Who can claim unemployment benefits in Washington state?

To qualify for Washington ESD unemployment benefits, you need to meet specific work and wage requirements. You must have earned wages in at least two quarters during your base period (usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters). The minimum is typically around $1,000 in your highest quarter. Part-time work counts toward these requirements, so your retail job should help you qualify if you earned enough.

Students can definitely claim unemployment benefits if they meet the work requirements. I was a student when I filed last year and had no issues. The key is having sufficient work history and being available for work while claiming. Your campus job plus retail work should give you enough quarters.

I've been dealing with Washington ESD for months and honestly getting through to someone to ask these eligibility questions is nearly impossible. The phone lines are always busy and the automated system hangs up on you. I discovered claimyr.com recently and it actually got me connected to an ESD agent within minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made checking my eligibility so much easier than trying to call myself.

wait what about people who work gig jobs? like uber or doordash? do they qualify for regular unemployment or is that different?

The eligibility requirements are pretty straightforward once you understand them. You need sufficient wages in your base period, you must be unemployed through no fault of your own (layoffs, business closures), and you must be able and available for work. Part-time workers, full-time workers, and even some students can qualify as long as they meet these basic criteria.

I had the same confusion when I first looked into this. The Washington ESD website has an eligibility quiz you can take that gives you a rough idea if you qualify. It asks about your work history, reason for separation, and availability. Might be worth trying before you file your actual claim.

Don't forget about the job search requirements too. Even if you qualify initially, you have to keep looking for work and document your job search activities. They're pretty strict about that part.

Also worth mentioning that if you worked in multiple states, you might need to file in the state where you earned the most wages. Washington has agreements with other states for combined wage claims, but it can get complicated.

The system is honestly a nightmare to navigate. I've been trying to get clarification on my eligibility for weeks and keep getting different answers from different ESD reps. The whole thing is so confusing and they make it way harder than it needs to be.

From what I understand, most people who worked regular jobs (even part-time) for at least 6 months in the past year probably qualify. The wage requirements aren't super high - I think you need around $1,000 in your highest earning quarter during the base period.

Military members can also claim unemployment benefits when they separate from service, but there are special rules for military wages. Just thought I'd mention that since not everyone knows.

I was worried I wouldn't qualify because I only worked seasonal jobs last year, but I did qualify. As long as you have enough wages in your base period and meet the other requirements, the type of work doesn't matter as much.

One thing that caught me off guard - if you're receiving any kind of pension or retirement pay, that might affect your unemployment benefits. Just something to keep in mind for anyone who might be in that situation.

The hardest part for me was proving I was laid off and didn't quit. Make sure you keep any documentation about your separation - emails, notices, anything that shows it wasn't voluntary.

If you're still unsure about eligibility, you can always file and let them determine it. The worst they can do is deny your claim, but at least you'll know for sure. Better than not trying at all.

Does anyone know if there are any special considerations for people who were injured on the job? I'm dealing with both workers comp and potentially unemployment and it's confusing.

The Washington ESD website actually has a pretty detailed eligibility checker that walks you through all the requirements step by step. Much easier than trying to figure it out from scattered forum posts.

Just remember that being eligible and actually getting benefits approved can be two different things. I met all the requirements but still had to go through adjudication because my employer contested my claim.

The eligibility isn't that complicated really. Work for at least 680 hours or earn $1,000+ in your base period, lose your job through no fault of your own, be able and available for work. Most people who worked a regular job qualify.

I used that claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and it was honestly a game changer. Got connected to an ESD agent who walked me through the whole eligibility process and helped me understand exactly what I needed to do. Worth checking out if you're having trouble getting through on your own.