Who qualifies for unemployment benefits in Washington state - confused about requirements

Thank you! What exactly is the 'base year' they keep mentioning? Is that just the last 12 months?

The base year is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in 2025, your base year would likely be the four quarters of 2024. Washington ESD uses this period to calculate your benefit amount.

The job search thing is what's killing me. I've been calling Washington ESD for weeks trying to get clarification on what counts as a 'job contact' but can never get through to anyone.

I had the same problem with getting through to Washington ESD. Someone on here mentioned claimyr.com - it's a service that helps you actually reach ESD agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Might be worth checking out if you need to talk to someone.

Thanks, I'll look into that. I'm so frustrated with the phone system.

No, you generally can't get unemployment if you quit voluntarily. You have to be unemployed through no fault of your own - like being laid off, fired for non-misconduct reasons, or having your hours reduced significantly.

There are some exceptions though. If you quit for 'good cause' like unsafe working conditions or harassment, you might still qualify. But you'd need to prove it to Washington ESD.

What kind of documentation should I gather before I apply?

Get your Social Security card, driver's license, and any pay stubs or W-2s from the last 18 months. Also have your bank account info ready for direct deposit. If you were fired, get documentation of the reason if possible.

How much do benefits typically pay? Is it a percentage of what you were making?

It's roughly 60% of your average weekly wage, but there's a maximum amount. For 2025, the max weekly benefit is around $999. With your income level, you'd probably get somewhere in the $200-400 range per week.

Good to know! How long does it usually take to get approved?

If everything goes smoothly, about 2-3 weeks. But if they need to verify anything or your claim goes into adjudication, it can take much longer.

I didn't get any severance, just my final paycheck. So I should be good there.

The work history part is definitely confusing. You have to list every employer from the last 18 months, even if you only worked there for a few days. It's tedious but necessary.

yeah and then they want exact dates and addresses and stuff. who remembers all that??

That's really helpful advice. I'll make sure to do that. Thanks!

That's why I ended up using Claimyr to get through to someone knowledgeable. Worth every penny to actually talk to an agent who knew what they were talking about instead of getting hung up on or transferred around.

I've heard good things about that service. Wish I had known about it earlier.

Not planning school right now, but good to know for the future.

What counts as 'suitable work'? Do you have to take any job they offer you?

Generally, suitable work is in your field of experience, pays at least 70% of your previous wage, and is within reasonable commuting distance. But the definition can vary based on how long you've been unemployed.

Wait, so even if I qualify, I don't get anything for the first week? That seems unfair.

Yeah, it's been that way for years. It's just how the system works. Plan accordingly because that first payment might not come for 3-4 weeks after you file.

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