How to Qualify for Unemployment Insurance in Washington

As in other states, Washington has an unemployment insurance program for workers in the state. The program offers unemployment benefits to people who have become unemployed in the state. You can be denied benefits in Washington if you do not meet all of the necessary qualifications for unemployment insurance. Qualification requirements in Washington are similar to those in other states.

Instructions

1

Work at least 680 hours in the first four quarters of the past five quarters before you apply for unemployment benefits. Quarters are three-month periods as follows: January through March, April through June, July through September and October through December. At least a portion of those hours must be in Washington state.

2

Apply for benefits only if you lost your job due to a layoff or for another reason that was not your fault.

3

Seek new employment actively and be ready and able to accept employment. Actively seeking employment is typically defined as contacting at least three employers each week in an attempt to secure a new job.