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Just wanted to add that if you've had multiple jobs or inconsistent work history, the benefit calculation can get more complicated. Sometimes Washington ESD will use an alternate base year if it results in a higher benefit amount for you. Worth understanding all the options.
Bottom line - Washington ESD determines your weekly benefit based on your highest quarter of earnings in your base year, with a maximum of $999 per week in 2025. The exact calculation can be complex but the online calculator gives you a good estimate. Most important thing is to file as soon as you become unemployed since there's usually a waiting period before payments start.
If you're worried about making mistakes on the application, Washington ESD has a practice version you can try first. It's not the real application but it shows you what questions they ask.
Last piece of advice - if you get stuck during the application and need to talk to someone, don't waste hours trying to call. I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and it saved me so much time. Sometimes you just need a human to explain what went wrong.
One more tip - keep detailed records of your work hours and earnings. I use a simple spreadsheet with dates, hours worked, and gross pay. Makes filing the weekly claims much easier and gives you backup if there are ever questions.
Bottom line - yes you can work and collect unemployment in Washington, just be honest about it. The partial benefit system is actually designed to help people in exactly your situation. Good luck with the job search!
One more thing - if your employer doesn't respond at all, Washington ESD will send them a second notice. If they still don't respond, your claim gets processed based on the information you provided. A lot of smaller employers miss these deadlines.
For anyone dealing with adjudication delays or needing to speak with Washington ESD about employer responses, I highly recommend checking out Claimyr. I was stuck for weeks trying to get answers about why my claim was taking so long. Used their service and finally got through to someone who could explain what was happening. Game changer honestly.
Theodore Nelson
One more tip - if you think there might be an error in your wage records that affected your calculation, you can request a wage transcript from Washington ESD to verify they have the correct information from your employers.
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Gabriel Freeman
•How do you request that? Through their website or do you have to call?
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Theodore Nelson
•You can request it online through your eServices account, but if you need help interpreting it or think there's an error, you'll probably need to call or use something like that Claimyr service people mentioned.
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AaliyahAli
This has been super educational! I had no idea the calculation was so involved. Makes me appreciate that someone at Washington ESD actually has to do all this math for every claim.
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Laura Lopez
•It's all computerized now, but yes, there's definitely a lot of complexity behind what seems like it should be a simple calculation.
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AaliyahAli
•Technology makes it possible but doesn't make it any less confusing for us regular folks!
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