Who can collect unemployment benefits in Washington - eligibility requirements?

Basic eligibility for Washington ESD unemployment requires you to have worked and earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period. You need to be able and available for work, actively seeking employment, and unemployed through no fault of your own. Being a student doesn't automatically disqualify you, but you need to be available for full-time work during normal business hours.

You also need to meet minimum earnings requirements. In Washington, you need to have earned wages equal to at least 680 times the state minimum wage in your base period. That's about $11,220 based on current minimum wage. Plus you need earnings in at least two quarters of your base period.

honestly trying to get through to washington esd to ask these questions is impossible. ive been calling for weeks and either get disconnected or sit on hold forever. someone told me about this service called claimyr that helps you get through to actual agents - has anyone tried it? they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

Being a student can complicate things but doesn't automatically disqualify you. The key is you have to be available for full-time work. If your class schedule prevents you from accepting a full-time job during normal business hours, that could be an issue. You'll need to show you're genuinely seeking work despite being in school.

wait can part time workers even get unemployment?? I thought you had to be full time

Don't forget about the job search requirements too. You need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a log of your search activities. Some people think unemployment is just free money but there are ongoing requirements to maintain eligibility.

Also if you quit your job you usually can't get unemployment unless it was for good cause. If you were laid off or had your hours reduced significantly like you mentioned, that should qualify as involuntary separation.

ugh the whole system is so confusing. I gave up trying to figure it out and just started working more jobs instead. probably losing money but at least I don't have to deal with ESD

One thing to be aware of is that if you're receiving financial aid for school, that might affect your unemployment benefits. I'm not sure of the exact rules but I think there can be some overlap issues.

The other thing about students is you need to show you're prioritizing work over school. Like if you get a job offer that conflicts with your class schedule, you'd need to be willing to drop classes to take the job.

BTW if you do apply and get approved, make sure you understand the weekly certification process. You have to file a weekly claim every week to continue receiving benefits and answer questions about your job search activities.

Just want to echo what others said about Claimyr - I was skeptical at first but it really does work for getting through to Washington ESD. I had a complex situation with my claim and needed to talk to someone who could actually help. Worth checking out their site if you run into issues.

Don't forget you can also check if you qualify for other programs. If you don't qualify for regular unemployment, there might be other assistance programs available depending on your situation.

honestly just apply and see what happens. worst case they deny you and you're no worse off than you are now. the application process will walk you through everything

One more thing - if you do get approved, your weekly benefit amount will be based on your earnings during your base period. With part-time work your benefit amount might be lower than someone who worked full-time, but something is better than nothing.

The whole thing about being able and available for work is key. I know someone who got denied because they couldn't work certain days due to childcare issues. You need to be genuinely available for work during normal business hours.

Just remember the process can take a while, especially if your claim goes into adjudication. Don't expect immediate approval - it can take several weeks to get your first payment even if everything goes smoothly.

Based on what you described - part-time work for 8 months with reduced hours - you sound like you'd probably qualify. The key things are meeting the wage requirements and being available for work. Being a student adds some complexity but doesn't automatically disqualify you.