When can you collect unemployment in Washington - eligibility requirements?

Thanks! What exactly counts as 'through no fault of your own'? I was laid off due to budget cuts, so I think that qualifies right?

Yes, being laid off due to budget cuts definitely qualifies. That's considered involuntary separation. You wouldn't qualify if you quit without good cause or were fired for misconduct.

Good point, I'll file this weekend. Do I need any specific documents ready when I apply?

Have your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and your most recent pay stub ready. The online application will walk you through everything else.

That's encouraging! I was worried my part-time wages wouldn't be enough to qualify for anything meaningful.

Just remember you'll need to meet the job search requirements too - typically 3 job search activities per week once your claim is active.

I had the same issue until I found claimyr.com - they actually got me through to a Washington ESD agent within minutes. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of frustration.

Seriously? That actually works? I've been calling every morning at 8am and getting nowhere.

Yeah, I was skeptical too but it really does work. They handle all the calling and waiting, then connect you when an agent picks up. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

I did get a small severance payment. Does that delay when I can start collecting?

It might create a waiting period depending on the amount. Washington ESD will calculate how long the severance should theoretically last and may delay benefits accordingly.

Adjudication means they're reviewing something about your claim - could be your separation reason, work history, or wage verification. It's frustrating but unfortunately common right now.

I used Claimyr to get through to someone about my adjudication delay. The agent was able to explain exactly what they were reviewing and gave me a timeline. Worth trying if you're stuck.

You can work part-time and still collect partial unemployment benefits. Just make sure to report all earnings when you file your weekly claims. Washington ESD will reduce your benefit amount based on what you earn.

Good to know! What's the threshold where you'd lose benefits completely?

Generally if you earn more than 1.5 times your weekly benefit amount, you won't receive any unemployment for that week. But every situation is different.

Washington eliminated the waiting week a few years ago. You can get benefits starting from your first week of unemployment if you're eligible.

Oh nice! I was dreading having to wait an extra week for any money to come in.

What counts as a valid job search activity?

Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, informational interviews, working with WorkSource. The key is documenting everything with dates and details.

Good tip! I'll double-check everything when I file my application.

This saved me! My standard base period didn't have enough wages but the alternate base period included my recent raise and I qualified.

Definitely doing direct deposit. How long does it usually take to get your first payment?

If everything goes smoothly, usually 2-3 business days after your first eligible week. But if there are any issues with your claim, it can take much longer.

Thanks for the encouragement! It's scary not having steady income but good to know the safety net is there.

I'll keep that in mind. Better to ask questions upfront than deal with problems later.

Exactly! I waited too long to address an issue with my claim and it ended up costing me several weeks of benefits. Don't make my mistake.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about filing now.