How do you calculate your unemployment benefits - Washington ESD formula?

Thanks! So if my highest quarter was $15,000 in wages, that would be about $577 per week?

Exactly, that's how the math works. Just remember there's a maximum weekly benefit amount too - I think it's around $999 right now.

Did you have to provide additional documentation for the out-of-state wages?

Yeah, I had to submit W-2s and pay stubs. It delayed my claim by about 3 weeks while they verified everything.

I had the same problem until I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have this system that keeps calling Washington ESD for you and puts you in line when an agent becomes available. Check out their demo video: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. It's been a game changer for getting through to actual people.

That sounds too good to be true. How much does something like that cost?

It's worth every penny when you're dealing with time-sensitive claim issues. Way better than losing entire days trying to get through on your own.

Good to know about overtime! I had a lot of OT hours in my highest quarter so that should help my benefit amount.

Just make sure all your employers reported your wages correctly to Washington ESD. I found out one of mine had underreported my earnings and it took forever to get fixed.

Commission income is treated the same as regular wages for benefit calculations, as long as taxes were withheld properly.

ok good because that was like 80% of my income

For a January 2025 claim, they'd typically look at July-September 2023, October-December 2023, January-March 2024, and April-June 2024. If you didn't have enough wages in the standard base period, they can use an alternate base period.

What's an alternate base period?

It uses more recent quarters if you don't qualify with the standard base period. But you really need to talk to Washington ESD to understand your specific situation.

The online calculator is just an estimate. Your actual benefits depend on wage verification and other factors they review during processing.

That makes sense. I guess I was expecting it to be more accurate.

Good advice! I'll make sure to have everything ready.

Yes! I learned this the hard way when they questioned my wages from a job I had 18 months ago.

Generally no, unless you paid into the unemployment system as self-employed. Most 1099 income doesn't count for regular UI benefits.

Ugh, that's what I was afraid of. Most of my work was 1099.

You should definitely call Washington ESD to get an explanation of your specific calculation. That's exactly the kind of question Claimyr helped me get answered when I couldn't get through on my own.

I might have to try that. I've been putting off calling because I know how impossible it is to get through.

I did get a small severance. How do they factor that in?

It depends on the amount and when it was paid. Washington ESD has specific rules about how severance affects your weekly benefits.

How many jobs do you have to apply for each week?

I think it's 3 job search activities per week, but check your WorkSourceWA account for the exact requirements.

Same here! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences.

Yeah, way better than trying to decipher the official Washington ESD website explanations.

How long did the appeal process take?

About 6-8 weeks total, but he got back pay for the difference once it was resolved.

Good point. Hopefully I won't need anywhere near 26 weeks!

The number of weeks also depends on your total base period wages, not just your highest quarter.

You can't choose which base period to use - Washington ESD will automatically use the alternate base period if you don't qualify under the standard one.

Oh I see, so it's not really an option, it's just what they do if the standard period doesn't work.