How is unemployment calculated - Washington ESD benefit amount confusion

So they don't just take my annual salary and divide it? That explains why my calculation was off.

Yeah the base period thing threw me off too when I first filed. It's not your most recent earnings necessarily.

Thank you! That makes so much more sense now. I was getting frustrated trying to figure out where they got that number.

Wait, so if someone made most of their money in one quarter they'd get more benefits than someone who made the same amount spread evenly? That seems weird.

Yes exactly. Someone who made $20k in one quarter would get higher weekly benefits than someone who made $5k each quarter, even though the annual total is the same.

How much does that cost? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about some other questions.

I used Claimyr too when I needed to talk to someone about my adjudication delay. Really saved me the headache of calling all day.

They handle the calling for you so you don't have to sit on hold. Worth it when you need answers and can't get through the regular way.

Oh wow, so it's not even my most recent earnings? I got a raise in October that wouldn't count then.

Exactly. That's why some people's benefits seem lower than expected - recent raises or job changes might not be included in the calculation.

This system is so confusing. Why don't they just use your last 12 months of earnings like it makes sense?

I understand the frustration, but there's actually a reason for using older quarters - it prevents people from manipulating their recent earnings just to get higher benefits.

I guess that makes sense from their perspective but it really screws over people who got recent promotions or new jobs.

How do you request that? My recent salary was definitely higher than what they're using.

You'd have to contact Washington ESD directly to ask about alternate base period. Not sure if it applies in your situation though.

I tried to get alternate base period and it was a nightmare. Had to provide so much documentation and took forever.

I did take some unpaid time off last summer for a family situation. Would that lower my benefits?

If it was during your highest earning quarter, then yes it could impact your weekly benefit amount since they're dividing actual earnings by 13 weeks.

I think you meant to multiply by 0.385 not 0.0385. That would give you $385 per week which is more realistic.

You're absolutely right! Thanks for catching that. It's 3.85% which is 0.0385, but you multiply the quarterly average by about 50% to get the weekly benefit, not 3.85%.

This is why I got confused when I was trying to calculate mine. The Washington ESD website explanation is terrible.

Yes, overtime counts as regular wages for unemployment calculation purposes. All reported W-2 income during your base period is included.

Great! That probably explains why my benefits are higher than I expected then.

For a December 2024 filing, your base period would be July 2023 through June 2024. It's always the first four quarters of the last five completed quarters.

Thanks! So none of my earnings from the second half of 2024 count at all?

That's correct for the regular base period. You might qualify for alternate base period which would use more recent quarters, but you'd need to ask Washington ESD about that.

Washington doesn't have dependency allowances for unemployment benefits. Some states do, but not Washington. Your benefit amount is strictly based on your earnings history.

Ah okay, must have been thinking of a different state. Thanks for clarifying!

If you worked in multiple states, Washington ESD can combine wages from other states through the Interstate Connection Network. You'd need to provide your earnings history from other states when filing.

Do I have to request that specifically or do they automatically check other states?

You need to report the other state employment when filing your claim. They don't automatically check every state.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. They handle the calling and waiting for you so you can actually talk to a Washington ESD agent. Game changer when you need specific answers about your claim.

I might have to try that. I've literally spent hours on hold just to get hung up on.

Same problem here. The phone system is completely broken. Will definitely check out that Claimyr thing.

Wait, so if I find a job tomorrow and then get laid off again in 6 months, I'd still get the same $681 per week?

Exactly, as long as it's within your benefit year. You'd need to file a new claim after your benefit year expires to get a recalculation based on newer earnings.

Same here! I feel much better understanding how they actually do the calculation now.

Agreed, Washington ESD really needs to explain this better on their website. The formula they show is confusing as hell.

Yes, commission income reported on your W-2 counts as regular wages for unemployment benefit calculation. All forms of reported income during your base period are included.

Good to know! I was worried my commission-heavy quarters might be calculated differently.

How long did the appeal process take? And did you need to provide specific documentation?

Took about 6 weeks total. I had to provide W-2s and pay stubs from the missing employer. But they did adjust my benefits once they had the correct information.

Good to know appeals are possible. I was wondering what to do if they made a mistake on the calculation.

Definitely! I finally understand where my $681 weekly amount came from. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to explain.

This is exactly the kind of info that should be easier to find on the official website. Glad this community exists!