How is Washington ESD unemployment amount determined - confused about my weekly benefit calculation

So they don't just look at my most recent salary? That's weird, I thought it would be based on what I was making when I got laid off.

Nope, it's based on your earnings history over those 4 quarters in your base period. Recent salary doesn't matter if you didn't work those earlier quarters.

It's not quite 60%. Washington ESD has a more complex formula that varies based on your total base period earnings. Lower earners get a higher percentage replacement rate.

oh ok i just remembered hearing 60% somewhere, thanks for clarifying

Really? How much does something like that cost? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days.

It's worth checking out their site for details. Way better than spending hours on hold or getting disconnected. The agent I talked to explained my whole benefit calculation in like 5 minutes.

Sounds too good to be true but if it actually works that would be amazing. The phone system is impossible.

This is super helpful! So if my highest quarter was around $16,500, my average weekly would be about $1,270, and 37% of that would be around $470. That's close to my $487.

Exactly! Sounds like you're in the higher wage bracket so you get the lower replacement percentage. The calculation makes sense now.

I felt the same way when I first filed. The base period thing is so confusing when you're used to thinking about your current job.

RIGHT?? And try calling them to ask questions - good luck with that. It's like they don't want to help anyone.

Unfortunately yes, that's a common issue. Your benefit is based on that historical base period, not your most recent earnings. If you were part-time during most of your base period, your weekly benefit will reflect those lower earnings.

that sucks, i was only part time because i was in school but now i really needed the full unemployment amount

You might want to check if you qualify for the alternate base period option. Sometimes that can help if your recent earnings were much higher.

Overtime wages count the same as regular wages in your base period calculation. It all gets lumped together as total earnings for those quarters.

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

Same here! I wish they would just show you the math when they send your approval letter.

Exactly! Just a simple breakdown showing which quarters they used and how they calculated it. Would save everyone so much confusion.

I might actually try that. I'm still not 100% sure they used the right quarters for my calculation.

I used Claimyr a few months ago for a different issue and it actually worked. Got connected in like 10 minutes instead of calling for hours.

Yes, Washington adjusts the maximum annually. It was $929 in 2024 and increased to $999 for 2025 based on the state's average weekly wage calculations.

Cool, good to know it keeps up with wage increases somewhat.

It can definitely impact your total base period wages, which affects both your weekly benefit amount and your total benefit eligibility. You need a minimum amount of earnings across the base period to qualify.

Makes sense. I had a gap between jobs so I was worried about that.

The base period system is actually designed to provide more stability and prevent people from artificially inflating their benefits by taking a high-paying job right before filing. It has pros and cons.

I guess that makes some sense, but it's still confusing as heck for regular people trying to figure out their benefits.

That's really helpful perspective! Do you think most people eventually figure it out or do they just accept whatever amount they get?

Most people just accept it unfortunately. Only the ones who think there might be an error usually dig deeper into understanding the calculation.

This is exactly why I started using Claimyr! The regular phone system is basically broken. At least with their service you know you'll actually get connected to talk to someone.

might have to check that out, this is ridiculous

No, the weekly benefit calculation is the same whether you're on standby or regular UI. The difference is in the job search requirements and how long you can stay on standby status.

Good to know, thanks! I was worried standby might pay less.

Seasonal work definitely makes the calculation more complex. You might benefit from understanding the alternate base period option if your standard base period doesn't capture your higher earning quarters well.

I should look into that alternate base period thing. Never heard of it before.

Oh I didn't realize that connection! So the base period calculation affects both how much I get each week AND how many weeks I can collect?

Exactly. Your total benefit amount is typically around 26 times your weekly benefit rate, up to a maximum based on your base period wages.

Glad we could help! The system is definitely complex but once you understand the base period concept, the rest falls into place.

This thread helped me too! I was always confused about why my amount seemed random.

How do you request that? Through their website or do you have to call?

You can request it online through your eServices account, but if you need help interpreting it or think there's an error, you'll probably need to call or use something like that Claimyr service people mentioned.

It's all computerized now, but yes, there's definitely a lot of complexity behind what seems like it should be a simple calculation.

Technology makes it possible but doesn't make it any less confusing for us regular folks!