Hope your claim gets approved soon! The waiting is always the hardest part, but it sounds like you're on the right track.

I went through this same frustrating process a few months ago! One thing that really helped me was setting up text alerts in my SecureAccess Washington account - you can get notifications when your claim status changes instead of having to constantly check the website. Also, if you're seeing "processing" status, that's actually normal and usually means everything is moving forward. The system will typically update to show your weekly benefit amount once the monetary determination is complete. Just be patient and make sure you start tracking those job search activities right away so you're ready when it's time to file your first weekly claim!

Thanks everyone for the detailed explanations! I think I finally understand - Washington ESD takes your two highest quarters from your base period, adds them together, then divides by 52 weeks. So if I had $15,000 and $13,500 in my two best quarters, that would be $28,500 ÷ 52 = about $548 per week. Much clearer than trying to figure it out from the confusing info I found online. Now I just need to gather all my pay stubs to calculate the exact quarters and see if I meet the minimum requirements.

I went through this same confusion when I filed my Washington ESD claim last year. The key thing that helped me was realizing that Washington uses a pretty straightforward formula compared to other states. Take your two highest earning quarters from your base period, add them together, then divide by 52. So if your best quarters were $20,000 and $18,000, that's $38,000 ÷ 52 = $731 per week (subject to the $999 maximum). The tricky part is making sure you're looking at the right base period timeframe - it's the first four of the last five completed quarters before you file. I'd recommend calling early in the morning around 8 AM if you need to speak with someone at Washington ESD, as that's when I had the most luck getting through without waiting hours on hold.

Just wanted to add my experience as someone who was recently laid off from a smaller tech company here in Seattle. I filed my initial claim right after my layoff even though I was getting 4 weeks of continued pay, and it was definitely the right decision. One thing I learned that might help you - when you're reporting your continued paychecks as income, make sure you report them for the week the payment is actually deposited, not the week it represents. So if you get paid bi-weekly and your paycheck covering 7/20-8/2 gets deposited on 8/5, you report that income for the week containing 8/5. This tripped me up initially because I was thinking about it wrong. Also, start keeping a simple spreadsheet or document tracking your job search activities from day one. Even if you're not getting benefits yet, you'll need to show those three activities per week, and it's so much easier to track as you go rather than trying to remember everything later. I used a basic format with date, company name, position title, and type of activity (application, networking contact, etc.). The ESD website definitely has its quirks but once you get into the routine of weekly claims it becomes pretty automatic. You've gotten great advice here - file this week and don't second-guess it!

I'm new to this community but wanted to chime in since I just went through a very similar situation with my layoff from a local startup last month. The advice here is solid - definitely file your initial claim right away! One thing I'd add is to take screenshots of your severance agreement/documentation before you file. ESD sometimes asks for clarification on how severance is structured (lump sum vs. salary continuation), and having that info handy can save you from delays. Also, if your company offers any career transition services or job placement assistance as part of your severance package, those don't count as income but you should still mention them if ESD asks about other benefits you're receiving. The hardest part for me was wrapping my head around doing job search activities while still technically employed, but it makes sense once you understand that you're establishing future eligibility. Start that spreadsheet tracking now - even basic networking conversations or informational interviews count toward your three weekly activities. You're asking all the right questions and getting great advice here. The system isn't as scary as it seems once you get started!

Just wanted to add for anyone reading this - if you're having trouble understanding your benefit calculation, Washington ESD does have a detailed breakdown on their website under "How Benefits Are Calculated." It shows the exact formula they use with your two highest earning quarters. I found it really helpful when I was trying to figure out why my amount was different than what I expected. Also, don't forget that if you have any gaps in employment during your base period, that can affect your calculation too since they're looking at specific quarters of earnings.

Just went through this process myself after getting laid off from Amazon last month. The $999 maximum is correct for 2025, but like others mentioned, whether you actually get that depends on your base period earnings. One thing that really helped me was logging into my eServices account and looking at the "Wage and Potential Benefits Inquiry" section - it shows exactly what quarters they're using and your actual reported wages. I discovered my employer had reported some of my stock compensation differently than I expected, which affected my calculation. Also worth noting that if you worked in multiple states during your base period, Washington might not have all your wage records and you may need to provide additional documentation. The whole process took about 3 weeks for me from filing to getting my first payment, but that was with no complications. Hope this helps!

Great to hear you found it! This thread was really helpful - I'm also waiting on my PFML 1099-G and didn't realize I should check the Paid Leave portal directly. Just logged in and mine is there too, dated January 25th. No email notification for me either. Seems like their notification system might be having issues this year. Thanks for posting about this and thanks to everyone who helped clarify the difference between ESD unemployment and the Paid Leave department!

Just wanted to add my experience to help others - I was in the exact same situation last month. Took PFML for family caregiving and couldn't find my tax documents anywhere on the ESD site. Like others mentioned, PFML tax docs come through the Paid Leave portal at paidleave.wa.gov, not the regular ESD unemployment site. Mine was available in early February under the Documents tab, but I never received any email notification either. It seems like their email system is definitely having issues this year. For anyone still looking, definitely check your Paid Leave account directly rather than waiting for an email!