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my weekly benefit is $445 and I was making about $2800 a month. seems like the calculation is pretty consistent around 50% of your previous income
Don't forget that you'll need to actively search for work to keep getting benefits. The job search requirements are pretty strict now.
Just wanted to add that standby claims work differently - you can potentially get benefits for longer if you're in approved standby status with your employer expecting to call you back.
Bottom line for anyone still confused: Washington state gives you UP TO 26 weeks depending on your work history. Higher previous wages = higher weekly payments but same maximum duration. No extensions currently available.
Keep all your job search documentation organized from day one. Washington ESD can request it for audits and you need to have 3 contacts per week documented.
To summarize for the original poster: expect 2-4 weeks for first payment if no complications arise. File weekly claims immediately, maintain job search records, and monitor your account daily for any requests. If you get stuck in the system, consider services like Claimyr to reach an agent directly.
Hang in there OP. I know it's stressful but the appeal process does work when you have a legitimate case. Sounds like your employer made an error in how they reported your separation.
For what it's worth, voluntary quit disputes tend to move a bit faster than some other types of appeals because the facts are usually more straightforward. Still takes forever though.
Giovanni Rossi
Just remember that your benefit amount is calculated when you first file, but it can be adjusted if Washington ESD gets updated wage information from your employers. So don't panic if the initial amount seems wrong.
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Anastasia Sokolov
•How long do employers have to report wage information to Washington ESD?
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Giovanni Rossi
•Employers report quarterly, so there can be delays. If you filed right after a quarter ended, it might take a few weeks for all your wages to be in the system.
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Fatima Al-Mansour
The bottom line is that Washington unemployment benefits replace roughly 40-50% of your previous income for most people. It's not going to be as much as you made working, but it's designed to help you get by while job searching.
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Anastasia Sokolov
•Thanks everyone for all the info! This has been super helpful in understanding how the benefit calculation works.
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Fatima Al-Mansour
•Good luck with your job search! Remember to keep filing your weekly claims and documenting your work search activities.
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