How much can you get unemployment benefits in Washington ESD 2025?

Thanks! So if I made around $11,000 in my highest quarter, that would be about $423 per week? That sounds about right based on what I calculated.

Yeah that math looks correct. Just remember you also have to meet the job search requirements to keep getting benefits.

If you're stuck in adjudication, you might want to try calling them directly. I know the phone lines are impossible to get through, but there's actually a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps people get connected to Washington ESD agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

The adjudication process can take 4-6 weeks unfortunately. They're probably verifying your work history or wages. Once that's complete, you'll get your determination letter with your weekly benefit amount.

That's a decent amount! How long did the whole process take from filing to getting your first payment?

About 3 weeks total. I didn't have any issues with my claim though - no adjudication or anything complicated.

Correct, it's $25 per dependent child under 18, maximum of 5 dependents. So you could get up to $125 extra per week if you qualify.

Good to know! I don't have kids but that could help families a lot.

I tried using that calculator but it was confusing. Couldn't figure out which quarters to use for the base period.

The base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be July 2023 through June 2024.

Part-time work affects your weekly payment but not your established weekly benefit amount. Washington ESD deducts earnings over $5 from your weekly benefit, but your base amount stays the same.

Ok that makes sense. So if I make $100 in a week, they'd deduct $95 from my benefit that week but the next week would be back to normal if I don't work?

Exactly right. It's calculated week by week based on what you earn and report.

Glad Claimyr worked for you! Employer disputes can definitely slow things down. Make sure you gather all your documentation for the hearing.

What kind of documentation do you need for a hearing like that? I might be facing something similar with my former employer.

How many job searches do you have to do per week? I keep hearing different numbers.

It's 3 job search activities per week in Washington. Can be applications, networking events, job fairs, etc. You have to keep a log of everything.

I feel your frustration. Have you tried contacting your state representative? Sometimes they can help cut through the bureaucracy.

Another option is using that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. It really does help get through to actual agents who can look at your specific case.

Thanks for breaking that down! So simple when you put it that way.

What if you have really irregular income? Like if you're in construction and some quarters were way higher than others?

That actually works in your favor because they use your HIGHEST quarter. So if you had one really good quarter, that becomes the basis for your entire benefit calculation.

What's the difference between regular unemployment and standby? I keep seeing that term but don't understand it.

Standby is when your employer expects to call you back within a specific timeframe. You don't have to do job searches but the benefit amount calculation can be different.

Good advice! I have most of my recent pay stubs but not sure about older ones. Do they need the whole base period documented?

They can usually verify wages through employers, but having your own records speeds up the process and helps if there are discrepancies.

Yeah, the more you earned, the higher your benefit amount up to the maximum. That's why some people get the full $999 and others get much less.

Yes, overtime is included in your total wages for benefit calculation purposes. Any wages reported on your W-2 or 1099 count toward your quarterly earnings.

Great! I worked a ton of overtime last year so that should help my benefit amount.

Standard unemployment benefits last up to 26 weeks in Washington state. There's also extended benefits that can kick in during high unemployment periods, but that's not available right now.

26 weeks goes by faster than you think when you're job hunting. Make sure to use the time wisely for networking and skills development.

Congrats on getting approved! That's a decent amount. Now I'm more confident about filing my own claim.

Make sure you file your weekly claims on time every week. Missing even one can cause delays in your payments.