How much can you collect for unemployment benefits in Washington?

Thanks! So with my salary of $52k, what would that come out to approximately?

With $52k annually, you'd likely qualify for around $650-750 per week depending on your exact base period wages. The formula can be tricky but Washington ESD will calculate it automatically when you file your claim.

How can I check if my wages were reported correctly? I want to make sure I get the right amount.

You can check your wage history through your SecureAccess Washington account once you start the claim process. If something looks wrong, you'll need to contact Washington ESD to get it corrected.

Actually, if you need to reach Washington ESD about wage corrections or benefit calculations, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to an actual agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Way better than trying to call hundreds of times.

Wait, so I don't get anything for the first week? That seems harsh when people are already struggling financially.

That's correct - Washington has a one-week waiting period before benefits begin. It's designed to encourage people to find work quickly and reduce costs to the system.

This is getting confusing. Is there a simple way to estimate what I'll get before I file?

Washington ESD has a benefit calculator on their website, but it's pretty basic. Your best bet is to just file your claim and let them calculate it officially. The process takes a few days anyway.

Part-time workers can definitely qualify, but your benefit amount will be lower since it's based on your wages. With $28k, you're probably looking at $400-500 per week maximum, assuming you meet the other requirements.

That would actually help a lot. I was worried I wouldn't qualify at all working part-time.

Good point. When do you have to file the weekly claims?

You need to file every week on your designated day. They'll tell you which day when you first file your claim. Don't miss it or you'll lose that week's benefits.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs?

Applying for jobs, networking events, career fairs, even some online training courses can count. But you need to log everything in WorkSourceWA and keep detailed records.

The job search requirements are no joke. I got selected for a review and had to provide documentation for every single activity I claimed. Thankfully I kept good records.

Washington doesn't provide additional benefits for dependents like some other states do. Your benefit amount is based solely on your wage history, regardless of family size.

That's disappointing. The cost of living is so high here, especially with kids.

How much can you earn before it affects your benefits?

You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount minus $5 before they start reducing your benefits. So if your weekly benefit is $700, you can earn up to $695 without any reduction.

Actually, that's not quite right. Washington has a more complex formula. You can earn up to 1/3 of your weekly benefit amount without any reduction, then they reduce your benefits by 75 cents for every dollar you earn above that.

I mentioned this earlier but Claimyr really helped me get through to Washington ESD when I needed to discuss my benefit amount. It's way better than the endless busy signals and disconnects you get calling directly.

I'll check that out. I'm desperate at this point. Been calling for over a month with no luck.

Same here! The automated system just hangs up on you if call volume is too high. It's beyond frustrating when you need answers about your claim.

Thanks for the reminder. Should I have taxes withheld or just pay later?

I'd recommend having them withheld. It's easier than coming up with a big tax bill later, especially when you're already dealing with reduced income from being unemployed.

That's good to know. Do they adjust ongoing claims or just new ones?

Only new claims filed after the adjustment takes effect. If you're already collecting benefits, your amount stays the same for the duration of your claim.

What's the maximum total amount you can collect?

It's typically 26 times your weekly benefit amount, so if you're getting $700 per week, your maximum total would be $18,200 over 26 weeks.

That's correct for regular unemployment benefits. There are sometimes extended benefit programs during high unemployment periods, but those aren't available right now.

How long did the appeals process take?

About 6 weeks from when I filed the appeal to when I got the decision. They did pay me retroactively once it was approved though.

If you need help with the appeals process, that's another situation where Claimyr can be useful. Getting through to explain your appeal situation is much easier than trying to navigate it alone.

What qualifies as 'good cause' for quitting?

Things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, significant changes to your job duties or schedule, or certain family emergencies. But you have to be able to document and prove it to Washington ESD.

I agree, it's way more complicated than it needs to be. I just want to know what I can expect to receive.

The complexity is partly because the system has to account for so many different work situations - seasonal workers, part-time workers, people with multiple jobs, etc. A simple chart wouldn't work for everyone's situation.

I guess that makes sense, but it's still frustrating when you're stressed about losing your job and trying to figure out your finances.

That's probably the best advice. I'll just file and see what happens. Thanks everyone for all the information!

Good luck! And definitely look into that Claimyr service if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD. It's been a lifesaver for people who can't get through the regular phone lines.