How much can I get unemployment benefits in Washington state?

That's way more than I expected! I was thinking maybe $300-400. How do they calculate the base period?

Your base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, they'd look at January-December 2024 earnings.

Really? I had no idea you could get benefits while still working. That changes everything.

Yeah I did this when my restaurant cut everyone to 20 hours. Still got like $200/week from Washington ESD even though I was working.

This math is making my head spin lol. Is there an easier way to figure this out?

If you can't get through to Washington ESD to ask questions, I found this service called Claimyr that helps people reach agents. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Might be easier than trying to calculate everything yourself.

The maximum is actually $999 per week now. You need to have earned about $6,500 in your highest quarter to qualify for the max.

oh wow thats more than i thought

Good point, I didn't think about taxes. So if I get $600/week that's really only like $540 after taxes?

Depends on your tax bracket but yeah, expect to lose some to taxes. Still better than nothing though!

The job search thing isn't that hard though. I just apply to 3 jobs every Sunday morning and I'm done for the week.

Make sure you're keeping good records of your job searches! Washington ESD can audit your job search log anytime and if you can't prove you did the searches, they'll make you pay back benefits.

How long did it take to get your first payment? I keep hearing horror stories about people waiting months.

I got lucky and mine was pretty fast - about 2 weeks. But I know people who waited 6+ weeks because their claims went into adjudication.

I feel your pain. The phone system is absolutely terrible. Have you tried calling right at 8 AM when they open?

I mentioned this earlier but seriously look into Claimyr. They basically call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to an actual agent. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Never heard of that but I'm desperate at this point. I'll check it out.

That's helpful to know! Did you have any issues with the application process?

Not really, just make sure you have all your employment info ready - dates, addresses, reason for separation, etc. The application takes about 30 minutes if you have everything prepared.

Can you extend benefits beyond 26 weeks if you still can't find work?

Sometimes there are extended benefit programs during high unemployment periods, but those come and go. Right now I don't think there are any extensions available.

You're right, I'm overthinking this. I'll apply this weekend when I have time to sit down and do it properly.

Good call! And remember you can backdate your claim to when your hours were first reduced, so you might get a bigger first payment.

That makes sense. I've been pretty consistent with 40 hours/week for the past year and a half, so hopefully that helps.

Consistent full-time work definitely helps establish a higher benefit amount. You should be in good shape.

This is super important! I did the same thing and lost out on like $1800 because I didn't know you had to keep filing weekly claims.

Wow, good to know. I definitely would have made that mistake.

I tried using that calculator and couldn't figure it out either. The website design is from like 2005.

This is exactly why I recommend Claimyr for people who need to talk to Washington ESD. Instead of spending hours trying to get through, they handle the calling for you and connect you directly to an agent who can answer questions like this.

So I could potentially work part time AND collect some benefits? That actually sounds perfect for my situation.

Exactly! As long as you report your earnings when you file your weekly claim. Just don't try to hide income because they will find out.

That's encouraging to hear! Any tips for avoiding problems with the application?

Just be completely honest about everything. Don't try to game the system or leave anything out. They verify everything anyway so it's better to be upfront from the start.

That's right in the range everyone else has been saying. Thanks for all the help everyone, I'm definitely going to apply this weekend!

Good luck! Come back and let us know how it goes. Always helpful to hear real experiences.