What is the minimum amount of wages to qualify for unemployment in Washington?

Thanks! So if I made $8,000 total last year, I should meet that requirement. What exactly counts as the base period though?

The base period is the first four of the last five completed quarters. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through December 2024. Make sure your wages were reported properly by your employer to Washington ESD.

Oh no, I don't think I made $2,625 in any single quarter. I was working pretty consistently but only part-time. Does that mean I won't qualify?

Not necessarily. Washington ESD might use an alternate base period if you don't qualify under the standard one. That would be the last four completed quarters instead of the first four of the last five.

Where do I find that tool? I've been trying to navigate their website but it's not very user-friendly.

Log into your SecureAccess Washington account and go to the unemployment services section. There should be a wage inquiry option there.

How much does that service cost? I'm already broke and can't afford to pay just to talk to someone about my unemployment claim.

It's worth it when you consider how much time you save. I was calling for hours every day for weeks and getting nowhere. This actually got me through to someone who could help.

Your base period would be January 2024 through December 2024. Since you worked March through November, you'd have wages in Q1 (March), Q2 (April-June), Q3 (July-September), and Q4 (October-November).

But I didn't work in January or February 2024, so would I have wages in Q1? This is so confusing.

Q1 2024 is January, February, and March. So you'd only have March wages in Q1. The key is making sure you meet both the total wage requirement ($3,500) and the high quarter requirement ($2,625 in your best quarter).

Right? I've been reading the same pages over and over and still don't feel confident about whether I qualify or not.

That's why I just applied anyway. Let them figure out if I qualify or not. The worst they can say is no.

How many jobs do you have to apply for each week? I keep seeing different numbers.

It's typically 3 job search activities per week, but it can vary based on your situation. They'll tell you the specific requirements when you file your claim.

I was laid off due to budget cuts, so that should be okay right?

Yeah, layoffs usually qualify you. Just make sure you have documentation from your employer about the reason for the layoff.

Good point. The $3,500 and $2,625 figures I mentioned are for 2025. They do adjust these annually based on the state's average wage.

Where can I find the most current wage requirements? I want to make sure I'm using the right numbers.

I only worked in Washington, so that shouldn't be an issue for me.

Then you're good to go. Just make sure all your Washington wages were properly reported to the state.

What did they tell you about the adjudication? Mine's been pending for over a month.

They said it was because my employer hadn't responded to their request for information. The Washington ESD agent was able to send another request and expedite the process.

That's probably what I'll do. I'm pretty sure I meet the requirements but I won't know for sure until I apply.

Make sure you have all your employment information ready when you apply. Dates, wages, reason for separation, etc.

How do I check if my wages were reported correctly?

You can request a wage statement from Washington ESD. It shows all the wages they have on file for you by quarter and employer.

Do I need to specifically request the alternate base period or do they automatically check it?

Washington ESD should automatically check the alternate base period if you don't qualify under the standard one. But it doesn't hurt to mention it if you think it might help your case.

That's encouraging to hear. I think I'm overthinking this whole thing.

Yeah, just apply and see what happens. Washington ESD will let you know if there are any issues with your claim.

Tell me about it. I've been trying to call them for weeks about my pending claim. Might have to try that Claimyr thing people keep mentioning.

Seriously, it's worth it. I wasted so much time trying to get through on my own. The service connects you directly to an agent who can actually help.

What's the difference between those two things?

Monetary determination is about whether you earned enough wages to qualify financially. Eligibility determination is about whether you're eligible based on how you lost your job, whether you're able and available to work, etc.

Thanks everyone for all the help! I think I have a much better understanding now. I'm going to check my wage history online and then file my claim.

Good luck! Feel free to come back if you run into any issues during the application process.