Unemployment benefits are not based on your financial need. After you apply and are approved, we review your eligibility each week you claim benefits.
To be eligible, you need to:
- Be able and available to work (for example, not out of town on vacation).
- Meet job search requirements.
If you are out of work and not sure if you qualify for benefits, we recommend that you apply. Complete the application as best you can, and we'll follow up with you if we have questions. Learn how to apply for unemployment benefits.
You can also answer a few questions to check your eligibility.
To determine if you qualify, we review:
Hours you worked
You need to have worked at least 680 hours during your base year. Learn more about your base year and estimate your benefit.
Wages you earned
During the last 18 months, you need to have earned at least some of your wages in Washington state. The only exception is if you both:
- Recently left the military or worked for the federal government.
- Are currently located in Washington state.
Reason you separated from your job
You need to have lost your job through no fault of your own. We consider whether:
- You quit your job or were laid off or fired.
- You are on a temporary layoff or furlough.
- You or your union are on strike, lockout or labor dispute.
- You were injured.
- You are a worker affected by foreign trade.
We also consider other factors, such as whether you:
- Are a survivor of domestic violence or stalking.
- Are or were a military member.
- Are part of a group with special rules for unemployment eligibility.
If you are available for suitable work
You need to actively search for a job each week that you want to receive benefits. You also need to be ready, able and willing to immediately accept any suitable work offered. Work is suitable if you are qualified for it and have the skills to do it.
Examples of work that is not suitable
If the work is not in line with your training and experience, we do not consider it suitable. But after a period of time, any job you qualify to do may become suitable work.
Work is also not suitable if:
- It is unreasonably dangerous or you physically cannot do the work.
- It would offend your religious beliefs or morals.
- You need to join or resign from a labor union.
- The hours or working conditions are not as favorable as most other jobs in your occupation in your area.
- It is farther than the usual commuting distance for people in your occupation in your area.
- The wages offered are lower than the wages common for that occupation in your area.
If you are a U.S. citizen
Learn more about collecting benefits, your U.S. citizenship and legal rights.
If you live outside of Washington
You may be eligible for unemployment benefits, even if you moved out of state. Learn more about filing for benefits if you are moving into or out of Washington state.
How long you can collect benefits
Normally, you can collect regular unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks during your benefit year. This is the 52 weeks that start when you first apply for benefits.
You don't need to claim benefits every week. We won't close your claim if you don't file each week. You can start filing claims again any time until your benefit year ends.
You need to wait until your benefit year is over before opening a new claim in Washington.
If you get a job
Once you get a new job, you can simply stop filing weekly claims. You don't have to stop or close your claim.
Extensions to your benefits
Extended Benefits are not available in Washington at this time.
Special circumstances may activate programs that extend benefits beyond 26 weeks. For example, when a recession or pandemic causes the state's unemployment rate to rise. During these times, Extended Benefits could be available. You would first need to claim all your regular benefits and any other special extensions.
The U.S. Department of Labor calculates unemployment rates that trigger Extended Benefits. They let us know when they allow us to provide Extended Benefits. When the rate lowers back to the normal range, we phase out the benefits over time.
Part-time work
You can work part time and still get benefits. In fact, working part time usually extends the number of weeks you can draw benefits. The extra wages also may help you qualify for a new claim when your benefit year ends.
Keep in mind:
- We reduce your benefits according to the earning deduction chart (PDF, 229 KB).
- You still need to search for suitable work.
- If you did not work more than 17 hours in any week in your base year, your job search requirements may be different. You may look for only part-time work.
Occupations exempt from unemployment coverage
If your job is exempt from unemployment coverage, you might still qualify for benefits. You would need to have worked enough hours in your base year from a job or jobs that are not exempt.
Check the exempt professions chart (PDF, 155 KB) to see if your job might be exempt.
Special circumstances and your eligibility
If you take care of someone and cannot work
If you're not able to work because you're caring for someone, you may not qualify for benefits. Apply anyway. We will review your circumstances and determine if you qualify.
If you are receiving Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits
You cannot receive both unemployment and Paid Leave benefits at the same time.