What defines unemployment for Washington ESD benefits - confused about eligibility requirements

The basic definition for Washington ESD is that you're unemployed through no fault of your own. Since your most recent job ended (not quit), that's what they'll look at first. You don't have to be completely without work - even losing part-time employment can qualify you for benefits.

washington esd looks at your most recent work first but they can go back further if needed. if you quit without good cause they might create issues. what was the reason you left the full time job?

Here's the technical definition: Washington ESD considers you unemployed if you're without work and available for work. You also need to have lost your job through no fault of your own OR have qualifying reasons for leaving. The key factors are: 1) You're not working or working reduced hours, 2) You're able and available for work, 3) You're actively seeking work, 4) Your job loss wasn't due to misconduct or voluntary quit without good cause.

I had a similar situation last year and ended up using Claimyr to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD. You can check out their demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ - basically they handle the calling for you so you don't have to sit on hold for hours. Really helped me understand my eligibility when I couldn't get through on my own.

UNEMPLOYMENT DEFINITION IS SO CONFUSING!!! I've been trying to figure this out for my sister who got laid off but she also has a small side business selling crafts online. Does that count as being employed???

washington esd system is broken anyway. they'll find any reason to deny claims. i was denied initially even though i got laid off because they said i didn't meet some random requirement

Update: I went ahead and filed my claim today. The online system asked about my work history and I listed both jobs. Hopefully they'll determine I'm eligible based on the part-time job ending involuntarily.

Just want to add - being unemployed for Washington ESD also means you have to be physically able to work and available for work. If you're sick, in school full-time, or have other commitments that prevent you from accepting work, you might not qualify even if you lost your job.

The 'able and available' thing is stricter than you think. I got questioned because I said I could only work certain hours due to childcare. Had to prove I had arrangements for full-time work.

For anyone still confused about Washington ESD unemployment definitions, the key is that you're without your regular full-time employment through no fault of your own. Part-time work ending definitely counts, and you can even work part-time while collecting benefits as long as you report the earnings.

One thing that helped me when I was figuring out my eligibility was actually talking to a Washington ESD representative. I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and got connected pretty quickly. The agent explained exactly how they would evaluate my specific situation.

Also worth mentioning - if you're on standby status (temporarily laid off but expecting to return to work), that's a different type of unemployment claim. You're still considered unemployed but the requirements are different.

The bottom line is Washington ESD wants to make sure you're genuinely looking for work and lost your job for reasons beyond your control. As long as you meet those basic criteria and follow all the weekly claim requirements, you should be fine.

For what it's worth, I think you'll be fine since your most recent job ended involuntarily. The voluntary quit from months ago might come up during adjudication but probably won't be a deal breaker.

btw if anyone else is dealing with washington esd phone issues, that claimyr thing actually works. got through in like 20 minutes instead of trying for days