What is the requirement for unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

Thank you! That's really helpful. So I don't need to have worked full-time? And what exactly counts as 'actively searching for work'?

Correct, part-time work counts. For job search, you need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. You can search online, apply to jobs, attend job fairs, or network with employers.

I haven't heard of WorkSource Washington before. Is this something I do online or do I need to go somewhere in person?

You can register online at WorkSourceWA.com. It's free and you can do it from home. They also have physical locations if you need help with the registration process.

Is that legitimate? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks but can never get through. Getting hung up on constantly.

Yes it's real - they basically handle the calling for you and connect you when an agent is available. Much better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.

Thanks! How do I know what my base year is? And what counts as sufficient work history?

Your base year is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, your base year would be October 2023 through September 2024. You also need to have worked in at least 2 quarters of your base year.

Being fired for attendance issues is usually considered misconduct, which would disqualify you from benefits. However, you can appeal the decision if you feel it was unfair. Each case is reviewed individually.

damn ok thanks for letting me know. guess i shouldve been more careful about showing up on time

What exactly counts as a 'job search contact'? Does applying online count?

Yes, online applications count! So do contacting employers directly, attending job fairs, networking events, and even some types of job training. Just make sure you document everything in your job search log.

Interesting, I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days with no luck. How does Claimyr work exactly?

They basically handle the calling process for you and get you connected to a real person at Washington ESD. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting hung up on.

Good to know! Did you have any issues with the application process? I'm worried I might miss something important.

The online application is pretty straightforward. Just have your Social Security card, driver's license, and employment history ready. Make sure to list all employers from the last 18 months.

What if you quit because of harassment or unsafe working conditions? Does that count as 'good cause'?

Yes, there are exceptions for 'good cause' quitting. Things like harassment, discrimination, unsafe conditions, or significant changes to your job terms might qualify. But you'll need documentation and Washington ESD will investigate.

Good to know, thanks for the info!

Oh wow, that's more complicated than I thought. How do I check my earnings history?

You can check through your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account on the Washington ESD website. It should show your quarterly earnings history there.

I'm a citizen and not receiving any other benefits, so I should be good there. Are there any other disqualifying factors I should know about?

The main ones are being fired for misconduct, quitting without good cause, or refusing suitable work. If you were laid off due to restructuring like you mentioned, that shouldn't be an issue.

How do you file the weekly claims? Is it online?

Yes, you do it through the Washington ESD website or by phone. They give you specific days when you can file based on your Social Security number.

Thanks, that's helpful to know ahead of time.

That sounds complicated. How do I figure out what my base period is?

Your base period is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through December 2024.

Actually, if you file in January 2025, your base period would be October 2023 through September 2024. There's usually a lag quarter to allow for wage reporting.

How often do I need to file these weekly claims? And what happens if I forget to file one week?

You file every week, usually on the same day each week. If you miss a week, you might lose benefits for that week, but you can sometimes get it back if you have a good reason for missing it.

It means you're physically and mentally able to work, and you're available during normal business hours for your type of work. You don't have to be available 24/7, but you can't have restrictions that would prevent you from accepting suitable work.

Okay that makes sense. So if I can only work certain days due to childcare, that might be an issue?

It depends on how restrictive your availability is. Minor limitations might be okay, but if you're severely limited in when you can work, it could affect your eligibility.

I keep hearing about Claimyr in these threads. Is it legit or just another scam service?

Totally legit! They don't ask for your personal info or anything sketchy. Just helps you get connected to Washington ESD when you need to talk to someone. Saved me so much frustration.

What's the difference between standby and regular unemployment?

Standby is when your employer expects to recall you within a short time period. You still get benefits but the job search requirements are reduced. Regular unemployment is when you're permanently separated from your job.

Got it, thanks for clarifying!

What about if you're getting Social Security? Does that disqualify you?

Social Security retirement benefits usually don't disqualify you from unemployment, but Social Security disability might depending on your situation. It's case by case.

I'll check that out, thanks! Do you know if the calculator is accurate or just an estimate?

It's just an estimate since the final determination depends on your actual wage records. But it gives you a good idea of what to expect.

Same here! I thought I didn't have enough earnings but I was looking at the wrong time period.

Exactly! The base year thing is so confusing. I wish Washington ESD explained it better on their website.

How do you request the alternate base year? Do they do it automatically?

Usually they'll check it automatically if you don't qualify with the standard base year, but you can also request it specifically when you apply.

That's really good to know, thanks!

Wait, so if I made more money at my recent job, that doesn't count for the benefit amount?

Right, it's based on your base year earnings, not your most recent pay. That's why the alternate base year can sometimes help if your recent job paid better.

How detailed do the records need to be? Just company name and date?

Company name, contact info, date, method of contact, position applied for, and results. They want to see you're making genuine efforts to find work.

Wow, that's pretty comprehensive. Good to know before I start applying.

Is there a cost for using Claimyr?

They do charge for the service, but for me it was worth it to actually get my questions answered instead of spending days trying to get through on my own.

How soon do you have to register with WorkSource?

I think it's within the first few weeks of filing your claim, but check with Washington ESD for the exact deadline. Missing it can affect your benefits.

So you eventually have to take any job offer even if it pays way less?

Not necessarily way less, but the standards do get less strict the longer you're on unemployment. The idea is to encourage people to return to work even if it's not their ideal job.

That makes sense from their perspective I guess.

That's really helpful advice. I was worried I might not qualify but sounds like it's worth trying.

Exactly! The worst they can say is no, but you might be surprised. And if you don't qualify initially, sometimes there are appeals or alternate options.

I was laid off three days ago, so I should probably apply this week then?

Yes, definitely apply this week. The sooner you apply, the sooner your waiting period starts and the sooner you can start receiving benefits.

Good to know there's an appeal process. Hopefully I won't need it, but it's reassuring to know it exists.

Yeah, sometimes the initial review misses important details. The appeal process allows for a more thorough review of your case.

How much does that cost? I'm already struggling financially and can't afford to pay for something like that.

It's worth checking out their website at claimyr.com for details. For me, it was worth it to get my questions answered and avoid weeks of uncertainty about my benefits.

That's a good idea. Do they actually check your job search log or is it just something you keep for your own records?

They can audit your job search activities at any time. If you can't provide adequate documentation, you could lose benefits and have to pay back what you've already received.

So I can work part-time and still get some unemployment benefits? That's good to know since I might be able to pick up some shifts at my old job.

Yes, but make sure to report all earnings on your weekly claim. Failing to report earnings is considered fraud and can result in serious penalties.

Good luck getting through! I've been trying to call for two weeks and either get a busy signal or get disconnected after waiting for an hour.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. Check out their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ to see how it works. They handle all the calling frustration for you.

Thanks for the reassurance! I'm going to apply this week and see what happens. This thread has been incredibly helpful.

You're welcome! Just remember to keep good records of everything and don't hesitate to ask questions if you get confused during the process.