Does ESD use current quarter earnings when calculating WA unemployment benefits?

No, Washington doesn't count the quarter you're filing in. They use what's called a "base year" - the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So the quarter you actually file in is never counted toward eligibility or benefit amounts. Look up "base year" on the ESD website, it's kinda buried in there.

actualy its more complicated than that. ESD has 2 ways they look at ur quarters. theres regular base year (4 of last 5 quarters) but they also have whats called "alternative base year" which is the last 4 quarters including the one u just finished. u dont need 2 do anything special, they automatically check if using the alternative gives u more $$$

The person above is partly right but a bit confused. Here's how it actually works in Washington: 1. REGULAR BASE YEAR: First 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters 2. ALTERNATIVE BASE YEAR: Last 4 completed calendar quarters The key word is "completed" - the quarter you're currently in NEVER counts. ESD automatically calculates your benefit both ways and gives you whichever is better. Example: If you file in April 2025 (Q2 2025): - Regular base year: Q1-Q4 2024 (Jan-Dec 2024) - Alternative base year: Q2 2024-Q1 2025 (Apr 2024-Mar 2025) Q2 2025 (Apr-Jun 2025) won't be counted either way since it's not complete.

My experience with this EXACT problem was a NIGHTMARE!!! ESD calculated my benefits using my OLD job that paid way less and I got $267/week instead of the $547 I should've gotten based on my new job. I spent WEEKS trying to get through to someone on the phone - constant busy signals and disconnects!!! FINALLY used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an ESD agent in 30 minutes after trying for weeks on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent fixed my claim to use my alternative base year which included my higher-paying job. My weekly benefit amount DOUBLED!

One more important thing to understand: even with the alternative base year, you need to have worked at least 680 hours total across those quarters to qualify for benefits at all. Also, your weekly benefit amount is calculated as approximately 1/25 of your earnings in your highest-earning quarter during the base year (up to the current maximum of $992/week for 2025).

Just went thru this in Jan. Make sure u report ANY income when filing weekly claims even if ur working part time. They check w/ ur employer and if u mess this up they will say u committed fraud and u will owe ALL the money back plus penalties!!!

thank you all for this info! i was confused about the same thing. starting a new job in june with higher pay and was wondering if i should wait to file until july if i get laid off again lol. good to know about both calculation methods!

@OP - One last tip: After you file, you can see which base year period they used in your determination letter. If for some reason they don't automatically use the alternative base year when it would benefit you (which sometimes happens due to system errors), you can appeal the monetary determination within 30 days. Definitely worth doing if there's a significant difference in your wages between the two potential base year periods.