How much can you collect on Washington ESD unemployment - what's the max weekly benefit?

Thanks! I was working full time so about 40 hours a week. Do you know how they figure out which quarter was my highest?

They look at the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed. So if you filed in January 2025, they'd look at quarters from January 2024 through September 2024.

26 weeks should give me time to find something decent. What's the job search requirement?

You need to make 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. Washington ESD can audit you so keep good records.

Same here! I've called like 50 times this week. The system is overwhelmed.

I actually found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. It automatically calls and waits on hold for you.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. Does it actually work?

Yeah I used it last month when my claim was stuck in adjudication. Got through to an agent in about 2 hours instead of spending days trying myself.

That's actually more than I expected! How long did it take for your first payment?

About 2 weeks after filing, but that was before all the system upgrades. Might be faster now.

That's not really fair. Yes, the system has rules you need to follow, but most people who follow the requirements get their benefits without major issues.

maybe you got lucky but i've seen tons of people get screwed over by adjudication delays and arbitrary disqualifications

You should get a monetary determination letter within a week showing your benefit amount and base period wages. That's when you'll know exactly how much you qualify for.

Make sure you file your weekly claims even while it's pending! You can backdate but it's easier to just stay current.

Wait that's different from what someone else said about 3.85%. Which formula is right?

Both are basically the same. 3.85% of your total highest quarter wages equals roughly dividing by 25 then multiplying by 0.96. Just different ways to express the same calculation.

Yes, Washington ESD combines wages from all employers during your base period. As long as the employers paid into the UI system, it all counts toward your benefit calculation.

Good to know! One was through a temp agency so I wasn't sure if that counted the same way.

That would definitely help! Were you working full time hours consistently?

Yeah mostly 40 hours, sometimes overtime. The overtime helped boost my highest quarter wages which increased my benefit amount.

I actually just got through using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Took about 90 minutes but way better than the days I spent trying on my own. The agent was really helpful explaining the job search rules for my situation.

I might have to try that. This phone system is ridiculous.

Do they automatically take out taxes or do I have to handle that myself?

You can choose to have 10% federal tax withheld when you file your weekly claims. I'd recommend it so you don't get hit with a big tax bill later.

That's reassuring. I was worried I'd have to figure out all these complicated formulas myself.

Exactly right. People often think it's based on their most recent paycheck, but it's actually based on wages over a longer base period.

I did have to take a few unpaid sick days last year. How much would that affect it?

Probably not too much if it was just a few days, but it's worth knowing that every dollar of wages in your base period counts toward the calculation.

What are the main rules that trip people up?

Job search requirements, reporting all work and wages, being available for work, and responding quickly to any requests from Washington ESD for information.

Seriously try Claimyr. I was skeptical at first but it actually works. Way better than burning vacation days calling manually.

At this point I'm willing to try anything. Thanks for the recommendation.

Good tip! Should I expect any other important documents from Washington ESD?

You'll also get information about job search requirements and how to file your weekly claims. Read everything carefully.

It's adjusted annually based on average wages in the state. The $999 maximum is for 2025, but it changes each year.

Thanks! So if I file later in the year, the amount might be different?

The maximum changes each January, but your individual benefit amount is locked in when you establish your claim year.

That's a relief. I was worried they might question why I was laid off even though it wasn't my fault.

I didn't know they had a calculator! I'll check that out. Thanks for all the helpful info everyone.