What are the requirements to file for unemployment in Washington ESD?

You should definitely qualify based on what you've described! Washington ESD has specific requirements: you need to have worked and earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters). Since you worked 8 months at $2,800/month, you easily meet the earnings requirement. You also need to be unemployed through no fault of your own (layoffs qualify), be able and available for work, and actively seek work each week.

The earnings requirement is pretty straightforward - you need to have earned at least $1,000 in your base period AND your total base period earnings must be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter earnings. With 8 months at $2,800/month, you're definitely over both thresholds.

I was in a similar situation last year. The application process is pretty straightforward on the Washington ESD website. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months. Make sure you have your last employer's information including their address and phone number.

Just a heads up - the phone lines at Washington ESD are absolutely swamped. I spent weeks trying to get through to ask basic questions about my claim. If you need to talk to someone, I discovered this service called Claimyr that actually got me connected to a Washington ESD agent within minutes. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

One thing people don't realize is that you can apply even if you're not 100% sure you qualify. Washington ESD will make the determination based on your work history and earnings. The worst they can do is say no, but if you worked 8 months recently you almost certainly qualify.

Make sure you apply as soon as possible! Benefits are effective the Sunday of the week you apply, so every week you wait is money lost. I made that mistake and lost out on about $400 because I waited too long.

Also remember you need to be a US citizen or authorized to work in the US, and you need to be physically located in Washington state when you apply. If you're planning to move out of state, that can affect your eligibility.

The restaurant industry layoffs are definitely covered - I used to work in food service and filed for unemployment several times over the years. Washington ESD understands that restaurant work is seasonal and unpredictable.

Don't forget you'll need to register with WorkSource Washington as part of the process. It's not optional - it's required for all unemployment claimants unless you're in a training program or have other exemptions.

I hate to be negative but just be prepared for potential delays. My claim took 6 weeks to get approved because they had to verify my employment history. The system is backed up and it's frustrating when you need the money.

Your weekly benefit amount will be based on your earnings in your highest quarter. With $2,800/month, you're looking at probably around $400-500 per week, depending on your exact earnings pattern.

just apply online at esd.wa.gov its not that hard. took me like 20 mins when i did it last year. you'll get an email confirmation right away

One more thing - if you have any side income or are doing any freelance work, make sure to report it on your weekly claims. Even small amounts need to be reported or it can cause problems later.

I'm going through the same thing right now - got laid off from my retail job last month. The waiting is the worst part but once you get approved, the benefits really help. Good luck with your application!

Since you mentioned you've never done this before - after you apply, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to continue receiving benefits. Don't skip weeks or you'll lose those benefits permanently.

The system has gotten better over the years but it's still clunky. Don't be surprised if the website is slow or if you get logged out while filling out forms. Save your work frequently!

You mentioned you're confused about documentation - honestly, the application will tell you exactly what you need as you go through it. Don't stress too much about gathering everything beforehand.

Update us on how it goes! This kind of information helps other people in similar situations.