How much are unemployment benefits in Washington - need to know before I file

That's way more than I expected! So if I made around $50k last year, I should get close to $999 per week?

It depends on which quarter was your highest. If you had $12,600 or more in your best quarter, then yes you'd get the max. The formula is highest quarter wages divided by 26 weeks.

Thanks! I'll check that out. Did you have any trouble with the calculation being different than what you expected?

Mine was exactly what the calculator predicted. The only thing that threw me off was they don't count the most recent quarter if it's not complete yet.

Is that legit? I'm always skeptical of third-party services for government stuff.

Totally understand the skepticism. It's basically just a callback service - they handle the waiting on hold part and then connect you directly to a real Washington ESD agent. Saved me so much frustration.

I used Claimyr too when I needed to clarify my benefit calculation. Super easy and the agent was able to explain exactly how they calculated my weekly amount.

26 weeks seems like a decent amount of time to find something new. Do you know if that can be extended?

Not usually extended beyond 26 weeks unless there are special federal programs in place. Best to assume you have 26 weeks and plan accordingly.

Oh good point! Can you have taxes taken out automatically or do you have to pay quarterly?

you can have 10% federal tax withheld automatically when you file your weekly claims. washington doesnt have state income tax so thats not an issue

Definitely recommend having the 10% federal tax withheld. Makes tax time much easier.

The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through September 2024.

That's so weird that they don't use your most recent earnings. What if you got a big raise recently?

You can request to use the alternate base period if it would give you a higher benefit amount. That uses the most recent four quarters instead.

You should still qualify as long as you meet the minimum earnings requirement. You need at least $2,000 in your base period to qualify for benefits.

Ok good, I definitely made more than $2,000 last year. Just wasn't sure if there was some kind of hours requirement too.

You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. This includes applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, etc.

Do they actually check your job search log or is it just on the honor system?

They can audit your job search activities at any time. You need to keep records of all your job search efforts in case they ask for proof.

I agree the website is pretty clunky. The benefit calculator is buried in the menus somewhere. Try searching for 'unemployment calculator' on their site.

I'll try that. It's just frustrating when you're already stressed about losing your job and then can't even figure out what to expect.

What's a waiting week?

It's the first week of your claim where you don't get paid. You still have to file a weekly claim but won't receive benefits for that week.

Actually Washington eliminated the waiting week in 2023. You can now get paid for your first week of unemployment.

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. When you can't get through to Washington ESD, it's a lifesaver for actually talking to an agent who can explain your specific situation.

I might have to try that. I've called probably 50 times and either get disconnected or told to check the website.

Yes, overtime pay counts as regular wages for benefit calculation purposes. Any wages reported to Washington ESD by your employer get included.

Great! That should bump up my benefit amount then since I had a lot of overtime in a couple quarters.

I feel you. The adjudication process is taking forever for everything right now. Hang in there.

Thanks. It's just really stressful not knowing if I'll get $300 or $900 per week. Makes it impossible to budget.

No, unemployment benefits don't affect your credit score and won't show up on employment background checks. It's not considered debt or a negative mark.

That's a relief! I was worried potential employers might see it and think negatively.

They'll use whichever base period gives you the higher benefit amount. You can request the alternate base period if your recent earnings are higher.

How do I request that? Is it something I do when I file or after?

You can request it when you file your initial claim or contact Washington ESD after filing if you think it would result in higher benefits.

Same here! I was so confused before but now I have a much better idea of what to expect.

Glad we could help! The unemployment system can be overwhelming but once you understand the basics it's much easier to navigate.

This is why I love this forum. Real people sharing real experiences instead of confusing government websites.