Understanding unemployment benefits if you lost your job in Washington

Losing your job can be stressful, and you may wonder if you can receive unemployment benefits. Your eligibility depends on the reason you are not working. This article will help you understand if you qualify, how to apply, and what steps to take next. 

Eligibility for unemployment benefits

Basic requirements

1. You lost your job through no fault of your own. Some no-fault examples include:

• Economic downturns.
• Business closures.
• Other circumstances outside of your actions.

2. You need to have earned enough wages during your base year.

Your "base year" is made up of the first 4 of the last 5 full calendar quarters before you apply. To qualify for benefits, you need to have worked at least 680 hours. Those hours need be earned from jobs covered by unemployment insurance.

3. You need be ready and able to work and actively seek employment.

To receive unemployment benefits, you need to be willing to accept any suitable job. In addition, you need to look for work each week, using typical methods for your field. You need to track your job search efforts. We recommend using this job search log (PDF, 151KB).

You can learn more by reading about job search requirements.

When eligibility applies

You may qualify for unemployment benefits if your termination does not involve misconduct. Some potential examples include:

• If you struggled to meet job expectations.
• If your mistakes were not intentional or malicious.
• If your termination resulted from a non-malicious misunderstanding.

In these cases, the Employment Security Department (ESD) will determine your eligibility.

Find more examples on ESD’s Laid off or fired page.

When eligibility does not apply

If your termination was due to misconduct, you may not be eligible. Examples of misconduct include:

• Stealing from your employer.
• Intentionally breaking workplace rules.
• Refusing reasonable instructions from your supervisor.
• Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at work.

If your termination involved misconduct, ESD will investigate and may deny your claim.

Additional reasons you may not be eligible include:

• You quit without a valid reason.
• You refused suitable work.

How to apply for unemployment benefits

If you think you are eligible, the next step is to apply. Applying is the best way to confirm your eligibility. Even if you're unsure, submitting an application is the only way to know for sure if you qualify for benefits. Here’s how to get started:

1. Create a SAW account

   Create or log in to your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account. SAW provides access to eServices, where you can complete your unemployment application.

2. Complete your application

   Provide accurate information about your previous jobs, including:

   • Your last employer’s name and address.
   • The reason for your termination.
   • Dates of employment and your earnings.

3. Submit your application

   Follow the prompts to finish and submit your application. For detailed instructions, visit How to apply for unemployment benefits.

What happens next

After submitting your application, we review your case. We may contact you and your former employer for more details. Be prepared to answer questions about your termination and provide any requested documentation. 

While you are waiting for a decision, you need to file your weekly claims.

Receiving benefits

If you qualify for unemployment benefits, you need to:

• Submit weekly claims to report your work and earnings.
• Meet job search requirements by actively looking for work.

Failing to meet these requirements can delay or stop your benefits.

Appeals process

If we deny your claim and you disagree with the decision, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process involves submitting more information for review.

Learn more about how to appeal an unemployment benefits decision.

How to get help

Contact us to clarify eligibility rules, ask questions about an appeal, or get help with a claim.