How much do you collect from unemployment benefits in Washington?

That's helpful! So they don't look at my annual salary, just the best quarter?

Exactly. It's based on your base period which is the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file your claim.

Wow that's way higher than I thought the max would be!

yeah washington has one of the highest max benefits in the country

Thanks! I was dreading trying to call Washington ESD with all the busy signals people complain about.

Is that service legit? Seems too good to be true with how impossible it is to reach anyone at ESD.

Yeah it worked for me. I was able to talk to someone about my adjudication issue that had been pending for weeks.

Good point - I'll make sure to track all my applications and interviews.

WorkSourceWA registration is required too, don't forget that step

I don't have kids but that's good to know for others reading this.

Wait really? I have 2 kids and didn't know about the dependent allowance!

Yes! Make sure to report your dependents when you file your initial claim or contact Washington ESD to add them.

That gives me a good reference point, thanks for sharing!

How long can you collect benefits? Is it still 26 weeks max?

yeah 26 weeks unless there are extended benefits available, which there aren't right now

What counts as a qualifying reason to skip the waiting week?

Things like being laid off due to lack of work, workplace closure, or certain other involuntary separations. Quitting usually doesn't qualify.

I feel your frustration! Have you tried that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier? Might be worth a shot.

Never heard of it but at this point I'll try anything to reach a human being at Washington ESD

hang in there, adjudication is taking forever for everyone right now

Good reminder! I'll probably have them withhold taxes to avoid a big bill later.

Yeah learned that the hard way my first time on unemployment. Owed like $2000 at tax time!

That's helpful to know in case I find some temporary work while job searching.

Just make sure you report ALL earnings when you file your weekly claim or you could get an overpayment notice later

This happened to my brother - he forgot to report some gig work and had to pay back like $800

How long does it usually take to get that letter?

Usually within a week or two of filing your initial claim, but it can take longer if there are issues with your claim.

That sounds interesting! I'll look into what programs are available.

The Trade Readjustment Act programs are really good if your job was affected by foreign trade

Good to hear another positive experience with that service!

How much does it cost though? Is it expensive?

They don't charge anything upfront and it was definitely worth it compared to the stress of trying to call on my own

My layoff is permanent so I don't think standby applies to me, but good info for others.

Standby can be tricky - make sure your employer properly reports your status to Washington ESD

Hopefully I won't need to appeal but it's good to know the option exists.

Appeals can take months though, so be prepared for a long process if you go that route

I totally understand that stress! Hopefully we both hear back soon.

If you need to speed up the process, that Claimyr thing people mentioned might help you talk to someone about your claim status

Great advice! I'll double-check all my employment dates and employer info before submitting.

This is so important! I had to correct my employer's address and it delayed my claim by 3 weeks

Good luck with your claim! Hope everything goes smoothly for you.

feel free to come back and update us on how it goes!