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

The basic requirements for Washington ESD unemployment are that you need to have earned at least $3,800 in your base year (which is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file). You also need to have worked in at least two quarters during that base year. Plus you have to be unemployed through no fault of your own, which sounds like your situation since it was budget cuts.

Don't forget you also have to be able and available to work, and actively searching for work once you start receiving benefits. You'll need to log your job search activities too.

One thing that helped me when I was trying to get through to Washington ESD about my eligibility questions was using Claimyr. It's this service that helps you actually get connected to a real person at ESD instead of getting stuck in the phone maze. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

You also can't quit your job voluntarily or be fired for misconduct and still get benefits. Since you were laid off due to budget cuts that shouldn't be an issue for you.

omg the job search requirement is so stressful! I'm on unemployment now and keeping track of everything is like a part time job itself

Also worth mentioning that you need to be a US citizen or have work authorization to receive Washington ESD benefits. And you have to file your initial claim within a reasonable time after becoming unemployed.

The whole system is such a nightmare honestly. I've been trying to get through to someone at Washington ESD for weeks about my claim status and it's impossible

One more thing - if you worked in multiple states you might be able to file an interstate claim. Washington ESD can help figure that out when you apply.

wait do you have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits?? nobody told me that

Make sure you register with WorkSource too. It's required and helps with the job search tracking.

Just wanted to add that if you're denied initially don't give up! You can appeal the decision. Sometimes there are errors or missing information.

The monetary determination they send you will show exactly how much you earned in your base year and what your weekly benefit amount will be. That's super helpful for planning.

honestly just apply and let Washington ESD figure out if you qualify or not. worst case they say no and you're in the same spot you are now

BTW if you do run into issues with your claim getting stuck in adjudication or something, that's another situation where Claimyr really helps. They can get you connected to someone who can actually explain what's going on instead of just waiting and wondering.

Don't forget about the waiting week! You won't get paid for your first week even if you're approved.

My advice is to file online through the secure access washington website. It's way easier than trying to do it over the phone.

Also heads up that you'll need to file a weekly claim every week to keep getting benefits, even weeks when you don't get paid due to the waiting week or whatever.

Good luck with everything! The system isn't perfect but it's there to help when you need it. Sounds like you should qualify based on what you've described.

One last thing - if you do end up needing to call Washington ESD for any reason, seriously consider using Claimyr. I can't stress enough how much easier it made getting actual help instead of just listening to hold music for hours.

Hope your claim goes smoothly! Keep us posted on how it goes.