Why is youth unemployment so high - Washington ESD questions for first-time filers
I'm 19 and just got laid off from my first real job at a retail store after 8 months. When I went to file for unemployment with Washington ESD, I'm seeing all these statistics about how hard it is for young people to find work and get approved for benefits. My older coworkers keep telling me that youth unemployment rates are crazy high and that Washington ESD might not even approve my claim because I haven't worked long enough. Is this true? What makes it so much harder for people my age to get unemployment benefits or find new jobs? I'm really stressed about this whole process.
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Zadie Patel
Youth unemployment is higher for several reasons - less work experience, employers preferring experienced workers, and yes, Washington ESD has work history requirements. You need to have earned at least $1,005 in your base period to qualify for benefits. Since you worked 8 months, you should be fine if you made decent wages.
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Ali Anderson
•I made about $15/hour so I think I should qualify. But what's this base period thing? Washington ESD's website is confusing.
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Zadie Patel
•Your base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed. So if you filed in January 2025, it would be January-December 2024. Washington ESD uses this to calculate your benefits.
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A Man D Mortal
Young people face more barriers - age discrimination (even though it's illegal), lack of professional networks, and competition with more experienced workers. The job market is tough for everyone but especially brutal for new graduates and first-time workers.
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Declan Ramirez
•This is so true. I'm 22 and applied to 50+ jobs before getting hired. Employers want experience but won't give you a chance to get it.
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A Man D Mortal
•Exactly! It's a catch-22 situation. That's why unemployment benefits are so important for young workers - gives you time to find something decent instead of taking any minimum wage job.
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Emma Morales
Had the same problem when I was 20. Washington ESD approved my claim but it took FOREVER to get through to someone when I had questions. If you're having trouble reaching them, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.
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Ali Anderson
•Is that legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for three days and keep getting hung up on.
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Emma Morales
•Yeah it's real. I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They handle the calling part so you don't have to sit on hold for hours.
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Katherine Hunter
•How much does something like that cost though? I'm already broke from being unemployed.
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Lucas Parker
youth unemployment is high because NOBODY wants to work anymore!!! when I was young we took ANY job and were grateful for it. now kids think they're too good for entry level positions
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Zadie Patel
•That's not really accurate. Youth unemployment has been a persistent issue for decades, even when the overall economy is good. It's more about structural barriers than work ethic.
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Ali Anderson
•I literally just got laid off through no fault of my own. I didn't quit or turn down any jobs. This isn't about not wanting to work.
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Declan Ramirez
The stats are depressing but don't let them discourage you. Washington ESD does approve claims for young workers if you meet the requirements. The bigger issue is that even with unemployment benefits, finding a new job takes longer when you're young.
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Ali Anderson
•How long did it take you to find work after filing for unemployment?
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Declan Ramirez
•About 3 months, but I was picky about finding something with growth potential. Washington ESD requires you to do job searches every week anyway so you might as well be strategic about it.
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Donna Cline
make sure u file ur weekly claims on time every week or they'll cut u off. washington esd is strict about that stuff
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Ali Anderson
•When do I need to file them? And what happens if I'm late?
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Donna Cline
•every week between sunday and saturday. if ur late they might stop ur payments and u have to explain why
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Zadie Patel
To answer your original question more directly - youth unemployment is high because of several economic factors: 1) Young workers are often first to be laid off during downturns, 2) Many entry-level positions have been eliminated or automated, 3) Employers prefer experienced workers even for 'entry-level' jobs, 4) Young people often lack professional networks that lead to job opportunities.
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Ali Anderson
•That makes sense. So it's not just me being unlucky - it's actually harder for people my age?
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Zadie Patel
•Exactly. The youth unemployment rate is typically 2-3 times higher than the overall unemployment rate, even in good economic times. It's a real structural issue.
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Harper Collins
Don't forget about the job search requirements! Washington ESD makes you apply to 3 jobs per week and keep a log. As a young person, you actually have an advantage here because you're probably more comfortable with online applications and social media job searching.
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Ali Anderson
•What kind of jobs count for the job search requirement? Can I apply to anything or does it have to be related to my previous job?
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Harper Collins
•It needs to be work you're qualified for and that pays at least 75% of your previous wage. But since you're young and just starting out, you have more flexibility than someone with a specialized career.
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Kelsey Hawkins
I'm dealing with this same situation. 21 years old, laid off from my first office job. Washington ESD approved my claim but the weekly benefit amount is pretty low since I hadn't been working that long. Still better than nothing though.
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Ali Anderson
•How much do you get if you don't mind me asking? I'm trying to figure out if it'll be enough to cover my bills.
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Kelsey Hawkins
•About $280 per week. Washington ESD calculates it based on your highest earning quarter in the base period. Since I was only making $14/hour, it's not much.
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A Man D Mortal
One thing that helps young unemployed workers is taking advantage of WorkSourceWA resources. They have job training programs, resume help, and career counseling specifically for people just starting their careers. Washington ESD actually requires you to register with WorkSourceWA anyway.
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Ali Anderson
•I haven't heard of WorkSourceWA. Is that different from Washington ESD?
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A Man D Mortal
•WorkSourceWA is the job search/training side, Washington ESD handles the unemployment benefits. They work together - you'll need to register with WorkSourceWA to keep getting your benefits.
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Dylan Fisher
Been there! When I was 20 I got laid off and thought my life was over. Turns out Washington ESD benefits gave me time to actually think about what I wanted to do instead of just grabbing the first job I could find. Used that time to learn new skills and ended up in a better position.
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Ali Anderson
•That's encouraging. I was worried about the gap in my resume but maybe I can use this time productively.
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Dylan Fisher
•Absolutely! Just make sure you're meeting all the Washington ESD requirements while you're job searching. Don't risk losing your benefits.
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Edwards Hugo
The system is rigged against young people honestly. You need experience to get a job but need a job to get experience. Then when you finally get hired, you're the first to get cut when business slows down. At least Washington ESD benefits help bridge the gap.
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Gianna Scott
•This is why I tell young people to always have a backup plan. The job market is brutal.
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Ali Anderson
•I wish someone had told me this before I got laid off. I thought once I had a job I was set.
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Emma Morales
Just wanted to follow up on the Claimyr thing - I used it again last week when I had questions about my job search log. Got through to a Washington ESD agent in like 20 minutes instead of spending all day trying to call. Definitely worth it when you need answers fast.
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Ali Anderson
•I might have to try that. I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for a week now with no luck.
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Alfredo Lugo
•Same here. The phone system is impossible. If this Claimyr thing actually works, it could save me so much frustration.
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Sydney Torres
Young people also face unique challenges like not having established credit, living with parents vs. having their own place, and not knowing how to navigate bureaucratic systems like Washington ESD. It's a learning curve on top of already difficult job searching.
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Ali Anderson
•Yeah, I had no idea how complicated the unemployment system would be. The Washington ESD website is so confusing.
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Sydney Torres
•It gets easier once you understand the process. Just take it one step at a time and don't be afraid to ask questions.
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
my daughter went through this last year. took her 4 months to find work even with unemployment benefits. the key is staying persistent and not getting discouraged. washington esd keeps you afloat but you still have to do the work to find a job
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Ali Anderson
•4 months sounds scary but I guess that's better than being homeless. At least Washington ESD provides some stability.
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•exactly. and she ended up with a better job than the one she lost. sometimes these setbacks work out for the best
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Caleb Bell
Don't let the statistics get you down. Yes, youth unemployment is higher, but that doesn't mean YOU won't find work. Focus on what you can control - filing your Washington ESD claims on time, meeting job search requirements, and improving your skills while you look.
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Ali Anderson
•Thanks for the encouragement. I'm trying to stay positive but it's hard when everyone keeps talking about how tough it is for young people.
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Caleb Bell
•I get it. Just remember that you only need ONE job, not to solve the entire youth unemployment problem. Stay focused on your own search.
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Danielle Campbell
One advantage young people have is being more adaptable to new industries and technologies. Don't limit yourself to traditional entry-level jobs - look at emerging fields where your age and tech comfort could be an asset.
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Ali Anderson
•That's a good point. I am pretty comfortable with technology and social media. Maybe I should look at marketing or tech support jobs.
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Danielle Campbell
•Exactly! And those fields often care more about skills and potential than years of experience. Play to your strengths.
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Rhett Bowman
Just remember that Washington ESD benefits are temporary - maximum of 26 weeks in most cases. Use that time wisely to find something good rather than just settling for anything. The job market is tough but you have options.
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Ali Anderson
•26 weeks seems like a lot but I know it'll go by fast. I need to get serious about job searching.
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Rhett Bowman
•It does go by fast, especially if you're being picky about finding the right fit. But being strategic about your job search is usually worth it in the long run.
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Abigail Patel
Bottom line - youth unemployment is high because of systemic issues, not because young people don't want to work. Washington ESD benefits help level the playing field by giving you time to find decent work instead of taking the first minimum wage job you can find. Use that time wisely.
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Ali Anderson
•This whole thread has been really helpful. I feel like I understand the situation better now and have a plan for moving forward.
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Abigail Patel
•Good luck! And don't hesitate to reach out if you run into issues with Washington ESD or need advice on job searching. The community here is pretty supportive.
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