What qualifies u for unemployment in Washington - confused about eligibility requirements

You'll likely qualify based on your recent layoff, but the job you quit might complicate things. Washington ESD looks at your total wages in what's called your base period - that's the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed. You need to have earned at least $3,800 in your base period AND have worked in at least 2 quarters. Since you worked 8 months at your retail job, you should meet the work requirements.

I had a similar situation last year - quit one job then got laid off from the next one. Washington ESD approved my claim because the layoff was my most recent separation. Just be honest about everything when you file your application.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask these questions directly, I recently discovered claimyr.com - they help you actually reach an agent by phone. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

The basic requirements are pretty straightforward: you need to be unemployed through no fault of your own, meet the wage requirements, be able and available for work, and actively search for jobs. Since you were laid off that covers the 'no fault' part. Part-time work still counts toward your wage base as long as you hit those dollar minimums.

wait i thought you had to work full time to get unemployment?? i was part time too before i got fired and someone told me i wouldnt qualify

The Washington ESD website has a benefits calculator where you can estimate if you qualify and how much you might get. Just search for 'Washington unemployment calculator' and it should come up.

Don't forget you also have to be a US citizen or have work authorization, and you can't be receiving certain other benefits at the same time. Also if you're going to school full-time that can affect your eligibility since you need to be available for work.

Just wanted to add - when you file make sure you have your Social Security card, ID, and employment information for all jobs in the past 18 months. Washington ESD will need employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation.

One more thing - if Washington ESD determines you quit your previous job without good cause, they might impose a disqualification period. But this usually only affects benefits related to that specific job separation, not your entire claim if your most recent separation qualifies you.

If you end up needing to talk to Washington ESD about your specific situation and can't get through on the phone, definitely check out that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. Really made a difference for me when I had questions about my claim.

The wage requirement is currently $3,800 in your base period and you need wages in at least 2 quarters of that period. If you don't meet the standard base period requirements, they'll look at your alternate base period which uses more recent quarters.

Also remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your weekly payments or pay them when you file your tax return. Just something to keep in mind for planning purposes.

The application process is all online now through SecureAccess Washington. Make sure you apply as soon as possible after your layoff since there's a waiting week and you want to get the process started.

this thread has been super helpful! i was so confused about the requirements but now i think i understand better

One last tip - if you do get approved, make sure you file your weekly claims on time every week. Missing a week can cause delays and complications with your benefits.

And remember you have to report ANY work or income during your weekly claims, even if it's just a few hours. Being honest about everything is crucial.

The whole process can seem overwhelming at first but once you get your claim established it becomes pretty routine. Just stay on top of your weekly filings and job search requirements.

Good luck with your application! Based on what you've described, you should qualify. Just be thorough and honest in your application and you should be fine.

Definitely apply sooner rather than later. The process can take a few weeks to get your first payment, especially if they need to do any additional verification of your employment history.

Just to summarize for anyone else reading this thread: you generally qualify if you lost your job through no fault of your own, meet the wage requirements ($3,800 in base period), are able and available for work, and actively search for jobs. The specific details of your work history will determine your exact eligibility and benefit amount.