Who can apply for unemployment in Washington - confused about eligibility requirements

What if I quit my previous job for a good reason like taking care of family? Does that disqualify me completely?

There are some 'good cause' reasons for quitting that may still qualify you, including caring for an ill family member. You'd need to provide documentation and Washington ESD would review your specific situation during adjudication.

That's helpful! I think I probably made enough between both jobs. Do they count wages from jobs where you quit?

Yes, all wages you earned during your base period count toward the wage requirement, regardless of how those jobs ended. The separation issue only matters for your most recent job.

Is that legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks and keep getting hung up on.

Yeah it's real. They basically handle the waiting and calling for you until they get an actual person, then connect you. Saved me hours of redial hell.

What counts as 'significantly reduced' hours? My boss cut me from 35 hours to 15 hours per week.

That would likely qualify as a significant reduction. You can file for partial unemployment benefits when your hours are cut substantially, even if you're still working some.

Good point about the work authorization. What if you're taking some college classes part-time?

Part-time school is usually okay as long as you're still available for full-time work and can attend job interviews. Full-time students typically can't collect unless they're in approved training programs.

Temp workers definitely can qualify! The temp agencies should have been paying into the unemployment system on your behalf. All those wages count toward your base period earnings.

That's great to know. I was worried because I worked for like 4 different temp agencies throughout the year.

How many job search activities do you need to do per week?

It depends on your situation, but typically 3-5 job search activities per week. Check your requirements when you file - they'll tell you exactly what you need to do.

That's good info. Do spouses of military members get any special treatment if they had to quit jobs due to PCS moves?

Yes! Military spouse job loss due to permanent change of station is considered good cause for separation in Washington. You'd still need to meet the other requirements though.

How long does the adjudication process usually take?

It varies a lot - can be anywhere from 2-8 weeks depending on complexity and their workload. More complex cases with job separation issues tend to take longer.

Oh wow, I didn't know there was a time limit. My hours got cut 3 weeks ago, so I need to file soon.

Yes, file as soon as possible! You can always withdraw the claim if you find work, but you can't go back and claim those missed weeks.

What if you were both self-employed and had a regular job? Like freelancing on the side but also working part-time?

The W-2 wages from your part-time job would count toward regular unemployment eligibility. The self-employment income wouldn't count for UI purposes, but you'd still need to report it if you're collecting benefits.

Is WorkSource just online or do you have to go to physical locations?

You can do most things online at WorkSourceWA.com, but they also have physical locations for in-person services. The online registration and job search tools are pretty comprehensive.

How much does that service cost? I'm already stressed about money.

I focused more on the time it saved me than the cost. When you're dealing with potential weeks of delayed benefits, getting clear answers quickly is worth it. Check out their demo video to see if it makes sense for your situation.

That's good to know. I was worried my age might be an issue since I'm still pretty young.

Nope, as long as you worked and earned the required wages, age isn't a factor. The system is pretty straightforward about the basic requirements.

Can you get unemployment if you're on strike?

Generally no, you can't collect unemployment while participating in a labor dispute. But there are some exceptions if the strike lasts a really long time or in certain circumstances.

Thanks everyone! This has been really helpful. I think I'll file this week and see what happens.

Good choice. Remember to keep detailed records of your job search activities from day one, even during adjudication. You'll need them for your weekly claims.

How long do you have to file an appeal?

You have 30 days from the date of the determination notice to file an appeal. Don't wait until the last minute though - gather your documentation and file as soon as you can.

I might need that if my claim gets complicated. Thanks for mentioning it throughout this thread.

Yeah, the calling situation with Washington ESD is pretty rough right now. Any service that actually gets you through to a person sounds helpful.

Agreed! Really appreciate everyone taking the time to explain everything so clearly.

Forums like this are so much more helpful than trying to navigate the government websites alone. Hope everyone gets their benefits sorted out quickly.