Who can apply for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD?

Thanks! What exactly counts as being unemployed through no fault of your own? My employer reduced my hours but didn't lay me off completely.

Reduction in hours can qualify you for partial unemployment benefits. If your hours were cut significantly, you might be eligible even while still working part-time.

Those wage requirements trip up a lot of people. I thought I qualified but turned out I was just short on the base period earnings.

How do I figure out what my base period is? This is all pretty confusing.

Your base period is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through December 2024.

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work?

Yeah, it worked great for me. I was able to get through and talk to someone who explained exactly what I needed to do instead of just guessing.

That might be helpful. I've been dreading trying to call Washington ESD because I've heard horror stories about wait times.

How many jobs do you have to apply for each week?

I think it's 3 job search activities per week, but they can include things like attending job fairs or networking events, not just applications.

I had no idea self-employed people could get unemployment benefits. How does that work?

Self-employed individuals can opt into the unemployment insurance program by paying voluntary premiums. It's called the Voluntary Coverage program through Washington ESD.

Generally that's true, but there are exceptions for 'good cause' situations like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or significant changes to your job duties or pay.

I quit my job because of harassment and was able to get benefits after going through an interview process to explain the situation.

Good to know there are exceptions. I always thought quitting meant automatic disqualification.

What counts as an approved training program?

Programs approved by Washington ESD for retraining, usually for in-demand occupations. You have to get approval before starting the training.

What happens if you forget to file your weekly claim?

You might lose benefits for that week. There's usually a grace period but it's best to file on time every week.

I get the frustration but the requirements exist to prevent fraud and make sure benefits go to people who actually need them and are trying to find work.

Still think they could simplify it without all the bureaucratic nonsense

That's good to know. I wasn't sure if there were age restrictions.

Yeah, military wages are handled differently. I had to provide my DD-214 when I filed.

Not military but good to know for anyone reading this who might be.

How much does that service cost?

I don't remember the exact cost but it was worth it to avoid the endless calling and busy signals. Check their website at claimyr.com for current info.

That's helpful advice. I was planning to wait a few more weeks to see if my hours pick back up but maybe I should just file now.

Definitely file as soon as you're eligible. You can't get benefits for weeks before you file, so don't wait.

What if you have childcare issues that limit when you can work?

That can affect your availability requirement. You need to be available for a reasonable amount of work in your field, but Washington ESD does consider childcare limitations.

Do you need to be a citizen or just have work authorization?

Just work authorization. Green card holders, people with work visas, etc. can qualify as long as they meet the other requirements.

That might apply to my situation! My hours got cut from 35 to about 15 per week.

Yeah, that sounds like it could qualify for partial benefits. Definitely worth applying to find out.

How long do you have to wait between applications if you were denied?

There's no specific waiting period, but your circumstances need to have actually changed for a new application to be worth filing.

Good luck! Make sure you have all your employment information ready when you file - employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and wages earned.

Will do! And I'll definitely use that claimyr service if I run into any issues reaching Washington ESD.

What kind of questions do they ask in interviews?

Usually about why you're unemployed, your work history, availability for work, and job search efforts. Nothing too scary, just be honest.

Agreed! The official information is so scattered and hard to understand.

That's exactly why I ended up using claimyr to talk to an actual person. Sometimes you just need someone to explain it in plain English.