How are unemployment benefits calculated in Washington ESD - confused about my weekly amount

So if I made $8,400 in my highest quarter that would be $323 per week? But mine is $347 so I'm still confused.

There might be wage adjustments or you could be looking at different quarters. Check your monetary determination letter - it breaks down exactly which wages they used.

Wait is the max really $999 now? I thought it was lower than that

Yes they increased it this year. You can find the current rates on the Washington ESD benefit calculator page.

That sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

They don't charge much at all and it's worth every penny when you actually need to talk to someone at Washington ESD. Way better than wasting entire days trying to call yourself.

How do you request a wage investigation? Do you have to call or can you do it online?

You can submit a request through SecureAccess Washington or call the UI customer service line. Make sure you have documentation of the missing wages.

That actually makes sense depending on when you filed. The base period doesn't include the most recent quarter since employers haven't reported those wages yet.

ohhhh ok that explains it. still seems weird though

Correct, if you don't qualify under the standard base period Washington ESD will automatically check the alternate base period which shifts everything forward by one quarter.

Glad you figured it out! Always good to double check the numbers on your determination.

Perfect! Now you know exactly where that amount came from. Keep that determination safe for your records.

Yes, all wages including overtime are counted as long as they were reported to Washington ESD by your employer.

Good to know, thanks! That probably explains why my benefit amount was higher than I expected.

2 weeks isn't that unusual for adjudication especially if there are any questions about your separation from work. I'd give it another week before getting concerned.

If you need to check on the status of your adjudication, Claimyr can help you get through to an agent who can give you an update. Much faster than trying to call Washington ESD yourself.

Thanks, I might look into that if it takes much longer. Just anxious to know what's happening with my claim.

Totally agree! The Washington ESD website is not user friendly at all. Everything is buried in PDFs and confusing legal language.

How did you know they were missing? Did you keep track of all your pay stubs?

Yeah I keep all my tax documents. When I compared my W-2s to the monetary determination I noticed one employer wasn't listed at all.

This is why it's important to review your determination carefully. Employers sometimes report wages late or incorrectly.

Only if the tips were reported as wages to Washington ESD. Cash tips that weren't declared usually don't show up in the system.

Makes sense. Probably explains why some restaurant workers get lower benefit amounts than expected.

It has to do with when employers report wages to the state. There's a lag time so they use completed quarters where all wages have been reported and verified.

There might be other factors affecting your calculation like a partial disqualification or wage reduction. Check if there are any issues listed on your claim.

Definitely worth calling Washington ESD to ask about that. If you can't get through on your own, Claimyr makes it so much easier to actually talk to someone who can explain what's going on with your calculation.

Wish I had known about that calculator before I filed! Would have saved me a lot of confusion.

True! The calculation is just one piece of the puzzle. Staying eligible is the ongoing challenge.

Great example! Shows the formula works consistently when you have the right wage information.

Excellent advice. I learned this the hard way when I had to appeal a disqualification and needed to prove my wages.