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The hardest part for me was figuring out my base year wages. Make sure you understand which quarters they're asking about - it's not always the most recent ones.
How do they determine which quarters to use?
They use the first four of the last five completed quarters before you file your claim. It's confusing but the application will tell you which quarters they need.
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Update us on Tuesday OP! Always curious to hear if new claimants get their first payment on schedule.
Will do! I'll post an update Tuesday afternoon either way.
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Last question - is there any benefit to voluntarily paying into unemployment insurance as a business owner even if you don't have employees?
In Washington, business owners can't typically elect coverage for themselves under the standard unemployment insurance program. It's designed for employers to cover their employees.
That's what I figured, but thought I'd ask. Thanks!
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anyone else notice that the Washington ESD website shows different benefit amounts in different places? Like the calculator gives one number but my account shows something else. Super confusing
The calculator is just an estimate - your actual benefit in your account is based on the wages your employers actually reported, which is more accurate.
ok that makes more sense. I was worried there was an error somewhere.
Bottom line for anyone reading this: your weekly benefit is roughly 3.85% of your highest quarter earnings, maxed at $999/week. Most people get between $200-600 depending on their work history. The exact calculation is in your Monetary Determination letter once you're approved.
This thread has been super helpful. Thanks everyone for breaking it down in plain English!
Agreed! Way clearer than trying to decode the official ESD explanations.
Dmitry Sokolov
Don't forget that if you find work before your benefits run out, you can sometimes restart your claim later if you get laid off again within the benefit year, as long as you haven't exhausted all your weeks.
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Mateo Sanchez
•That's good to know! So if I find a job after 10 weeks of benefits, I'd still have 16 weeks available if I needed them later?
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Dmitry Sokolov
•Exactly, as long as it's within your benefit year and you meet the requalification requirements
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Ava Martinez
The whole system is confusing but once you get your determination letter it'll spell everything out clearly. Mine showed exactly how many weeks I qualified for and my weekly benefit amount. Just keep filing your weekly claims on time while you wait for that paperwork.
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Aisha Mahmood
•Good plan - and remember to keep detailed records of your job search activities from day one
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Miguel Ramos
•Best of luck with everything! The uncertainty is the worst part but it gets easier once you understand your specific situation.
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