ESD uses this to calculate if you have enough wages to qualify.

I had a similar situation last year. The wage requirement in Washington is that you need to have earned at least $3,500 in your base period AND earned wages in at least two quarters. Plus your highest quarter wages need to be at least 1.5 times your lowest quarter. It sounds complicated but Washington ESD's website has a calculator that can help you figure it out.

That's really helpful, I'll check out the calculator. Do you remember how long the process took when you applied?

It took about 2 weeks for my initial claim to be processed, but that was before all the recent system updates. Could be faster now.

One thing to keep in mind is that you'll need to register with WorkSource and do job searches every week. Washington requires you to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. The good news is that since your hours were reduced rather than you being fired, you probably won't have any issues with the 'unemployed through no fault of your own' requirement.

Good to know about the job search requirement. Is there a specific format for keeping the log?

You can use Washington ESD's online job search log through your eServices account, or keep your own records. Just make sure to include the date, employer name, position applied for, and method of contact.

ugh the phone system at Washington ESD is terrible if you need to talk to someone about your qualifications. I spent weeks trying to get through to ask questions about my base period wages. Finally found this service called Claimyr that actually got me connected to an agent. They have this demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration!

Really? How does that work exactly? I've been trying to call for days.

You just go to claimyr.com and they handle the calling for you. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.

That sounds useful, I might need to try that if I run into issues with my application.

Just make sure you apply as soon as possible! You can't get benefits for weeks before you actually file your claim, even if you were eligible. The sooner you get your application in, the better. And don't worry too much about having all the perfect documentation - you can always provide additional info later if Washington ESD needs it.

That's a relief! I was worried I needed to gather everything first. I'll start the application this week.

yeah definitely don't wait, I made that mistake and lost out on 3 weeks of benefits

Another thing - since you mentioned your hours were cut to almost nothing, you might want to look into partial unemployment benefits. In Washington, you can sometimes collect partial benefits if you're working reduced hours. There's a formula they use to calculate how much you can earn and still get some unemployment money.

Oh that's perfect! I wasn't sure if I could apply since I'm technically still employed. How does that work?

You report your earnings each week when you file your weekly claim. Washington ESD deducts a portion of what you earned from your benefit amount, but you can usually still get something if your hours are way down.

The partial benefits formula in Washington is: Weekly benefit amount minus (weekly earnings minus $5) divided by 4. So there's some protection for small amounts of work.

Make sure you understand the able and available requirement too. You need to be physically and mentally able to work, and available for full-time work during normal business hours. If you have any restrictions on when you can work or what kind of work you can do, that could affect your eligibility.

I should be fine with that - I'm looking for full-time work and don't have any restrictions.

Just remember you have to be available for work in your usual occupation or any other work you're qualified to do. Can't be too picky about the type of job.

The system is so confusing honestly. I've been on unemployment twice and still don't fully understand all the rules. The base period thing especially trips people up because it's not intuitive. But once you get approved and start filing your weekly claims it becomes more routine.

Yeah it does seem pretty complex. Hopefully the online application process walks you through everything step by step.

it does help but definitely save all your documents and confirmation numbers, you'll need them later

One more tip - if you have any questions about whether specific wages count toward your base period, or if there are any issues with your work history, don't hesitate to contact Washington ESD directly. I know the phones are busy but sometimes you really need to talk to an actual person to get things sorted out properly.

This is where that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier could be helpful. I used it last month when I had wage issues and it was way easier than trying to call myself.

Good point, I'll keep that in mind if I run into any complications with my application.

Don't forget about the waiting period either. In Washington there's usually a one-week waiting period before you can start receiving benefits, even if you're approved right away. So your first payable week is typically the second week after you file.

Oh I didn't know about the waiting period. So even if everything goes smoothly, there's still a delay?

Exactly. It's just how the system works. That's why it's important to apply as soon as you become unemployed or have your hours reduced significantly.

The whole thing seems designed to discourage people from applying tbh. All these requirements and calculations and waiting periods. But if you really need the help it's worth going through the process. The benefits can make a real difference when you're between jobs or dealing with reduced hours.

I mean it makes sense that there are some requirements, otherwise everyone would just quit their jobs and collect unemployment

true but they could make the process less confusing and the phone system actually work properly

I'm just hoping I can get through the application without too many problems. Sounds like as long as I meet the basic requirements it should be okay.

Best of luck with your application! The fact that your hours were cut through no fault of your own puts you in a good position. Just be honest on your application, keep good records of your job search activities, and file your weekly claims on time once you're approved.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much more confident about applying now.

You're welcome! This community is great for helping each other navigate the unemployment system. Good luck!