How much do I have to make to qualify for Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

Thanks! So if I file in January 2025, they'd look at my earnings from January 2024 through September 2024?

Exactly! And your weekly benefit amount is based on your highest earning quarter during that base period.

You're thinking of the alternate base period calculation. There are actually multiple ways Washington ESD can calculate eligibility - they'll use whichever method works in your favor.

oh ok that makes more sense, i was getting stressed thinking i didnt qualify

That sounds helpful! Did they charge you a lot to use it?

They don't publish pricing on the site, but it was worth it to actually talk to someone instead of calling for weeks with no luck. The agent was able to pull up my earnings and explain exactly how they calculated my base period.

Wait, you have to pay someone to talk to Washington ESD? That seems sketchy.

Not to talk to Washington ESD directly - Claimyr just helps you get through the phone system faster. Once you're connected, you're talking to actual Washington ESD staff.

Good point! I'm definitely able to work full-time now. What are the current job search requirements?

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. The requirements are on the Washington ESD website.

I agree it's confusing! The reason they use quarters is to make sure you have a recent, stable work history rather than just one big paycheck.

i guess that makes sense but still annoying when youre stressed about money

Oh that's reassuring! I was worried I hadn't worked enough. So if I made like $4,000 in my highest quarter, my weekly benefit would be around $154?

That math sounds about right! Plus you might qualify for additional benefits if you have dependents.

I was laid off due to budget cuts, so I think I should be okay on that front.

Layoffs are usually straightforward for eligibility. Just make sure you file as soon as possible since benefits don't start until you actually file your claim.

The online system at Washington ESD will let you file your initial claim and should tell you if you're monetarily eligible pretty quickly. Much easier than trying to call.

cool, ill try that first before dealing with phone calls

Probably not in your regular base period, but Washington ESD can use an alternate base period that includes more recent wages if it helps you qualify or get higher benefits.

ok good to know, this stuff is so confusing lol

Good luck! The online system is usually pretty straightforward for basic claims.

Just remember to file your weekly claims on time once you get approved - that's super important!

That's good to hear! How long did it take to get your first payment?

About 2 weeks after I filed, but I had to serve a waiting week first. So really 3 weeks total.

I think they eliminated the waiting week during COVID but it came back. It's frustrating when you're already stressed about finances.

exactly! just one more way to make it harder on people who are already struggling

Good tip! I should probably gather all that info before I start the application.

Definitely makes the process go smoother. Also have your Social Security card and ID ready.

You can actually request your earnings history from Washington ESD, but it takes time. The online system shows some of it when you file your claim though.

oh really? i didnt know that, thanks

How long did it take them to get you connected to someone?

Way faster than trying on my own. Instead of calling for hours, I was talking to an agent within like 20 minutes.

That's reassuring! I've been so focused on whether I earned enough that I hadn't really thought about the ongoing requirements.

Yeah, the initial qualification is usually the easy part. It's staying compliant with all the rules that trips people up.

Good point! I didn't think about that. Can you have them withhold taxes automatically?

yeah when you file your claim theres an option to have 10% withheld for federal taxes

Thanks! I think my earnings were pretty consistent across quarters, so hopefully it works out to a decent amount.

Even if they were consistent, 35 hours a week at those wages should give you a reasonable weekly benefit. Good luck with your claim!

You're right, I should just go for it. Thanks for the push!

no problem, i did the same thing and stressed for weeks before filing. turned out fine

I'll make sure to read up on that. There's definitely a lot to learn about this process!

It's confusing at first but once you get through the initial claim it becomes more routine. The weekly claims are pretty straightforward.