Overall, at $1,500/week you're looking at roughly 55% income replacement if you get the maximum benefit. It's not perfect but it's something while you job search.

One thing I'd add is to make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and bank account info ready when you file. Washington ESD also asks for your employer's federal tax ID number (FEIN) which you can usually find on your W-2 or paystub. Having all this info ready will make the initial application process much smoother.

Good luck with everything! The system can be confusing but once you get started it's not too bad.

One thing I learned when I was laid off last year - make sure you file online rather than trying to call. Washington ESD's website can be slow during peak hours, but it's still way more reliable than their phone system. I spent days trying to get through by phone before someone told me I could do everything online. Also, don't stress too much about the application itself - they walk you through it step by step and you can always correct information later if needed.

also dont forget u have to answer NO to the question about if ur able to work if ur sick that week or had to take care of someone. my sister messed that up and it caused her whole claim to get flagged for review and she didnt get paid for like 3 weeks while they sorted it out

Just wanted to add my experience - I had the exact same issue when I first started filing! The worst part is that the pamphlet they mail you shows screenshots that look nothing like the actual website interface. I ended up bookmarking the direct URL (secure.esd.wa.gov/home) after logging in successfully the first time, which saves me from having to navigate through all the confusing menus each week. Also, pro tip: the weekly claim filing usually takes about 10-15 minutes if you have all your job search info ready beforehand. Keep a simple spreadsheet or notes on your phone with employer names, positions, and dates - it makes the whole process so much smoother!

One more thing - if you lose the appeal, you can still appeal to the Board of Appeals. It's not over after the first hearing. I lost my first appeal but won at the Board level because I had better evidence the second time around.

Don't forget to check if your hearing is scheduled during regular business hours or if they offer evening/weekend slots. I had to request a different time because of work conflicts, and they were accommodating. Also, make sure you have a backup phone number in case they can't reach you on your primary line - missing the call means you automatically lose. Write down the hearing number and keep it handy during the call so you can reference it if needed.

Bottom line - if you think the overpayment is wrong, appeal within 30 days. If you know you owe it, set up a payment plan immediately. Don't let it go to garnishment if you can avoid it because then you lose control over the payment amount and timing.

If you decide to appeal, make sure you request all the documentation they used to calculate your overpayment. You have the right to see exactly how they determined you owe that money - sometimes there are calculation errors or they applied earnings to the wrong weeks. I had a similar situation where they miscategorized some of my part-time income and I was able to get about $800 of my overpayment reversed just by showing them their mistake. The appeal process can be slow but it's worth it if you genuinely think there's an error.