Who are eligible for unemployment benefits - Washington ESD requirements confusion

You can definitely qualify for unemployment benefits in Washington even if you worked part-time! The main requirements are that you earned enough wages during your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters), you're unemployed through no fault of your own, and you're able and available to work. Part-time vs full-time doesn't disqualify you automatically.

The Washington ESD website has a tool where you can check your wage history to see if you meet the monetary requirements. You'll need your Social Security number to access it through SecureAccess Washington (SAW). Don't guess - actually check your base period wages.

Just wanted to mention that if you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone to ask about eligibility, I recently discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.

Besides the wage requirements, you also need to be physically able to work and actively looking for work. They'll ask you to register with WorkSource and report your job search activities on your weekly claims. Don't forget that part!

MAKE SURE you weren't fired for misconduct or didn't quit voluntarily without good cause. Store closure definitely counts as being laid off through no fault of your own, so you should be good on that front. But Washington ESD will verify the reason for separation with your employer.

One thing that trips people up is the base period calculation. It's not just your most recent earnings - it's specific quarters. If you started working in March 2024 and got laid off in November 2024, your base period might not include all your recent wages depending on when exactly you file.

Don't forget you also have to be a US citizen or have work authorization. And you need to be unemployed or working less than full-time hours with reduced wages. Since you're completely laid off, that part should be straightforward.

I was in a similar situation last year - part-time retail worker who got laid off when the company downsized. I qualified for benefits even though I was only working 25 hours per week. The key is having enough total wages in your base period, not how many hours per week you worked.

Just apply! The worst they can do is say no, and then you'll know for sure. The online application isn't that complicated and you'll find out pretty quickly if you meet the basic requirements. Don't overthink it.

There are also some special eligibility rules for people who were in training programs or had their work hours reduced. Since you mentioned store closure, you might also want to look into Trade Adjustment Assistance if your employer was affected by foreign competition, though that's pretty specific.

The eligibility interview is usually pretty straightforward if you were laid off. They'll ask about your work history, why you're unemployed, and verify you're able and available to work. Just be honest and have your employment dates and wage information ready.

I had issues getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my eligibility. Ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and it really did help me connect with an agent who could review my specific situation. Worth considering if you need to talk to someone directly.

Remember that even if you qualify, there's usually a one-week waiting period before you can start receiving benefits. And you have to file weekly claims to keep receiving payments. Don't skip weeks even if you think you might find a job soon.

If you do apply and get approved, make sure you understand the job search requirements. In Washington you need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep detailed records. They can audit your search activities.

Based on what you've described - part-time work for 8 months earning $850/month, laid off due to store closure - you very likely qualify for unemployment benefits. I'd recommend applying as soon as possible since there can be delays in processing claims right now.