How much can I collect unemployment benefits in Washington state?

Thanks! So if my highest quarter was around $15,000, that would put me at about $577 per week?

That sounds about right. You can also use the benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website to get an exact estimate.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents - you can check it out at claimyr.com. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

Interesting, I'll have to look into that. I'm getting desperate trying to reach someone about my claim status.

Does that actually work? I'm skeptical of services that charge to help with government stuff.

Good point. I think I meet those requirements since I've been working steadily for 2 years.

wait what's a base year? im confused about all these terms

The base year is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in 2025, it would typically be Q1 2024 through Q4 2024.

How many job contacts do you need per week?

It's 3 job search activities per week, and they have to be documented in your WorkSourceWA account.

This is so much paperwork just to get benefits you already paid into through payroll taxes.

Really? What did it cost?

It was worth it just to finally talk to someone. I was able to get my benefit amount confirmed and resolve an issue with my weekly claim.

That's exactly what it's designed for - cutting through the phone queue nightmare with Washington ESD.

Good to know. I'm not unemployed yet but want to understand the process in case it happens.

Smart to research ahead of time. The Washington ESD website has a lot of info but sometimes it's confusing.

So I could work part-time and still get some unemployment?

Yes, as long as you report all your earnings on your weekly claim. Washington ESD is pretty strict about that.

I got in trouble for not reporting some cash work I did. They made me pay back benefits and I got a penalty.

Yeah, $577 per week would be way less than my current salary but better than nothing.

At least Washington has some of the higher benefit amounts compared to other states.

Ugh, I didn't think about taxes. So the benefit amount is before taxes?

Yep, just like your regular paycheck. I'd recommend having taxes withheld so you don't get hit with a big bill at tax time.

What counts as 'good cause' for quitting?

Things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, significant changes to your job duties or pay, or health issues. But you usually need documentation.

I quit my job because my boss was toxic but couldn't prove it. Got denied for benefits.

That's good to know. I'll definitely use that tool.

Just make sure you have your wage information handy when you use the calculator.

When do you have to file the weekly claims?

You get a specific day of the week based on your Social Security number. Mine is Sunday and I have until the following Saturday to file online.

I missed one week early on and it was a hassle trying to get it reinstated.

I did have a part-time job for a few months last year. Good to know that helps.

Yeah, they use all covered employment in Washington state. Out-of-state work can sometimes be included too if there's an agreement between states.

What makes a job 'suitable'?

Initially it has to be similar to your previous work and pay at least 70% of your previous wage. But after several weeks, they lower those standards.

This is why I hate the unemployment system. You pay into it but they make you jump through so many hoops.

I'm definitely going to try that service. I've wasted so much time trying to get through to Washington ESD.

Same here. The hold times are ridiculous and half the time they just hang up on you.

That's good motivation to find work quickly. 26 weeks goes by fast.

Exactly. And if you find work before exhausting benefits, any unused weeks don't carry over to a future claim.

So for my $15,000 highest quarter, that would be $15,000 x 0.0385 = $577.50 per week?

Exactly! And since that's between the minimum ($295) and maximum ($999), that would be your weekly benefit amount.

Thanks for breaking down the math. The Washington ESD website explanations are so confusing.

That's useful to know. I hope I don't need any of this information, but it's good to understand the system.

Better to know and not need it than need it and not know. Unemployment can happen to anyone these days.