What qualifies you for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD?

Thanks! Do you know how much I need to have earned during that base period? I made around $35,000 last year but I'm not sure how the quarters break down.

You need to have earned at least $1,005 in your highest quarter and total wages of at least 1.5 times your highest quarter amount. With $35k annually, you should easily meet those requirements.

Thank you! What counts as the base period exactly? I'm still confused about the quarters part.

Your base period is the first four quarters of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you filed in January 2025, your base period would be January-March 2024, April-June 2024, July-September 2024, and October-December 2024.

What counts as a job search activity? Is it just applying for jobs or are there other things?

Job applications, networking events, job fairs, interviews, contacting employers directly, and even some training activities can count. Just make sure you document everything with dates and details.

What counts as 'sufficient wages'? I'm worried 8 months might not be enough.

You need to have earned wages in at least 2 quarters of your base period, and your total base period wages must be at least 1.25 times your highest quarter. With $2,800/month for 8 months, you should easily meet this requirement.

How does that work exactly? Do they just call for you or something?

They handle the calling and waiting so you don't have to sit on hold for hours. When they get an agent on the line, they connect you directly. Much better than trying to get through yourself.

Good to know! I was planning to wait a week or two to see if they call me back but sounds like I should file now.

Yes definitely file ASAP! I made that mistake and lost out on a week of benefits.

It's actually more complex than just $1000. You need to have earned at least $1,000 in your highest quarter AND your total base period wages must be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter wages. So if your highest quarter was $2000, you'd need at least $3000 total in base period wages.

oh wow i had no idea it was that complicated lol. good thing i qualified anyway

Good point. How long does the application process usually take?

usually takes about 2-3 weeks if there are no issues with your claim. but if they need to investigate anything it can take much longer

I'll definitely look for that tool. Do you remember where on the site it is?

It should be on the main unemployment page under something like 'Am I Eligible' or 'Eligibility Requirements'. The Washington ESD site gets updated pretty regularly so the exact location might change.

Yeah I was definitely laid off, not quit. They told several of us that they had to reduce staff due to budget constraints.

That's exactly the kind of situation unemployment benefits are designed for. You should be good to go.

Is that something I do before or after I apply for unemployment?

You can do it either way, but I'd recommend doing it soon after you apply for benefits. Washington ESD will probably require it anyway.

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

It's worth checking their site for current info. For me it was totally worth it to actually talk to someone instead of spending hours trying to call.

I used Claimyr too when I had questions about my base period wages. Way better than calling 50 times and getting busy signals.

That sounds helpful! I was wondering how I'd even talk to someone if I had questions about my claim.

Is that some kind of paid service? I'm already tight on money and don't want to pay extra just to talk to Washington ESD.

It's worth checking out their site for the details, but honestly after spending hours trying to get through on my own, it was a lifesaver. The alternative is just hoping you can eventually reach someone during their limited phone hours.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like it might be expensive.

It's really reasonable considering how much time and stress it saves. Plus when you're unemployed, your time is valuable for job searching instead of sitting on hold.

I feel your pain. The phone system is definitely frustrating. Have you tried calling first thing in the morning when they open?

Yeah I've tried every time of day. It's just overwhelmed I think. Too many people trying to call and not enough staff.

What if I do some freelance work or odd jobs while I'm looking for full-time work?

You still need to report all earnings. Washington ESD will reduce your benefits based on how much you earn, but you might still qualify for partial benefits.

I graduated in May so no school issues. I am a citizen and physically able to work so I think I'm good on those requirements.

Just make sure you register with WorkSource Washington too - that's required for job search activities.

I was definitely laid off due to company downsizing, so that shouldn't be an issue for me.

What counts as 'good cause' for quitting? I'm thinking about leaving my current job because my boss is making the workplace really hostile.

Good cause can include things like unsafe working conditions, significant changes to your job duties or pay, harassment, or health issues. But you'd need to document everything and potentially go through an adjudication process to prove good cause.

How do I know which base period Washington ESD will use for my claim?

They'll automatically use whichever one gives you the highest benefit amount. The system checks both when you apply.

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

Yes, online applications count. You can also do things like attending job fairs, networking events, or contacting employers directly. Just keep detailed records of what you did, when, and for which employers.

I got audited last year and they wanted specific dates, company names, and contact methods. Be thorough with your documentation!

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

Yes, online applications count, but you need to keep detailed records including the employer name, position, date, and method of contact. You can also attend job fairs, contact employers directly, or work with WorkSource for additional activities.

I hate the job search requirement... feels like busy work when there aren't many jobs in my field right now.

Good to know. I'm definitely available and looking for work right now.

There are some exceptions for approved training programs, but generally you need to be available for work.

When are weekly claims due? Is there a specific day of the week?

You can file them starting Sunday for the previous week, and they're due by the end of the week. I always file mine on Sunday morning to make sure I don't forget.

That's good to know! I had a short gap between jobs earlier last year.

Same here. I was worried about a 2-month gap but still qualified. The key is having enough total wages during those base period quarters.

Wait really? I thought they got rid of that permanently.

Nope, it's back as of 2023. First week is unpaid but you still need to file your weekly claim for that week.

That's a good idea. I might stop by one of those offices to make sure I'm doing everything correctly.

Definitely worth it, especially for your first time applying. They can walk you through the whole process and answer any questions you have.

Oh no! I was laid off 3 weeks ago but haven't filed yet. Am I too late?

No you're not too late, but you won't get benefits for those 3 weeks you waited. File immediately! The sooner you file, the sooner your claim can be processed.

This is so important! I tell everyone to file right away. There's no waiting period in Washington - you can file the day after you lose your job.

I'm not in school and I'm definitely available for work, so that should be fine.

What if you're taking care of a sick family member? Does that affect your availability?

It could, depending on the situation. If it prevents you from accepting work during normal hours, Washington ESD might consider you not available. But there are some exceptions for family care situations.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. I feel much more confident about applying now.

Good luck with your application! The process can seem overwhelming at first but it's not too bad once you get started.

That's reassuring! I was worried since this was my first real job.

Your work history sounds solid for 8 months. Much better than people who work part time or have gaps.

I'll definitely keep that in mind if I run into issues. Thanks for the tip!

How long did it take them to get you through to Washington ESD?

It was pretty quick actually - much faster than my failed attempts at calling directly. They handle the waiting and getting through the phone system for you.

Thanks! Is there anything specific I should know about filing online vs calling?

Online is definitely the way to go. The phone lines are always busy and the website walks you through everything step by step.

They said the layoffs were permanent due to store closure, so I don't think standby applies to me.

Good, that makes it simpler. Permanent layoff is straightforward - you should qualify for regular UI benefits.

How long does adjudication usually take if it happens?

Can be anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on how busy they are and if they need additional info. Just be patient and respond quickly to any requests for information.

I was in adjudication for 3 weeks last year. If you need to talk to someone about your case, Claimyr really helps get through to ESD agents instead of waiting forever on hold.

That would really help with my bills while I'm job hunting. Do you know how long benefits last?

Standard unemployment in Washington is up to 26 weeks, but the exact amount depends on your work history and wages. Some people qualify for fewer weeks if their base period wages are lower.

Will do! Thanks everyone for all the helpful info.

Good luck with your claim! The process can be confusing at first but you'll get the hang of it.

That's good to know! I've only worked in Washington though.

This is called interstate wage combining. Super helpful for people who move between states for work.

I didn't get any severance, just my final paycheck. So I should be good there.

Lucky you! My severance delayed my benefits by 6 weeks. It's calculated based on how much you got and your weekly benefit amount.

That's probably what I'll do. Better to apply and find out than assume I don't qualify.

Exactly! The worst they can say is no, but you might be surprised and qualify when you thought you wouldn't.

Good point! I'll make sure to understand all the ongoing requirements too.

The weekly claims are pretty straightforward once you get used to them. Just don't forget to file each week or you'll lose that week's benefits.

It sounds like a lot of people have had success with that service. I'll definitely check it out if I need help.

Same experience here. Sometimes you just need to talk to an actual person at Washington ESD and this made it possible.