Does Washington ESD unemployment pay your full salary when you file?

So even though I was making good money, I'm still capped at $999 per week? That's going to be really tight for my mortgage and everything.

Yeah, that's the reality unfortunately. The benefit formula is designed to replace about 50% of your average wage, but the cap limits how much higher earners can receive.

How long did it take for your benefits to start? I just filed my claim yesterday through the Washington ESD website.

Mine took about 2 weeks to process since there were no issues with my claim. Make sure you file your weekly claims every week even while it's processing.

Wait, they tax unemployment benefits too? I thought it was supposed to help people who lost their jobs.

Yes, unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay them when you file your tax return.

I used Claimyr last month when my claim got stuck in adjudication. They have this system that keeps calling until it gets through to an actual person at Washington ESD. Saved me hours of frustration.

Did you have to pay for it? I'm already tight on money since losing my job.

Yeah there's a fee but it was worth it to actually talk to someone. They have a demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

I get the frustration but unemployment isn't meant to replace your full income indefinitely. It's temporary assistance while you look for new work.

Easy to say when you haven't been through it. Try paying a $3000 mortgage on $999 a week after taxes.

How many jobs do I need to apply to each week? And do they actually check?

You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week. They do random audits so keep detailed records of where you applied, when, and any follow-up.

How long did it take you to find a new job? I'm worried this could drag on for months.

Took me about 5 months but I'm in a specialized field. The key is to start networking immediately and don't just rely on online applications.

I did get 2 weeks severance. Does that mean I have to wait 2 weeks before I can collect unemployment?

Possibly. You need to report the severance when you file your weekly claims. ESD will determine if it affects your eligibility for those weeks.

Good point, I hadn't even thought about that yet. This is all so overwhelming.

I know it's a lot to process. Take it one step at a time and don't hesitate to ask questions here or contact Washington ESD directly.

How does it work exactly? Do they just keep calling until someone answers?

Pretty much. You give them your info and what you need to discuss, then they handle the calling and conference you in when they reach an agent. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

You can work part-time and still collect partial benefits. There's a formula where they reduce your weekly benefit based on your part-time earnings.

That's good to know. Might help bridge the gap between jobs.

So if I just got laid off, they'll look at my earnings from like a year ago?

Not exactly a year ago, but they don't use your most recent quarter. It's designed to give them a full picture of your typical earnings pattern.

How do I file the weekly claims? Is it online or do I have to call?

Online through your Washington ESD account. You just answer questions about your job search activities and any work or income for that week.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr. Adjudication issues usually need to be resolved by talking to an actual person, not just waiting around hoping it gets fixed automatically.

At this point I'm willing to try anything. I'm about to lose my apartment.

That's actually helpful to know for planning. I was hoping it would be closer to my full salary but at least I have some idea now.

Yeah, definitely adjust your budget accordingly. Cut out non-essentials and focus on finding new employment as quickly as possible.

What kind of review? I was laid off due to company downsizing, not fired for cause or anything.

They might just verify your employment history and reason for separation. As long as everything is legitimate, you should be fine.

Good advice. I've already started updating my resume and reaching out to my network. Hopefully I won't need the full 26 weeks of benefits.

That's the right attitude. The sooner you find new employment, the better off you'll be financially.

Thanks for the positive perspective. This whole situation has been really stressful but you're right that it could lead to something better.

Exactly. Sometimes a layoff is the push you need to find a role that's a better fit or pays more. Good luck with your job search!