(1) The department will determine years earned toward qualified individual status under RCW 50B.04.050 based on wages earned and hours worked in employment as reported under chapter 192-910 WAC or in covered self-employment under chapter 192-915 WAC.

(2) Only hours worked in reportable employment or covered self-employment will be considered when determining whether an individual has worked at least 500 hours each year.

(3) A year toward qualified individual status may be earned once an individual has accrued 500 hours in employment as reported under chapter 192-910 WAC or in covered self-employment as reported under chapter 192-915 WAC.

(4) Wages and hours reported when an individual had an approved exemption do not count toward qualifying for the benefit.

(1) Qualified individual status under RCW 50B.04.050 is determined as follows:

(a) An individual who has earned 10 years toward becoming a qualified individual will be eligible for the full benefit amount;

(b) An individual who, from the date of application for benefits, has earned three of the last six years toward becoming a qualified individual will qualify for the full benefit amount; or

(c) An individual born before January 1, 1968, who does not qualify under (a) or (b) of this subsection will qualify for one-tenth of the maximum program benefit amount for each earned year toward becoming a qualified individual.

(2) An individual who continues to work in employment or in covered self-employment after qualifying for subsection (1) (b) or (c) of this section, or both, may be eligible to earn additional years toward becoming a qualified individual.

(3) An individual may not exceed the maximum program benefit amount under RCW 50B.04.060.

(4) An individual who has an approved exemption cannot become a qualified individual.

(1) Between January 1, 2026, and June 30, 2026, selected individuals may participate in a pilot project established under section 16, chapter 380, Laws of 2025.

(2) The department will make qualified individual determinations in accordance with provisions outlined under this chapter.