What is the official definition of unemployment for Washington ESD benefits?

Washington ESD defines unemployment as being totally or partially without work through no fault of your own AND actively seeking work. The key parts are: 1) Job loss wasn't your fault (laid off, hours reduced, etc.) 2) You're able and available to work 3) You're actively job searching. Gig work might affect your weekly benefit amount but doesn't necessarily disqualify you.

Thanks! So I need to report the gig income on my weekly claims even if it's just a few hours?

Yes, report ALL income including gig work. Washington ESD will calculate how it affects your benefits - you might still get partial UI.

there's also the monetary requirements - you need to have earned enough in your base period to qualify for benefits in the first place

What's the minimum you need to have earned? I worked steadily for about 8 months before getting laid off.

For 2025, you need at least $5,265 in your base period OR $2,632 in your highest quarter plus 1.5 times that amount total. Eight months of steady work should definitely qualify you.

Don't forget the job search requirements! You have to be actively looking for work and keep a log. I think it's 3 job contacts per week now?

Correct - 3 job search activities per week, and you need to keep detailed records in case Washington ESD audits your claim.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs or other things too?

Job applications, networking events, career fairs, interviews, even some training activities. Check the WorkSourceWA website for the full list.

I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks to ask similar questions about my eligibility. Their phone lines are impossible! Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there?

I discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. They handle the calling for you and connect you when someone picks up. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling myself.

That sounds too good to be true. How does it actually work?

You give them your callback number and they keep calling Washington ESD until they get through, then conference you in. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.

the official definition also includes being \

What if I have a doctors appointment or something? Do I need to mark myself unavailable for that day?

Brief appointments are fine, but if you're unavailable for most of a day or refusing work because of scheduling conflicts, that could be an issue.

Just to add - partial unemployment is also covered if your hours got reduced but you're still employed. A lot of people don't realize they might qualify for partial benefits.

Good to know! My hours were cut from 40 to 20 before I got laid off completely.

You should have filed for partial UI when your hours were cut! But definitely file now for regular unemployment.

The most important thing is being honest on your application. Washington ESD will verify everything anyway, so don't try to hide any income or work history.

Definitely planning to be completely honest. Better safe than sorry with these things.

unemployment basically means you lost your job through no fault of your own and you're ready willing and able to work. the rest is just bureaucratic details

While that's the simplified version, those 'bureaucratic details' are actually pretty important for qualifying and maintaining benefits.

I was confused about this too when I first applied. The Washington ESD website has a pretty detailed explanation if you dig around in their eligibility section.

I'll check that out. Sometimes their website is clearer than trying to call.

Don't forget about the waiting week! Even if you qualify, there's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start.

Is that still a thing? I thought they got rid of waiting weeks during COVID.

The waiting week was temporarily suspended but it's back now. You won't get paid for your first week of unemployment.

Another thing - if you quit your job, you generally won't qualify unless it was for 'good cause' like unsafe working conditions or harassment.

I was laid off due to company downsizing, so that shouldn't be an issue for me.

Update on the Claimyr thing - I tried it and actually got through to Washington ESD in about 20 minutes. The agent was able to explain my specific situation and what I needed to do. Definitely worth it if you need to talk to someone urgently.

How much does it cost? I'm already tight on money waiting for my claim to process.

It's reasonable considering how much time it saves. Check their website for current pricing.

The job search requirement is what trips up a lot of people. You need to keep detailed records and be genuinely looking for work, not just going through the motions.

What kind of records do they want to see?

Date, employer name, position applied for, method of contact, and any follow-up. Keep everything organized in case they audit your claim.

also remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income so you'll owe taxes on them at the end of the year unless you have taxes withheld

Good point. I'll make sure to have them withhold taxes when I file my claim.

The whole system is confusing honestly. I wish Washington ESD would make their definitions clearer and easier to understand.

They've actually improved their website and materials over the past few years, but there's definitely room for more clarity.

Just make sure you file your claim as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. There can be delays in processing, especially if your claim needs adjudication.

I'm filing today. Hopefully it's straightforward and doesn't need any special review.

The bottom line is Washington ESD wants to make sure you're genuinely unemployed and looking for work, not trying to game the system. As long as you're honest and follow the rules, you should be fine.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. I feel much more confident about filing my claim now.

Good luck with your claim! Feel free to come back if you have questions during the process.

One last tip - keep copies of everything you submit to Washington ESD and take screenshots of your weekly claims. Documentation is your friend if any issues come up.

Great advice. I'll definitely keep detailed records of everything.