Who is eligible for unemployment benefit - Washington ESD requirements confusing me

So if I filed this week, my base period would be like Q1 2024 through Q4 2024? That includes both my jobs then.

Exactly. Add up all your wages from both jobs during that period and see if you meet the minimum requirements.

What counts as reasonable though? I can't work before 7am because daycare doesn't open until then.

that sounds pretty normal to me, lots of people have childcare constraints. as long as youre not ruling out like 90% of available jobs you should be fine

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work or is it just another way to waste time?

It worked for me. I was able to talk to someone at Washington ESD within a couple days instead of calling for weeks and never getting through.

Yeah it was definitely a layoff, they cut like 6 people because business was slow.

Perfect, that makes your eligibility much more straightforward then.

I understand the frustration but the requirements exist to make sure the system is used correctly and has enough funding for everyone who truly qualifies.

i guess but when youre broke and trying to figure out if you can pay rent next month all these rules just feel like obstacles

Is that the same as the job search log thing I keep hearing about?

WorkSource registration is separate but related. You have to register there AND keep a job search log showing you're actively looking for work each week.

Wait I thought you only had to do 3 job search activities per week now?

Yes, 3 activities per week is the current requirement, but you still have to document them properly.

I think the restaurant job was in like October-December 2023, so that might be too early?

Depends on exactly when you file. If you file in January 2025, your base period would be Q1 2024-Q4 2024, so that restaurant job wouldn't count. But your retail job should still meet the requirements.

True, I guess I'm overthinking it. Better to try than assume I don't qualify.

That's generally good advice, but it's still worth understanding the basics so you know what to expect.

Really? That's concerning. My car works most of the time, it's just not 100% reliable.

You might be okay if you can show you're actively working on the transportation issue or have backup options. They just want to know you're genuinely able to work if offered a job.

I think as long as you don't volunteer the transportation issues unless directly asked, you should be fine. Don't create problems that don't exist yet.

So I wouldn't have to take just any minimum wage job right away?

Not immediately, but the definition of suitable work does expand over time. After several weeks of unemployment, you might be expected to consider lower-paying positions.

How much does something like that cost though? If you're unemployed money is already tight.

It's worth checking out their website for details, but for me the time savings alone made it worthwhile versus calling ESD directly for weeks.

Good point, I'll make sure to set a reminder for that.

I don't think it's intentionally confusing, but it is definitely complex. The rules exist for good reasons even if they're frustrating to navigate.

Maybe not intentionally confusing but they sure don't go out of their way to make it user-friendly either.

Thanks, that's reassuring. I think I'll go ahead and file this week.

Good luck! The process can be slow but if you qualify it's definitely worth it.

What kind of documentation should I keep?

Pay stubs, tax documents, termination letter if you have one, job search records. Basically anything that proves you worked, how much you earned, and why you're unemployed.

I'll definitely keep that in mind if I run into problems. Seems like a few people here have had good experiences with it.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful information. I feel much more confident about applying now.