What makes you eligible for unemployment benefits - Washington ESD requirements?

What's a base period? And how much do I need to have earned?

Your base period is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. For 2025, you generally need at least $8,500 in total wages during your base period, with at least $2,500 in your highest earning quarter.

Thanks! How do I figure out what my base period earnings were? I had another part-time job before the retail one.

Washington ESD will calculate your base period automatically when you file. It includes wages from all employers during those 4 quarters. Your part-time job earnings will count toward the $3,850 minimum.

Do I have to start looking for work immediately or can I wait until my claim is approved?

You should start your job search right away. Washington ESD expects you to be actively looking from the week you file your initial claim.

How much does that cost though? I'm already tight on money.

It's worth checking out claimyr.com for the details. For me, getting accurate information quickly was way better than spending days trying to figure it out on my own.

What counts as a job search activity? I've been applying online but wasn't sure if that's enough.

Online applications count, but you need variety. Include things like attending job fairs, networking events, or contacting employers directly. Keep detailed records in your job search log.

Generally, if you quit voluntarily, you won't qualify unless you had 'good cause' - like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or significant changes to your job duties or pay. Simply not liking your boss usually isn't enough.

that sucks. wish i had known that before i told my manager what i really thought of him lol

Never heard of that service. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit. I was skeptical too but they actually got me connected to a Washington ESD agent within 10 minutes. Way better than calling the regular number and getting nowhere.

I might try that. Been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my eligibility question.

What if I'm taking one online class? Is that considered full-time?

One class is usually fine as long as it doesn't interfere with your ability to work. Washington ESD considers full-time to be 12+ credit hours per quarter for college students.

What counts as 'suitable employment'? Do I have to take any job that's offered?

Suitable work generally means jobs that match your skills, experience, and pay level - at least initially. As time goes on, the definition may broaden, but you're not required to take just anything right away.

Why are there two different ways to qualify? Seems unnecessarily complicated.

The alternate calculation helps people who had irregular work patterns or seasonal employment. It gives more people a chance to qualify for benefits.

What if your employer claims misconduct but you disagree? Can you still get benefits?

Yes, you can appeal their decision. Washington ESD will investigate and hold a hearing if needed. Don't give up if you believe the misconduct claim is false.

Appeals can take months though. Better to have documentation ready if you think your employer might contest your claim.

Did you end up qualifying? I'm worried about the quarterly thing too.

Yeah, I did qualify but it took some back and forth with Washington ESD to get it sorted out. They had to look at alternative base periods because my work history was a bit spotty.

Can you file weekly claims in advance or do you have to wait until the week is over?

You have to wait until the week ends. Washington ESD releases the weekly claim forms on Sundays for the previous week.

What kind of documentation do they usually want?

Usually your separation notice from your employer, pay stubs, and sometimes they'll contact your former employer directly. Keep everything organized.

That happened to me too! Adjudication is the worst part of the process.

This is exactly why I recommend using claimyr.com. When I got stuck in adjudication, I used their service to actually talk to an Washington ESD agent who explained what documents I needed to submit. Saved me weeks of confusion.

I keep seeing people mention Claimyr. Is it legit? I'm desperate to talk to someone at this point.

Totally legit. They don't ask for your personal info or anything sketchy. Just helps you get through to Washington ESD when their lines are jammed. Check out their site claimyr.com if you're curious.

How do you know if your job loss qualifies for Trade Adjustment Assistance?

Your employer or union usually petitions for TAA certification. If approved, you get extended benefits and training opportunities. Check with Washington ESD to see if your former employer has TAA certification.

Good to know. I'm not in school or getting other benefits, so I should be okay there.

Yeah, the 'able and available' requirement is pretty strict. They want to make sure you're actually ready to work, not just collecting benefits.

Good advice. I had to scramble to find old pay stubs when they requested them.

Also keep copies of everything you submit. I learned that the hard way when they lost my paperwork.

Is the waiting period waiver permanent or temporary?

It's been extended several times but could change. Best to check the current policy when you file.

For a January 2025 layoff, your base period would be October 2023 through September 2024. It's the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters.

That seems like a long time ago. What if I didn't work much during that period?

You might qualify under the alternate base period, which uses the last 4 completed quarters. That would be January 2024 through December 2024 for your situation.

Same here. The waiting is killing me.

Have you tried calling? I know it's hard to get through but sometimes they can give you a status update.

I've tried calling dozens of times. Either busy signal or I get disconnected after waiting for hours.

What happens if you get audited and your job search log isn't good enough?

They'll disqualify you and you might have to pay back benefits you already received. Take the job search requirement seriously.

Your weekly benefit amount is based on your earnings during the base period. If you think they calculated it wrong, you can request a review.

How do I request a review? Do I have to call them?

You can request a review through your online account or by calling. If you're having trouble getting through on the phone, claimyr.com can help you connect with an agent to discuss your benefit calculation.

What if you quit because of harassment or discrimination?

That might qualify as 'good cause' but you'll need documentation. File a complaint with HR or EEOC first to create a paper trail.

Washington ESD's website has a lot of information but it's scattered across different pages. Hard to find everything in one place.

I made my own checklist after going through the process. Happy to share it if anyone wants it.

That would be helpful! This stuff is so confusing when you're dealing with it for the first time.

Good point. I was worried about filing and then having to pay something back if I didn't qualify.

You won't owe anything if you're honest on your application and they determine you don't qualify. The problems come when people lie or hide information.

What if you do some freelance work? How do you report that?

Report the gross earnings for the week you performed the work, not when you got paid. Be conservative and report everything to avoid overpayment issues later.

Good luck! The hardest part is getting started. Once you file, the process becomes clearer.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. I'm going to file my claim too. Sounds like I should qualify based on my work history.

Oh no, I've already been out of work for almost two weeks. Did I miss my chance?

No, you can still file! But benefits typically start from the week you file your claim, not from when you actually lost your job. So the sooner the better.

This is getting really complicated. Maybe I should just try to file and see what happens?

That's probably your best bet. The worst they can do is say no, and then you'll know exactly where you stand.

They said it was restructuring and I have the layoff notice, so I think I'm good there.

Perfect. Having that documentation will definitely help your case.

How do you do the weekly certification? Is it online?

Yeah, you log into your Washington ESD account and answer questions about your job search activities and any income you might have earned that week.

I'm at my wit's end trying to reach them. Might have to try this Claimyr thing too.

Do it. Their demo video shows exactly how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. So much better than listening to busy signals all day.

How many jobs do I need to apply to each week?

Usually 3 job search activities per week, but it can vary. Could be applications, networking events, job fairs, etc. They explain it when you file your claim.