What are the requirements to get unemployment in Washington ESD?

The main requirements for Washington ESD unemployment are: 1) You must have earned enough wages in your base period (usually first 4 of last 5 completed quarters), 2) You must be unemployed through no fault of your own, 3) You must be able and available to work, and 4) You must actively search for work. For wage requirements, you need at least $1,019 in your highest quarter and total base period wages of at least 1.5 times your highest quarter.

You also need to register with WorkSourceWA and create a job search plan. This is required within 4 weeks of filing your claim. The job search requirement means you need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log of what you did.

if you're having trouble getting through to washington esd to check on your application status, i just discovered claimyr.com - they help you actually reach an agent by phone. they have this video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on

Don't forget you also can't quit voluntarily or get fired for misconduct. If you quit, you need to prove it was for 'good cause' which is pretty strict. Things like unsafe working conditions, harassment that wasn't addressed, significant changes to your job that you didn't agree to.

MAKE SURE YOU FILE ASAP! There's a waiting period and you can't get benefits for the first week. Plus if you wait too long you might miss out on benefits for weeks you could have claimed. I waited 2 weeks thinking I'd find something quick and regretted it.

The able and available thing is important - you have to be ready to accept suitable work immediately. Can't turn down job offers that match your skills and pay at least 80% of what you were making (after first 5 weeks, then it drops to 75%).

you need to file your weekly claims every week even if you havent heard back about your initial application being approved! this is super important or you'll lose those weeks

I had issues with my Washington ESD application sitting in adjudication for weeks. Turned out I needed to provide additional documentation about my separation from work. Check your SecureAccess Washington account regularly for any requests for information.

Pro tip: if your claim gets stuck in adjudication like mine did, Claimyr really helps with reaching an actual person at Washington ESD to check on the status. Way better than the automated system that just says 'your claim is being reviewed' forever.

Make sure you understand the difference between regular UI and other programs. If you're eligible for regular unemployment insurance that's the best option. Don't get confused by standby or other special programs unless your situation specifically calls for it.

The earnings requirement trips up a lot of people. You need significant wages in your base period - it's not just about working for a certain number of months. I worked part-time for a year but didn't make enough to qualify.

don't forget about the job search log! you have to keep detailed records of every job search activity. i got audited and had to provide 3 months worth of documentation. keep everything!

If you're still having trouble getting answers from Washington ESD about your eligibility, another person mentioned Claimyr earlier - I used them too when I couldn't get through to verify my claim status. Their system actually got me connected to an agent who explained exactly what documentation I needed.

One thing to watch out for - if you have any pension or retirement income, that might affect your weekly benefit amount. Washington ESD deducts some types of retirement income from your benefits.

The whole process can be overwhelming but just take it step by step. File your application, register with WorkSourceWA, start your job search activities, and file your weekly claims. The Washington ESD website has good step-by-step guides too.