When can you get unemployment benefits in Washington - need to know eligibility requirements

Thanks! What counts as the base year exactly? I'm confused about the quarters part.

The base year is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters. So if you file in January 2025, your base year would be October 2023 through September 2024. Washington ESD uses this to calculate your weekly benefit amount based on your wages during that period.

Do you remember how much of a pain it was to apply? I keep hearing Washington ESD is impossible to reach on the phone.

Oh man, calling Washington ESD is a nightmare. I spent weeks trying to get through. Actually ended up using this service called Claimyr that got me connected to an agent in like 15 minutes. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much time and frustration.

What about if you quit because of unsafe working conditions? Does that count as good cause?

Yes, quitting due to unsafe working conditions can qualify as good cause, but you need to document that you tried to resolve the safety issues with your employer first. Washington ESD will review each situation individually during the adjudication process.

This is really helpful, thank you! Sounds like I should qualify since my hours were cut due to slow business.

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

Job search activities include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, informational interviews, creating or updating your resume, and attending workshops at WorkSource Washington. Each activity needs to be documented with specific details like company names, dates, and contact information.

What kind of documentation do I need to have ready?

You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, employment history for the past 18 months (employer names, addresses, dates of employment, reason for separation), and bank account information for direct deposit. If you were laid off, having your termination letter or layoff notice helps too.

You can file immediately after your hours are reduced. Don't wait - there's a one-week waiting period for benefits anyway, so the sooner you file, the sooner you can start receiving payments. File your initial claim online at esd.wa.gov.

Thanks! Going to file today then. This whole situation sucks but at least there's some help available.

You need to be searching for work that would provide you with full-time income equivalent to your previous full-time employment. So if you were working full-time before, you should be looking for full-time positions or multiple part-time positions that would equal full-time hours and pay.

Yeah they're pretty strict about this. You can't just coast on part-time work and partial benefits forever. The goal is to get you back to full employment.

Washington has the SharedWork program where employers can reduce employee hours instead of laying people off, and employees can receive partial unemployment benefits. But this has to be set up by the employer ahead of time - you can't apply for it individually.

Wish my employer had done that instead of just cutting everyone's hours without warning.

How much does that cost? I'm already broke which is why I need unemployment lol

It's worth it for the time you save. I was spending hours every day trying to call. With Claimyr I got through in minutes and got my claim issues resolved. Check out their demo video to see how it works.

What if you get fired but your employer says it was for performance issues but you think it was really because they wanted to avoid paying severance?

That would go through adjudication. Washington ESD investigates disputed claims by contacting both you and your employer. You'd need to provide evidence that the stated reason wasn't the real reason for termination.

Good to know! I definitely need to set up direct deposit then. Did you have any issues with the adjudication process?

Mine went through without adjudication because it was a clear layoff situation. But I've heard if there's any question about your separation from work, adjudication can take 4-6 weeks or longer.

When do you file the weekly claims? Is it the same day every week?

You file for the week ending Saturday, and you can file Sunday through Friday of the following week. Most people file on Sunday for the previous week. Don't wait until Friday - if there are system issues you might miss the deadline.

So true about the phone thing. I gave up trying to call and just used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Actually got my questions answered instead of listening to busy signals all day.

I might have to try that. I've been trying to reach them for two weeks about my claim status.

What makes a job 'suitable work'? Does it have to be the same pay as my old job?

Initially it needs to be similar to your previous work and pay at least 80% of your previous wage. But as time goes on, the standards become less strict. After several weeks you might be required to accept lower-paying work.

How much do they withhold for taxes if you choose that option?

I think it's 10% federal tax withholding. Washington doesn't have state income tax so you don't need to worry about that.

Thanks everyone! This has been super helpful. Going to file my claim tonight and see what happens.

Good luck! Remember to keep track of all your job search activities from day one. Better to have too much documentation than not enough.