How much can someone expect if they receive unemployment compensation from Washington ESD?

Thanks! So if I made $13,000 in my highest quarter, that would be around $500 per week? That seems pretty good actually.

That's about right, but remember you also have to meet the total base period wage requirement. You need at least 680 times your weekly benefit amount in total base period wages to qualify.

5 weeks?? That's insane. Did you have any issues with your claim or was it just normal processing time?

No issues on my end, just backed up I guess. I kept calling but could never get through to an actual person at Washington ESD.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through. They have a demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ and their site is claimyr.com. It actually worked for me when I needed to check on my adjudication status.

Good point about taxes. Do most people have the taxes withheld or just pay at the end of the year?

I'd recommend having them withheld. It's 10% federal tax withholding. Better than getting hit with a big tax bill later.

You can't collect for a full year though. Regular UI benefits max out at 26 weeks in most cases. And you have to be actively job searching and able to work.

oh right, I forgot about the time limits. So it's really more like $25k maximum total if you get the full 26 weeks at the highest rate.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs or other stuff too?

Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, career counseling sessions. You have to keep detailed records in WorkSourceWA.

Don't forget you can also count things like taking skills assessments or updating your resume. Washington ESD has a whole list of approved activities.

I mentioned this earlier but seriously try Claimyr. I was skeptical at first but it got me through to an actual person at Washington ESD in like 20 minutes instead of hours of calling.

Is that legit? I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point. The website says I might be eligible but I need to talk to someone to confirm.

Yeah it's legit. Check out their demo video to see how it works. Way better than the endless busy signals and hold music.

I got laid off due to company downsizing so I think I should be okay on that front. It wasn't performance related or anything.

Layoffs are usually straightforward for eligibility. You should be fine as long as you file promptly and meet the wage requirements.

How do I know what my base period is? Is it the last 4 quarters or something different?

It's the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. So if you file in Q1 2025, your base period would be Q4 2023 through Q3 2024.

Actually you can request an alternate base period if your regular base period doesn't qualify you. The alternate uses the last 4 completed quarters instead.

No other deductions unless you have child support garnishments or something like that. The gross benefit amount is what you get minus any taxes you choose to withhold.

Good to know. I was worried there might be fees or administrative costs taken out.

What field are you in? I'm in tech and hearing mixed things about the job market.

Marketing/communications. Lots of applications but not many callbacks. At least the unemployment is keeping me afloat while I search.

I'll definitely use the calculator to get a rough idea before I file. Thanks for all the info everyone!

Good luck with your claim! File as soon as possible after your last day of work to avoid any delays in processing.

That's good to know. I might do some freelance work while job hunting.

Yeah you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount plus $5 before they start reducing it. Just make sure to report all earnings on your weekly claim.

How did you know they miscalculated? Did you have to provide additional documentation?

I compared their calculation to my actual pay stubs and W-2s. Had to submit copies of everything but it was worth it for the extra $150/week.

That's a significant difference! I should probably double-check my calculation when I get my determination letter.

That's reassuring. I was worried it might not be enough to cover my expenses.

It definitely helps. Obviously not as much as a full salary but it's designed to replace about 50% of your average wage.

So I file right away but don't get paid for the first week? That seems weird.

Right, it's like a one-week penalty. You still have to file that first weekly claim but you won't receive payment for it.

The waiting week is served during your first week of unemployment, but you get paid starting with week 2 if you're eligible.

Seems like a lot of people have had success with that service. I'll keep it in mind if I run into issues.

Yeah, sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to get clarity on your specific situation.