Washington Unemployment
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How much can u get from Washington ESD unemployment benefits in 2025?
Does anyone know what the maximum weekly benefit amount is for Washington ESD unemployment right now? I'm trying to figure out if it's worth filing or if I should just find another job ASAP. My last job paid around $55k annually but I'm not sure how they calculate the weekly payments. Also wondering about the duration - is it still 26 weeks max or did that change? Thanks in advance for any info.
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What does unemployment pay in Washington ESD weekly benefits?
I'm trying to figure out what does unemployment pay here in Washington state before I file my claim. I lost my job last week and need to know what kind of weekly benefit amount I can expect from Washington ESD. My last job paid about $52,000 annually but I'm not sure how they calculate the unemployment payment amounts. Does anyone know the current rates or how Washington ESD determines what you get paid each week?
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The most important thing is to file as soon as possible after you lose your job. Benefits don't start until you file, so every week you wait is money lost.
Yeah I'm planning to file this week. Thanks everyone for all the helpful information about what to expect!
good luck with your claim! the process seems scary at first but it's really not too bad once you get started
One last thing - make sure you keep track of all your job search activities from day one. Even if you're still in the waiting period, start documenting everything so you're ready when the job search requirements kick in.
Smart thinking ahead. I'll start keeping a log right away.
WorkSourceWA has a built in job search log feature that makes it easy to track everything in one place
Washington ESD employer tax questions - which form for annual federal unemployment tax return?
Hey everyone, I'm helping my small business owner friend figure out their unemployment tax paperwork and we're completely lost. They need to file their annual federal unemployment tax return but we can't figure out which form to use. The Washington ESD website has so much info but nothing seems to clearly explain the federal vs state requirements. Has anyone dealt with this before? We don't want to file the wrong form and get into trouble with either Washington ESD or the IRS.
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One more thing - if you're a new employer, your first few Form 940s might be a bit different because Washington ESD assigns new employer rates differently than established businesses with experience ratings.
This is a pretty new business, so that's good to know. I'll make sure they understand how the new employer rates work.
New employers in Washington usually get assigned a standard rate until they build up enough experience for an individual rating. Check with Washington ESD for the current new employer rate.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! Sounds like Form 940 is definitely what we need for the federal side. Now we just need to make sure we're staying compliant with Washington ESD requirements too.
And don't hesitate to reach out for help if you get stuck. Whether it's calling Washington ESD directly or using a service like Claimyr to get through, it's better to ask questions than make costly mistakes.
Absolutely. This thread has been incredibly helpful. I feel much more confident about helping my friend navigate all these requirements now.
How long does it take to hear back from Washington ESD unemployment claim?
Filed my initial unemployment claim with Washington ESD about 10 days ago and haven't heard anything back yet. My claim status just says 'pending' when I check online. Is this normal? How long should I expect to wait before getting some kind of response? I'm getting really anxious because I have bills coming due and need to know if my claim was approved or if there's something else I need to do.
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The uncertainty is the worst part. I refreshed my account like 50 times a day when I was waiting. Try to stay busy with job applications if you can.
Exactly! And keep track of your applications because you'll need to report job search activities once benefits start.
Good advice. The job search requirement kicks in right away so better to get ahead of it.
UPDATE: Just wanted to thank everyone for the advice. Got my determination letter today (day 19) and was approved! Benefits start next week. To the others still waiting - hang in there, it really does come through eventually.
Great news! See, the system does work, just takes patience.
happy for you! still waiting on mine but this makes me feel better
Who are eligible for unemployment benefits - Washington ESD requirements confusion
I'm trying to figure out if I qualify for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD and honestly the eligibility requirements seem really confusing. I worked part-time for about 8 months at a retail job before getting laid off last week due to store closure. My friend said I might not qualify because I wasn't full-time, but another coworker who got laid off too said part-time workers can still get benefits. Does anyone know what the actual eligibility requirements are for Washington state unemployment? I'm worried I'm wasting my time applying if I don't meet the criteria.
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If you do apply and get approved, make sure you understand the job search requirements. In Washington you need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep detailed records. They can audit your search activities.
Do online job applications count as job search contacts?
Yes, online applications count. Just make sure you're keeping track of where you applied, when, and for what position. The WorkSource website has tools to help track your searches.
Based on what you've described - part-time work for 8 months earning $850/month, laid off due to store closure - you very likely qualify for unemployment benefits. I'd recommend applying as soon as possible since there can be delays in processing claims right now.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much more confident about applying now. Going to get started on the application tonight.
Good luck! The process can seem intimidating at first but it's really not that bad once you get started.
Declan Ramirez
Just remember you have to be actively looking for work and available to accept suitable employment. The job search requirement isn't just busywork - they really do check on it sometimes.
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Emma Morales
What counts as 'suitable employment'? Can they make you take any job?
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Declan Ramirez
Generally has to be in your field or pay at least 80% of your previous wage, but the standards get looser the longer you're unemployed.
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Katherine Hunter
Bottom line OP - with your salary you'll probably get $700-900/week for up to 26 weeks. Definitely worth filing if you qualify. Just be prepared for the bureaucracy and phone system frustrations.
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Evelyn Rivera
AuthorThanks everyone for all the info! Sounds like I should definitely file. Now I just need to figure out how to actually get through to them...
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Lucas Parker
Good luck! And seriously consider that Claimyr thing if you get stuck trying to reach them. Wish I had known about it sooner.
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