What qualifies you for unemployment benefits in Washington - need clarification on eligibility

You'll need to meet Washington's base period earnings requirements first. For 2025, you need at least $1,800 in covered wages during your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed). Sounds like with 2+ years of full-time work you should easily meet that. The job separation also matters - being laid off due to business closure is typically qualifying, unlike if you quit or were fired for misconduct.

The 'able and available' requirement means you're physically able to work, available for work, and actively seeking work. You'll need to register with WorkSource Washington and conduct job search activities each week. For most people that means applying to jobs, networking, attending job fairs, etc. You'll log these activities when you file your weekly claims.

honestly the whole process is super confusing and washington esd's phone lines are always busy when you try to call with questions. took me forever to get through when i had issues with my claim

You also need to be unemployed through no fault of your own. Restaurant closure due to owner retirement definitely qualifies. Just make sure when you file that you accurately describe the reason for separation. Washington ESD will verify with your employer so be honest about the circumstances.

Make sure you file ASAP! You can't get benefits for weeks before you file your initial claim, even if you were eligible. The waiting period starts from when you file, not when you became unemployed.

The system is ridiculous. They make it so complicated when people are already stressed about losing their jobs. And don't even get me started on how long adjudication takes if there's ANY question about your claim.

For restaurant workers specifically, make sure all your tip income was properly reported. If you had significant unreported tips, that could affect your base period wages and benefit amount calculation. Most servers have some cash tips that weren't fully reported, but try to be as accurate as possible about your actual earnings.

You'll also want to start documenting your job search activities immediately, even before you file. Keep records of where you apply, when, what positions, etc. Washington ESD requires detailed work search logs and it's easier to track from the beginning than try to remember later.

when i filed last year it took like 3 weeks to get my first payment even though my claim was approved right away. just warning you that even if everything goes smoothly there can still be delays

One more important point - if you have any other income while receiving benefits (part-time work, freelance, etc.), you must report it when filing your weekly claims. Even small amounts can affect your benefits, and failure to report can result in overpayment issues later.

Just to follow up on the Claimyr thing I mentioned earlier - I used them when I had questions about my job search requirements and it was so much easier than trying to call Washington ESD directly. Saved me hours of redialing busy signals. Really helpful when you need to actually talk to someone who can answer specific questions about your claim.

The eligibility requirements seem straightforward but Washington ESD finds ways to complicate everything. I had to appeal my initial denial even though I was clearly laid off due to budget cuts. Took months to resolve.

This has been really helpful everyone. Sounds like I should definitely qualify based on what you've all said - worked long enough, laid off through no fault of my own, actively looking for work. I'm going to file this week and start keeping detailed job search records. Thanks for all the advice!

make sure you keep checking your account regularly after you file. sometimes they need additional info and if you don't respond quickly it can delay everything

Restaurant industry can be tricky because of the tipped wages and varying hours. Make sure Washington ESD has accurate records of your actual earnings including properly reported tips. Sometimes there are discrepancies between what you know you earned and what employers reported.

Just want to add that restaurant closures are usually pretty clear-cut for UI eligibility. Much simpler than cases where people quit or get fired. Your situation sounds very straightforward compared to some of the complicated cases you see on here.

Don't forget about WorkSource registration - it's required and you need to do it pretty quickly after filing. They have online services and local offices if you need help with resume writing or job search strategies.

One more thing about getting help when you need it - I mentioned Claimyr earlier but wanted to add that they were really helpful when I had questions about WorkSource requirements too. Sometimes you just need to talk to an actual person to understand the rules, and their service makes that possible without the usual phone hassles.

The whole system would be so much easier if they just made the eligibility requirements clearer on their website. Half the confusion comes from trying to interpret vague official language.

OP you sound like a textbook case for approval. Restaurant closure, good work history, actively job searching. I'd be surprised if you had any issues with your claim. Just file soon and follow the weekly filing requirements.