Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about filling out this form now. Going to gather my payroll records tonight and submit the response online tomorrow. Really appreciate this community.

One thing I'd add is to make sure you keep detailed records of all your communications with Washington ESD about this claim. Save copies of your response, any follow-up correspondence, and note down dates/times if you speak with anyone by phone. This documentation can be really valuable if there are any issues or appeals down the road. Also, since this is your first time dealing with this, it might be worth reviewing your employee handbook and separation procedures to make sure you're prepared if this situation comes up again in the future.

One thing to remember is that this weekly amount is what you're eligible for, but you might not always get the full amount depending on any part-time work or other income you report on your weekly claims.

I was in the same situation when I first got my monetary determination! The $487 weekly benefit for someone making $52k sounds about right. Just to add some clarity - Washington ESD takes your highest earning quarter from your base period (which is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed) and multiplies it by 3.85% to get your weekly amount. So if your highest quarter was around $12,650, that would give you roughly $487 per week. The key thing that confused me at first was that they don't average all four quarters - they only use your single highest quarter. Hope this helps!

Just an update for others who might find this thread - ESD recently implemented a new callback system for certain types of claims that have been pending more than 3 weeks. When you call the main number, immediately say "callback request" when prompted for the reason for your call. This puts you in a different queue where they'll take your number and call you back within 2 business days (in theory). It doesn't work for everyone, but it's been effective for many claimants with long-pending claims.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now - 3 weeks pending with no explanation. It's so stressful when you have bills due and no income coming in. I've tried calling multiple times but can never get through. Reading through everyone's responses here is really helpful though. I'm going to try calling right at 8:00 AM sharp like Emma suggested, and also look into contacting my state rep like Malik mentioned. Hang in there - sounds like eventually these do get resolved, just takes way longer than it should!

The whole process is honestly pretty stressful when you're already dealing with being unemployed. But based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like 2-3 weeks is the norm if there are no complications. Hang in there OP!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now - filed my claim about 10 days ago and checking my account obsessively! Reading through everyone's experiences here is really reassuring. It sounds like the 2-3 week timeline is pretty consistent as long as there aren't any complications. I made sure to set up direct deposit from the start after seeing the advice about paper checks taking longer. The waiting week thing is frustrating but I guess it makes sense from their perspective. Thanks to everyone who shared their timelines - it really helps to know what's normal when you're in the middle of it and stressing about bills!

just wondering does neone know how long backpay takes if u win appeal? im in a similar situation waiting for decision

I went through a similar appeal process about 8 months ago - also had mental health issues that my employer wasn't accommodating, plus some workplace harassment that HR ignored. My employer actually DID show up to the hearing, but I still won because I had solid documentation from my therapist and emails showing I'd reported the issues to management. The fact that your employer didn't even bother to show up is honestly a huge red flag that they know they don't have a strong case. Combined with your medical documentation, the restraining order paperwork, and proof that you requested accommodations - you're in a much better position than I was and I still won. One tip: if you do win (which I think you will), make sure you keep filing your weekly claims during any potential employer appeal period. I made the mistake of stopping after I won my first appeal, then had to wait longer when my employer appealed to the next level. The whole process took about 4 months total but I eventually got every penny of back pay I was owed. Hang in there - I know the waiting is brutal but it sounds like you did everything right!