How much do I get for unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

Thanks! So if I made like $12,000 in my best quarter that would be around $460 a week? That's actually more than I expected.

Yeah that sounds about right, though there might be some other factors. You can use the benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website to get a more accurate estimate.

Same problem here! I've wasted so many hours trying to reach someone at ESD. The automated system keeps disconnecting me.

I had the same issue until I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you through to ESD agents. They have this demo video (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ) showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration!

Really? That actually works? I'm desperate at this point, been trying to reach them about my adjudication for 3 weeks now.

I don't have any dependents so I guess that doesn't apply to me. Good to know though!

Wait, is that automatic or do you have to request the dependent allowance when you file your claim?

You have to specifically request it and provide documentation during your initial application. It's not automatic.

So if I made like $8,000 in my best quarter, I'd get around $300 a week? That seems low compared to what I was making.

That sounds about right for your income level. Remember you also don't pay taxes on unemployment benefits until you file your return, so it's a bit more than it seems.

Yeah I read about that. Do they actually check or is it just honor system?

They can audit your job search log at any time and if you can't provide proof of your activities, they'll disqualify you and make you pay back benefits. Keep detailed records!

I tried using the calculator but it's asking for info I don't have readily available. Do I need to gather all my pay stubs first?

You'll need your employment history for the past 18 months including employer names, dates, and wages. Having pay stubs helps but Washington ESD can verify wages with employers directly.

Adjudication delays are the worst. What was your issue about?

something about my separation from my last job, even though I was clearly laid off due to slow business. took forever to resolve

That's exactly the kind of situation where Claimyr really helps. When you're stuck in adjudication limbo and can't reach anyone to explain what's happening, having a way to actually talk to an ESD agent makes all the difference.

Oh crap, I didn't think about taxes. How much do they typically withhold?

I think it's 10% federal withholding if you elect it. There's no state income tax in Washington so that's not a concern.

So basically 6 months max? Hopefully I'll find something before then.

Yeah, and those 26 weeks go by faster than you think. Start job searching immediately, don't wait around.

Did you have any issues getting through to someone at Washington ESD? I've been trying to call but keep getting busy signals.

Yeah the phone lines are always jammed. I actually used this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual person. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Is that legit? I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point.

It's because they need complete quarterly wage data from employers, and there's always a reporting lag. Using the most recent complete quarters ensures the wage information is accurate and verified.

oh ok that makes sense i guess, just seems overly complicated

I was pretty steady at my restaurant job, just a few days here and there when I was sick. Should be okay.

Even small gaps can matter depending on which quarter they fall in. The system is really rigid about this stuff.

Good tip! I'll make sure to do that. What day of the week do you usually file?

I always do mine on Sunday mornings. The system is usually less busy then and processes faster.

Oh no, what if I don't meet those requirements? I was unemployed for a few months before I got this job.

You might still qualify but with a lower benefit amount. If you don't meet the regular base period requirements, Washington ESD will look at your alternate base period which uses more recent earnings.

It's complicated because they have to follow federal guidelines and account for people who have multiple jobs or gaps in employment. The base period system is designed to be fair but it's definitely not intuitive.

fair maybe but definitely not user friendly. took me 2 hours just to figure out what quarters they were even talking about

That's actually helpful to think about the total amount. I was just focused on the weekly payment but $8,000 would definitely help while job hunting.

Exactly! And remember you have to actively look for work and report your job search activities each week. Washington ESD requires at least 3 job search activities per week.

That's what I'm worried about. My rent is $1,200 a month so even $300/week wouldn't be enough.

You might need to look into other assistance programs or consider getting a temporary job while you search for something better. The job market is tough right now.

How do I make sure the wage information is right if I don't have all my old pay stubs?

You can request wage statements from your employers or check your tax returns from last year. Washington ESD will verify the wages anyway but having accurate info upfront prevents delays.

This is where Claimyr really helped me - I was able to talk to an actual Washington ESD representative who walked me through the wage verification process instead of just guessing.

Just be honest and accurate with everything you report. Most overpayments happen when people don't report work or income properly.

yeah and if you do get an overpayment notice, you can appeal it. but again, good luck trying to call ESD to figure out what happened...

That's another situation where being able to actually reach an ESD agent through Claimyr really pays off. Overpayment issues are confusing and you need to talk to someone who can explain exactly what went wrong.

What other programs are there? I thought unemployment was just one thing.

There used to be pandemic-related programs but those ended. Now it's mainly regular UI, though there are sometimes training programs that can extend your benefits if you're learning new skills.

Oh man, I hope my tips don't mess things up. I always reported them on my taxes though.

As long as your tips were properly reported to your employer and included in your W-2, they should be counted in your base period wages for the benefit calculation.

You're probably right. I'm overthinking this. I'll just file the application tonight.

Good plan. And remember to file your weekly claims even if your initial claim is still being processed. Missing those weekly filings can mess up your benefit payments.

I'll check that out, thanks! Do I need my old pay stubs or will they have the wage info already?

They should have your wage information from employer reports, but it's good to have your pay stubs as backup in case there are any discrepancies.

True, something is better than nothing. I just need to make sure I can still pay my bills.

You might want to look into food assistance or other programs to help stretch your budget. The unemployment office can usually give you info about other resources.

I didn't know about the waiting week. So I won't get paid for the first week even if I'm approved?

Right, there's a one-week waiting period that isn't paid. It's like a deductible. So plan accordingly when budgeting.

Seriously? That's annoying. So if I'm approved I won't see money for like 2-3 weeks total?

Pretty much, yeah. The waiting week plus processing time. It's rough but that's how the system works.

That's good to know. I might pick up some catering gigs while I'm looking for full-time work.

Just make sure you report ALL work and earnings, even cash jobs. They can find out and it'll cause major problems if you don't disclose everything.

I've already experienced that frustration just trying to get basic information. How did you eventually get help?

Honestly, I ended up using Claimyr to get through to them. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals. Worth checking out if you get stuck.

Good to know. I was thinking about doing some gig work while I look for a full-time job.

You can definitely do gig work, just make sure to report all earnings when you file your weekly claims. Being honest about income is super important to avoid overpayment issues later.

That explains why the phone lines are always busy. Is there a better time to call?

Early morning right when they open tends to be best, but even then it's hit or miss. The online system works better for basic stuff like filing weekly claims.

You're right, I need to stop overthinking and just file the application. Thanks for the push!

Exactly! You can always ask questions about your specific benefit amount once your claim is processed. Good luck with everything!

Oh man, I didn't even think about taxes. How much should I expect to owe?

It depends on your total income for the year and your tax bracket. You can choose to have 10% withheld when you set up your claim, which is usually a safe bet.

That range is helpful to know. At least I can plan for something in that ballpark while I wait for the actual determination.

Yep, and remember the amount is weekly so multiply by 4 to get your monthly estimate. Just don't forget about the waiting week for your first payment.

Great advice! I'll start a folder right now to keep everything organized.

Smart move! Organization is key when dealing with any government benefits. Hope everything works out smoothly for you.