What makes you qualified for unemployment benefits with Washington ESD?

Basic qualifications for Washington ESD unemployment: you need sufficient work history (usually 680 hours in your base year), lost your job through no fault of your own, able and available to work, and actively seeking work. Since you worked 8 months and earned $28k, you probably meet the earnings requirement. Being laid off due to slow business typically qualifies you.

The job search requirement is 3 work search activities per week. You log them in WorkSourceWA and they can be things like applying for jobs, networking, going to job fairs, etc. You have to keep detailed records.

Just be warned that getting through to Washington ESD on the phone is nearly impossible. I've been trying for weeks to get my claim sorted out and can't reach anyone. The system is so backed up. If you need to talk to someone about your qualification questions, you might want to try Claimyr.com - they have a service that helps you get through to ESD agents. I saw their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ and it looks legit.

omg the qualification stuff is so confusing! I thought I qualified but then they wanted all this documentation about my work history and I had to provide pay stubs from like 2 years ago. Make sure you have all your employment records ready when you apply.

Another important qualification is that you have to be physically able to work and available for work. If you have any restrictions or limitations, you need to report those. Also, if you're going to school full-time, that can affect your eligibility unless you're in an approved training program.

The earnings requirement is based on your highest earning quarter in your base year. You need at least $1,736 in your highest quarter AND total base year earnings of at least 1.5 times your high quarter amount. With $28k you should be fine.

Wait I'm confused about the work search thing. Do you have to apply for jobs every single week or can you do other activities?

The system is SO broken. I've been waiting 6 weeks for my claim to be reviewed and still haven't heard anything. They say I'm in 'adjudication' whatever that means. This is ridiculous!

Another thing to know - if you quit your job, you generally won't qualify unless it was for 'good cause.' Being laid off like you were should be fine though.

Don't forget about the waiting week! Even if you qualify, you won't get paid for your first week. It's unpaid but you still have to file that week to establish your claim.

Just want to add that you also can't be receiving certain other benefits while on unemployment. Like if you're getting workers comp or disability, that could affect your eligibility.

The monetary determination letter will tell you exactly how much you qualify for and for how long. Usually you can get benefits for up to 26 weeks if you have enough work history.

I had to provide so much documentation when I applied. They wanted proof of every job I'd had in the past 2 years. Just be prepared for that.

One more thing - make sure you report any work you do while collecting benefits. Even if it's just a few hours, you have to report it or you could get in trouble for fraud.

The whole process is honestly pretty straightforward once you get started. Don't overthink it too much.

I've been on unemployment twice and both times it was fine. Just follow the rules and you'll be okay. The job search requirement isn't that hard to meet.

Good luck with your application! Sounds like you definitely qualify based on what you've described.