


Ask the community...
For anyone still having trouble reaching Washington ESD about benefit amounts, I also used Claimyr recently and it was a game changer. Being able to actually talk to someone instead of getting busy signals all day made such a difference.
Bottom line: your weekly benefit amount will be roughly 50% of your average weekly wage from your highest earning quarter, up to the state maximum. It's not based on your most recent paycheck or your annual salary directly.
Final update from me - just wanted to confirm that my overpayment was officially reduced from $3,400 to $1,200 after I was able to speak with someone at Washington ESD through Claimyr. They found calculation errors in their system. Definitely worth exploring that option if you're stuck in phone limbo like I was.
Bottom line - yes they will take your tax refund and there's not much you can do to stop it once the process starts. But if you think the overpayment is wrong, you absolutely should appeal it. Even if it takes months, it's better than paying money you don't actually owe
One more thing - make sure you file your weekly claims even if your initial claim is still being processed. You need to maintain those weekly filings to be eligible for benefits once your claim is approved.
The system can be confusing at first but you'll get the hang of it. The main thing is you're starting now rather than waiting even longer. Six weeks isn't ideal but it's not the end of the world either.
The key is to be patient and persistent. The system isn't perfect but it does work for most people. Don't let the negative stories online scare you from applying for benefits you're entitled to receive.
Just want to add that if you run into problems with adjudication or getting your claim processed, don't wait months hoping it resolves itself. Get help early, whether that's calling Washington ESD directly or using a service like Claimyr to help you get through to someone who can fix the issue.
Brandon Parker
I wish someone had told me that vacation pay and severance can affect when your unemployment starts. If you got severance when you were laid off, that might delay when your benefits begin even though the 26 week clock still runs.
0 coins
Bethany Groves
•I did get two weeks severance pay. Does that mean I can't file for unemployment right away?
0 coins
Brandon Parker
•You should still file immediately but report the severance. Washington ESD will determine how it affects your payments. Don't delay filing though!
0 coins
Adriana Cohn
Bottom line - file as soon as possible after your last day of work, keep detailed records of everything, do your job searches religiously, and don't count on any extensions. Plan like you only have 26 weeks because that's likely all you'll get.
0 coins
Bethany Groves
•Thanks everyone for all the advice. This has been incredibly helpful in understanding what I'm dealing with.
0 coins
KingKongZilla
•You're welcome! Feel free to ask if you run into specific issues as you go through the process.
0 coins