How is unemployment calculated in Washington - confused about benefit amount

So they don't look at my most recent pay? That seems weird since I was making more in my last few months.

Nope, they use completed quarters only. If you filed in January 2025, they'd look at quarters from April 2023 through September 2024. Recent work might not count if the quarter wasn't complete when you filed.

Washington ESD gets wage reports from all your employers automatically. They'll combine wages from all jobs within each quarter, then use whichever calculation method gives you the higher benefit amount.

oh ok that makes sense, i was worried id have to track down old paystubs

Never heard of that service before. Did they charge you anything?

Yeah there's a fee but honestly worth it to finally talk to someone who could explain the calculation. Way better than spending hours on hold with the regular Washington ESD number.

Interesting, might try this if I can't figure out my calculation. The Washington ESD website is terrible for explanations.

That math actually works out! My best quarter was probably around $31,500. Thanks for the clear explanation.

This is way more helpful than anything on the Washington ESD website. Why can't they just explain it this simply?

I know it seems unfair but it's designed to use stable, verified wage data. Using recent wages would require more complex verification and could delay claims.

Still stupid if you ask me. People need benefits based on their current expenses not what they made years ago.

Yes, overtime counts as regular wages for the calculation. Washington ESD includes all reported wages - regular time, overtime, bonuses, commissions, etc.

Good to know, that probably boosted my benefit amount then.

You need at least $7,000 in your base period to qualify, with at least $4,000 outside your highest quarter. If you don't meet that, they might use an alternate base period with more recent quarters.

Oh I definitely made more than that, just wasn't sure how part time work affected the calculation.

Right? Would be so much easier to understand.

How long did it take to get through with that service?

Like 10 minutes total including the callback. Way better than the 2+ hour waits I was getting with the regular Washington ESD number.

That's a good amount! Gives me hope that the system isn't totally broken for everyone.

Must be nice, some of us aren't so lucky with the timing of our high quarters.

How do you start an appeal for the benefit amount?

There's an appeal form on the Washington ESD website. You have 30 days from when you got your monetary determination letter. Include any missing wage documentation.

Just because other states do it doesn't make it right. The whole system needs updating.

Only reported tips count. If your employer reported them as wages on your W-2, they'll be included in the Washington ESD calculation.

Ugh, that's what I was afraid of. Cash tips never got reported properly.

No, the monetary calculation is the same regardless. Being laid off vs fired only affects whether you qualify for benefits, not the amount.

Seriously try Claimyr if you keep having trouble getting through. I know I sound like a broken record but it actually works. Way less stressful than the regular phone lines.

Might have to at this point. The hold times are ridiculous.

The maximum benefit amount gets adjusted annually based on the state's average weekly wage. It usually goes up a little each year.

The base period only looks at the most recent 5 quarters, so wages from 3 years ago wouldn't be used. Your benefit would be based on more recent earnings.

Agreed! Way better explanations here than anything official I could find.

Wait really? I thought everyone got the same number of weeks.

Nope, it's based on your total benefit year amount divided by your weekly amount. Most people get around 26 weeks but it can vary.