How much do u get from unemployment benefits in Washington state?

The Washington ESD unemployment benefit amount depends on your previous earnings. It's calculated using your highest quarter of wages from the base period (first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters). You can get between $295-$999 per week depending on what you made. There's a benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website that can give you an estimate.

I was making about $22/hour full time and my weekly benefit amount came out to $648. But you also have to do the job search requirements - 3 job contacts per week minimum. And you can only collect for 26 weeks max unless there are extensions.

Before you file, make sure you have all your employment info ready including your last employer's business name and address. The process can take 2-3 weeks if there are no issues, longer if they need to do adjudication. I'd definitely file ASAP since you can't get benefits for weeks before you apply.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask questions, I recently discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach a live agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.

ugh the whole system is so confusing. i filed 3 weeks ago and still waiting for my first payment. they keep saying processing but no explanation of whats taking so long

The maximum is $999/week but most people don't get that much. I think you need to have been making like over $130k annually to hit the max. For warehouse work you're probably looking at $400-600 range depending on your exact wages.

Don't forget you'll owe taxes on unemployment benefits! They don't automatically withhold federal taxes unless you request it. I learned that the hard way last year.

Been on unemployment twice in the past 5 years and honestly the amount isn't great but it helps keep you afloat while job hunting. Just make sure you keep good records of your job search activities because they do audit that stuff.

THE WASHINGTON ESD SYSTEM IS A JOKE! I've been trying to reach someone for WEEKS about my disqualification and can't get through. The website crashes half the time and when you call it just hangs up on you after an hour hold.

Quick question - if I was working part time when I got laid off, does that affect how much I can get?

Anyone know if the job search requirement is still waived for certain industries? I heard something about that during COVID but not sure if it's still a thing.

I'm getting $547 per week and was making about $19/hour. The calculation seemed fair based on what I was earning. Just make sure you file your weekly claims on time every week or you'll lose benefits for that week.

Honestly just file and see what you get. The worst case is you don't qualify, best case you get some income while looking for work. The process isn't too complicated once you get started.

Update on my situation - finally got through to someone using that Claimyr service someone mentioned. Turns out my adjudication was because my employer reported I quit instead of being laid off. Agent helped me understand what documents I need to appeal. Super relieved to finally know what's going on!

For anyone wondering, you can work part time while collecting unemployment but they'll reduce your benefits dollar for dollar after you earn more than your weekly benefit amount. So if you get $500/week and earn $600 that week, you'd lose $100 in benefits.

Don't stress too much about the exact amount. File your claim, do your job searches, and take whatever you can get while looking for something better. The peace of mind is worth it even if it's not your full salary.

One more tip - make sure your contact info is up to date in your Washington ESD account. They'll mail important notices and you don't want to miss them because of an old address.

The whole process seems overwhelming at first but it's really not that bad once you get into the routine. File weekly, do your job searches, keep records. You got this!

Just remember that unemployment is temporary help while you find work, not a permanent solution. Use the time wisely to improve your skills or expand your job search if needed.

Last thing - if you do get benefits, consider setting aside some money for taxes and start your job search immediately. The 26 weeks goes by faster than you think!