Who is eligible for unemployment benefits in Washington state - confused about requirements

You likely qualify based on what you've described. Washington ESD looks at your wages from the last 18 months (your base year) and you need to have earned at least $1,256 in total wages during that period. With $22,000 total earnings, you're well above that threshold. You also need to have worked in at least two quarters of your base year, which it sounds like you did.

There's more to eligibility than just wages though. You also have to be able and available for work, actively seeking work, and your separation from employment can't be for misconduct. Since you were laid off for lack of work, that should be fine for the separation reason.

Just apply already! The worst they can say is no. I spent weeks trying to figure out if I qualified and should have just submitted the application. The system will tell you if you don't meet the wage requirements.

I was in a similar situation last year and had trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask questions about eligibility. Ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent who could review my work history and confirm I qualified before I applied. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me a lot of stress not knowing if I was wasting my time.

The monetary eligibility is just one part. You also can't have quit without good cause. Since you were laid off, that's considered a qualifying separation. But if you had quit the restaurant job, you'd need to prove it was for good cause like unsafe working conditions or harassment.

Don't forget about the work search requirements! You'll need to register with WorkSource and start doing job search activities immediately. It's not just about qualifying initially - you have ongoing requirements to maintain eligibility.

Also check if you're eligible for the maximum benefit amount. With $22,000 in wages, your weekly benefit might be around $200-250 depending on how the wages were distributed across quarters. The formula is complicated but Washington ESD calculates it automatically.

ugh the washington esd system is so confusing. i qualified but it took forever to figure out all the requirements. just make sure you can prove you're looking for work because they do check that stuff

One thing to watch out for - if you do any side work or gig work while collecting, you have to report that income. Even small amounts can affect your weekly benefit payment. I learned this the hard way when I did some freelance work and didn't report it.

Based on your wages you definitely qualify monetarily. The restaurant industry has high turnover so Washington ESD is familiar with layoffs in that sector. Your separation reason should be straightforward. I'd recommend applying sooner rather than later since there's usually a waiting week before benefits start.

Make sure you have all your employment information ready when you apply - dates of employment, wages, reason for separation, employer contact info. The application will ask for details about your last 18 months of work history. Having your pay stubs or W-2s handy makes it easier.

I had wage issues when I first applied because one of my employers hadn't reported my wages correctly to the state. If something looks wrong with the wage calculation on your monetary determination, you can appeal it. Don't just assume the system got it right.

Another eligibility requirement is that you have to be a US citizen or authorized to work. You'll need to provide your Social Security number and they verify work authorization. Also, if you're receiving other benefits like workers comp, that might affect your unemployment eligibility.

Just wanted to mention that if you end up having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone to get specific questions answered about your situation, I've had good luck with Claimyr recently. It's a service that helps you get through to actual agents instead of being stuck on hold forever. Really useful when you need clarification on eligibility requirements specific to your work history.

The job search requirement is probably going to be the hardest part for you to maintain, not the initial eligibility. You have to be genuinely looking for work and available to accept suitable job offers. If you turn down a job offer that's considered suitable, you could lose benefits.