Who can receive unemployment benefits in Washington state - confused about eligibility

Thanks! What exactly is the base period? Is that just the last 8 months I worked?

Base period is the first 4 quarters of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be July 2023 - June 2024. It's not just your recent work that counts.

Ugh this is so confusing. How do I even find out what my wages were in each quarter?

washington esd will calculate it when you apply. they have access to your wage records from employers. but you can also check your old paystubs if you kept them

What counts as misconduct? I'm worried because I got written up once for being late but I was laid off due to budget cuts.

If you were laid off due to budget cuts, that's not misconduct - that's lack of work. Misconduct usually means things like theft, violence, repeated policy violations, or deliberately poor performance. One write-up for tardiness wouldn't disqualify you if you were ultimately laid off for economic reasons.

How much does that service cost though? I'm already unemployed and don't want to spend money if I don't have to.

It's worth it when you need real answers about your claim. Way better than spending days trying to get through on your own. The time savings alone made it valuable for me.

never heard of that service but honestly anything is better than the washington esd phone system. i literally called 300 times in one day and never got through

I only had the one retail job so hopefully that keeps it simple for me.

That should make it straightforward. Just make sure you have your employer information ready when you apply - company name, address, dates of employment, and reason for separation.

Getting denied doesn't prevent you from reapplying if your situation changes. You also have the right to appeal a denial if you think it was wrong. Don't let fear stop you from applying if you think you might qualify.

Thank you, I really needed to hear that. I've been putting off applying because I'm scared of rejection.

The requirements exist to prevent fraud and ensure the system is used by people who genuinely need it and have contributed to it through their work history. I understand it's frustrating though.

i guess that makes sense but when you're broke and need help the last thing you want is a bunch of hoops to jump through

That's encouraging! I think I'm going to go ahead and apply this weekend.

definitely apply! i waited 3 weeks thinking i didnt qualify and just lost out on benefits i could have been collecting

Good point about partial benefits. I didn't know that was a thing.

Yeah, if you're working part-time but earning less than your weekly benefit amount, you might still qualify for some unemployment. The calculations are tricky though.

That's really reassuring to hear from someone with experience. I think I was psyching myself out.

Exactly! The application process will walk you through everything and calculate your wages automatically. Don't overthink it - just apply and see what happens.

I'm definitely planning to look for work anyway, so that shouldn't be a problem.

the job search requirements are pretty reasonable - you need to make 3 job contacts per week and keep a log. washington esd explains it all during the application process

How long did the correction process take?

About 2 weeks once I submitted the right paperwork. The key was getting through to someone at Washington ESD to explain the situation, which took forever using their regular phone system.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr - situations like that where you need to actually talk to someone but can't get through the normal way.

What's adjudication? That sounds scary.

Adjudication just means they're reviewing your claim to make sure everything is correct. It can happen if there are questions about why you left your job or if your employer disputes something. Most claims go through without any issues.

Ugh I'm terrible at keeping paperwork. Hopefully Washington ESD has most of the wage info they need.

They usually do - employers are required to report wages. But it's good to have your own records just in case there are discrepancies.

You're right, I'm overthinking this. Going to apply tonight. Thanks everyone for all the helpful info!

good luck! hope it works out for you. unemployment benefits really helped me get through my job search

26 weeks should be plenty of time to find something new. Retail jobs are pretty available right now.

That's a good attitude! The benefits are meant to be temporary support while you find your next opportunity.