Hope you get good news soon! The wait is always nerve-wracking but most people's claims do get approved eventually.

I'm in a similar situation - filed my claim 2.5 weeks ago and still waiting for approval. It's really stressful not knowing when it will come through, especially with bills piling up. From what I'm reading here, it sounds like 3-4 weeks is pretty typical for Washington ESD lately, even for straightforward layoff cases. I've been keeping up with my weekly claims like everyone suggests. Has anyone found that checking the SecureAccess Washington account multiple times a day actually helps, or should I try to just check it once a week to preserve my sanity?

This was a really helpful thread. I've been working for about 18 months with a 2-month gap in the middle and was also unsure about applying. Now I know I should definitely give it a try.

Just want to add that I was in almost the exact same situation as you - worked about 15 months with gaps between jobs and was terrified to apply because I thought there was some 2-year continuous work requirement. Turns out that's completely wrong! I applied last fall and got approved pretty quickly. The base period wage calculation is actually pretty straightforward once you understand it's about total earnings in specific quarters, not continuous employment. Don't psych yourself out like I did - if you earned over $1,090 during your base period (which sounds like you definitely did), you should be good to go. The application itself is pretty user-friendly too.

Update us when you hear back! Would be good to know how it turns out. I think you have a decent chance of getting approved based on what you've described.

Based on what you've described, you have a good chance of getting approved. Chronic tardiness due to transportation issues typically isn't considered willful misconduct by Washington ESD, especially if you were making efforts to fix the problem. The fact that you were honest on your application works in your favor too. I went through a similar situation last year - got fired for attendance issues related to childcare problems and still got approved after about 3 weeks of adjudication. The key is that you were still showing up to work, just late, which shows you weren't abandoning your job duties. Keep filing your weekly claims while you wait and stay positive!

THIS!!! The system is DESIGNED to let employers get away with this garbage. They'll make you PROVE every little detail while just taking whatever BS the employer tells them at face value. It's so rigged against workers it's not even funny.

As someone who's dealt with ESD claims before, I want to emphasize that you should file ASAP and don't let Safeway's tactics discourage you. What they did - systematically reducing your hours from 2 days to 1 day to zero without notice - is textbook constructive dismissal. Make sure when you file that you clearly state you were "available and willing to work" but your employer eliminated your position. Also, since you mentioned the hostile work environment and safety concerns, document those too as they can support your case that this wasn't a voluntary separation. The fact that they gave your shift to another employee "to help her out" rather than offering you alternative hours shows this was their decision, not yours. Keep copies of everything - your work schedule, any emails or texts, and definitely that photo you took of the new schedule. ESD sees cases like this all the time, especially from grocery chains trying to avoid paying into the unemployment system.

Bottom line: if you worked consistently for the past year or so, were laid off or fired for non-misconduct reasons, and can actively look for work, you probably qualify. The Washington ESD website has an eligibility tool that can give you a preliminary assessment before you file.

Based on what you've described - working for 18 months and potentially being laid off due to company downsizing - you should likely qualify for Washington unemployment benefits. The key things to verify: 1) Your wages during the base period meet the minimum requirements (at least $5,400 total or $3,600 in your highest quarter plus 1.5x that amount overall), 2) The layoff is truly due to downsizing and not misconduct on your part, and 3) You're able to work full-time and actively search for jobs. Since you've been employed consistently for 18 months, the wage requirement shouldn't be an issue. I'd recommend filing as soon as you're laid off - don't wait thinking you need to job search first, as there's a waiting week anyway. Just make sure to register with WorkSource right away and be prepared to document your job search activities from week one.