When do I qualify for unemployment benefits in Washington - confused about requirements

Thanks! What exactly counts as my 'base period'? I'm still confused about how they calculate that.

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

Did you have any trouble with the application process? I keep hearing horror stories about Washington ESD being impossible to reach.

The online application itself wasn't too bad, but yeah getting through to someone on the phone when I had questions was a nightmare. Spent hours trying to call.

Never heard of that but anything's better than the endless busy signals. How much does something like that cost?

They focus on the value of actually connecting you rather than the cost. Honestly after wasting entire days trying to call myself, it was worth it to just get through and get my questions answered.

Interesting, I'll keep that in mind if I run into issues. Hopefully the online system works for basic stuff.

What does 'actively seeking work' mean exactly? Do I need to apply for a certain number of jobs each week?

Yes, you need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. This can include applying for jobs, networking, attending job fairs, etc. You'll report these when you file your weekly claims.

I understand the frustration, but the requirement exists even for partial unemployment. You still need to show you're looking for full-time work or additional part-time work to supplement your reduced hours.

yeah i get it, just seems like extra paperwork when my job said they might have more hours soon

File as soon as you're eligible. Benefits are paid from the date you file your claim, not when it gets processed. Even if your hours come back, you can always stop filing weekly claims. But you can't get benefits for weeks before you initially filed.

Definitely file now. I made the mistake of waiting a few weeks thinking my situation would improve and lost out on those benefits permanently.

Correct - Washington has partial unemployment benefits. Your weekly benefit amount gets reduced based on how much you earn that week, but you can still receive some benefits if you're working reduced hours.

That's actually really helpful to know. My hours have been inconsistent for months.

I'll check that out, thanks! Do you remember if it was pretty accurate?

It was close - my actual weekly benefit amount was within about $10 of what the calculator estimated.

What kind of documents do they typically ask for?

Usually driver's license or state ID, Social Security card, and sometimes additional proof of identity. The ID.me verification process can be tricky - make sure you have good lighting and a clear camera.

Good point about ID.me. Sometimes the automated verification doesn't work and you have to do a video call with a live agent, which can add delays.

What's the difference? My manager just said they don't have hours for me right now but to check back.

Standby means you have a definite return-to-work date and aren't required to look for other work. Sounds like your situation is more like indefinite layoff or hour reduction, which means you'd need to do job searches.

Like I mentioned earlier, I used Claimyr to get through. Worked way better than trying to call myself. Sometimes you just need to talk to an actual person to resolve issues.

Yeah I saw your comment about that. Might have to look into it because this is ridiculous.

Good advice. Should I be documenting the conversation with my manager about potentially getting more hours back?

Absolutely. Date, time, what was discussed. If they put you back to full hours, Washington ESD might ask about the circumstances of your hour reduction and restoration.

Wait, so even if I qualify, I don't get paid for the first week?

Correct. The first week you're eligible is a non-payable waiting week. You still need to file the weekly claim, but you won't receive benefits for that week.

I feel you. The system definitely has issues. But at least once you get through the initial setup, the weekly claims are pretty routine.

True, the weekly filing part is easy enough once you get used to it.

Report it on your weekly claim for the week when the change occurred. Don't try to report it between weekly claims - just wait until your regular filing day.

Thanks, that makes sense. Wasn't sure about the timing.

That's reassuring to hear. Did you end up getting your full hours back eventually?

Yeah, took about 3 months but they did bring me back to full-time. Having the partial unemployment during that period made all the difference.

What day of the week do you file? Is it the same for everyone?

You can file weekly claims Sunday through Saturday, but they're for the week ending on Saturday. Most people file on Sunday for the previous week, but you have flexibility.

That's good to hear. I think I'm overthinking it because it's all new to me.

totally normal to be nervous about it. just take it one step at a time

Thank you everyone for all the helpful information. I feel much more confident about moving forward with filing now.

You're welcome! Remember, if you run into any issues or need to speak with Washington ESD directly, don't hesitate to use resources like Claimyr to actually get through to someone.