How is unemployment payment calculated in Washington ESD system?

What exactly is the base year? Is that just the last 12 months I worked?

Base year is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed. So if you filed in January 2025, your base year would be October 2023 through September 2024.

No, Washington ESD specifically uses your highest quarter earnings. Some states use total base year wages but Washington uses the highest quarter method.

Huh, learn something new every day. Thanks for clarifying that!

Have you tried using Claimyr? It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. I used it last week when I had questions about my benefit calculation and got connected within 20 minutes. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Never heard of that but I'm desperate at this point. Does it actually work?

Worked for me! Much better than spending hours redialing the same busy number.

So if I made $13,500 in my highest quarter, that would be: 13500/26 = 519.23, then 519.23 × 0.0385 = $19.99? That can't be right, that's way too low.

You're mixing up the formula. It should be: (13500/26) × 0.0385 = about $20, but since that's below the minimum, you'd get the minimum weekly benefit of $295.

Wait, I think you both have the wrong formula. Isn't it supposed to be highest quarter divided by 26, and THAT'S your weekly benefit? The 0.0385 thing doesn't sound right.

This is getting confusing. Why are there two different formulas?

Washington has multiple benefit calculation methods to ensure fairness for different earning patterns. The system automatically calculates both and gives you the higher amount.

Yeah I'm probably overthinking it. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't getting shortchanged.

That actually makes sense. 52000/52 = 1000 per week, and 1000 × 0.47 = $470. Close to my actual amount.

That's a good rule of thumb but remember it's not exact since it depends on when you worked and how your earnings were distributed across quarters.

If you filed in March 2025, your base year would be January 2024 through December 2024. If you don't have enough wages in the standard base year, they can use an alternate base year which includes more recent quarters.

Thanks, that helps. I was worried I wouldn't qualify since I only worked 8 months last year.

Awesome! Glad it worked out for you. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to get things sorted.

How much does Claimyr cost? I might need to use it too.

It was worth it for me since I was stuck for weeks. Much better than the endless busy signals from calling directly.

Yes, all wages reported to Washington ESD count including overtime, bonuses, and commissions. As long as it was reported on your W-2 or 1099, it's included in the calculation.

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

So even if I got a big raise right before getting laid off, that wouldn't affect my current claim?

Correct. Only wages from your established base year count for the current claim. Recent raises would only help if you had to file a new claim next year.

Yeah I tried that calculator and got confused by all the quarter stuff. Calling seems easier if you can actually get through.

That's where services like Claimyr come in handy - takes the frustration out of trying to reach someone at ESD when you have questions.

Yes, all wages from all employers during each quarter get combined. So if you worked two jobs and made $8,000 at one and $5,000 at another in the same quarter, your total for that quarter would be $13,000.

makes sense, thanks!

There are some special provisions for seasonal workers and people with irregular earnings patterns, but the basic high quarter formula still applies. The difference is usually in qualifying requirements rather than the benefit calculation itself.

Ah ok that makes sense. I was wondering why his situation seemed different.

Glad we could help! The unemployment system can be confusing but once you understand the basics it makes more sense.

Yep, your amount sounds right for your income level. The system isn't perfect but the calculation is usually accurate.

Good point. So my max total would be around $12,662 if I needed the full 26 weeks.

Exactly. Hopefully you'll find work before then but it's good to know what your total eligibility is.

What kind of additional programs?

Things like job training programs, extended benefits during recessions, or other workforce development assistance. The specifics change over time.

Oh good point, I should probably set up the tax withholding so I don't get hit with a big bill next year.

Yeah, you can change your withholding preference in your ESD account online. Better to handle it upfront.

Good to know there's an appeal process if needed. Hopefully I won't need it but it's reassuring.

Exactly. And if you do need to appeal or have questions, having a way to reach ESD agents makes the whole process much smoother.