Washington Unemployment Benefit Eligibility Requirements
You must have 680 hours of covered employment in your base year to meet the initial requirements to qualify for a Unemployment Insurance Benefit claim. You must also have wages in Washington in order to file your unemployment claim against the state of Washington. read more
You need to give the reason you became unemployed.
- You are probably eligible if your employer laid you off for lack of work.
- We have to make a decision about your eligibility if you voluntarily quit your job, were fired or suspended by your employer, or are on a leave of absence.
- We will get information about your separation from both you and your employer. Both you and your employer have an opportunity to respond to each other’s version of the separation. We will then issue a written decision based on the information we gathered.
You must be physically able to work, available for work, and actively seeking suitable work.
Your claim is good for a “benefit year,” which is 52 weeks, beginning with the week you file your application. You cannot file a new claim in Washington until your benefit year is over, even though you may have received all of your benefits. Most claims receive between 13 to 26 weeks of benefits.
Total unemployment Insurance Benefit in Washington:In Washington state, the maximum weekly benefit amount is $624. The minimum is $148. No one who is eligible for benefits will receive less than this, regardless of his or her earnings.