ESD.WA.GOV
The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals
with disabilities. Language assistance services for limited English proficient individuals are available free of charge. Washington Relay Service: 711
YES NO
ELIGIBILITY CHECKER
Do I qualify for regular
unemployment benefits?
1. Did you work at least 680 hours in your “base year?”
Your base year is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters
before the week you apply for benefits.
2.
Did you work in Washington state sometime in the last 18 months?
3.
Are you able to work?
Able to work means you are mentally and physically able to work.
4.
Are you available for work?
Available to work means you are able to work without restrictions that
would prevent you from accepting work (for example: transportation
issues, illness, vacations, or lack of family/childcare).
5.
Were you laid off?
Find out more about being laid off.
6.
Did you quit your job?
Find out more about quitting.
7.
Were you discharged from the military in the last 18 months?
Find out more.
8.
None of these statements apply to me. If none apply, select Yes.
I was fired and it was my fault.
Find out more about being at fault.
I am on strike from my employer.
I am on a leave of absence from my job.
I am still working.
If you answered Yes to MOST of these questions: You will likely qualify for regular
unemployment benefits. Apply for benefits as soon as possible and we will review your
application and decide if you qualify. To avoid mistakes and get paid faster,
please be sure to download the application checklist and read the
information at esd.wa.gov/unemployment before applying.
If you answered No to MOST of these questions: You might not qualify for regular benefits
but could qualify for expanded benefits under the federal CARES Act during the COVID-19
pandemic. Complete the checklist on the next page to see if you could be eligible.
UPDATED: 04.10.20
YES NO
ESD.WA.GOV
ELIGIBILITY CHECKER
1. Are you out of work or working less than normal because of COVID-19?
2.
Were y
ou recently denied for unemployment because you hadnt worked 680 hours?
3.
Did yo
u work, but worked fewer than 680 hours in Washington in the past 18 months?
4.
Were you diagnosed with COVID-19, severely ill and unable to work?
5.
Are you showing symptoms of COVID-19 and are either waiting for
results of a test or seeking medical attention?
6.
Are you at high risk AND a medical provider has told you to stay home?
7.
Are you caring for a family member or dependent who has COVID-19?
8.
Do you have a family member or dependent who is showing symptoms of COVID-19
and is seeking medical attention?
9.
Do you have a family member or dependent who is high risk, lives with you and
is staying home for their protection?
10. A
re you caring for a high-risk person who has been advised to stay home
for th
eir protection?
11. H
as your child’s school been closed and you are unable to find child care?
12. Is y
our workplace closed because of an official order or a case of COVID-19,
and you are unable to work from home?
13
. Ar
e you self-employed?
14. N
one of these statements apply to me. If none apply, select Yes.
• I quit m
y job for reasons unrelated to COVID-19.
• I quit m
y job just to collect unemployment benefits.
I am cur
rently receiving vacation leave, sick leave or paid time off.
• I can work from home but am choosing not to.
Do I qualify for expanded unemployment
benefits related to the COVID-19 pandemic?
If you answered Yes to ANY questions 1-13, and YES to question 14, you are likely eligible for
unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you answered No to ALL of these
questions, you might not be eligible. If you think you are eligible under the expanded benefits,
please wait to apply and sign up for action alerts on our COVID-19 page. We will notify you with
details about expanded benefits, how to get ready to apply and when to apply.
UPDATED: 04.10.20
The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals
with disabilities. Language assistance services for limited English proficient individuals are available free of charge. Washington Relay Service: 711