How much do you get for unemployment in Washington ESD - what's the weekly benefit amount?

Thanks! That's actually higher than I expected. How do they determine the base period?

Base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, they'd look at July 2023 through June 2024.

Good to know about the minimum. I've been at my job for 3 years so I should meet the work requirements.

Yeah the work requirements aren't too hard to meet if you've had steady employment.

Same problem here! I've been calling for weeks about my claim status. Found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Might be worth checking out if you need to talk to someone.

Interesting, I'll look into that. Getting through to Washington ESD is such a nightmare.

Oh right, I forgot about taxes. Do they automatically withhold or do you have to request it?

You have to request it when you file or through your online account. They'll withhold 10% for federal taxes if you ask.

Learned that the hard way last year - owed a bunch at tax time because I didn't have anything withheld.

I wasn't planning to work part-time but good to know. How much can you earn before it affects your benefits?

I think it's like you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount minus $5 before they start reducing your benefits. But don't quote me on that - the rules are complicated.

That's because it depends on your specific earnings pattern during the base period. If you got raises or bonuses in different quarters, it can change your benefit calculation.

makes sense i guess but still annoying

26 weeks should hopefully be enough time to find something new. Is there any way to extend benefits beyond that?

Only if there's extended benefits available during high unemployment periods, which there isn't right now. Sometimes there are federal extensions during recessions but that's rare.

How long did it take to get approved? I keep hearing horror stories about adjudication delays.

Mine took about 5 weeks but I know people who waited 3+ months. Really depends on if there are any issues with your claim.

That's where Claimyr helped me - I was able to get through to someone at Washington ESD to check on my adjudication status instead of just waiting and wondering.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs?

Applying for jobs, networking contacts, attending job fairs, WorkSourceWA activities, even some online training courses can count. They have a list on their website.

True but it's better than nothing. At least Washington's benefits are higher than a lot of other states.

Fair point. I'm just bitter because I've been looking for work for 4 months now.

Good tip. I'm not unemployed yet but want to understand the process in case it happens.

Smart to research ahead of time. The whole process is much less stressful when you know what to expect.

That's a good point. I got a raise about 6 months ago so depending on the timing it might not be reflected in my benefit calculation.

Exactly. That's why some people end up with benefits that seem too low compared to what they were making recently.

What happens if you don't meet the job search requirements?

They can disqualify you from benefits and make you pay back what you received. It's not worth risking it.

I'll try to find that calculator. Sounds like it would give me a better idea of what to expect.

Yeah it's under the 'File a Claim' section somewhere. Takes a few minutes to input your earnings but gives you a rough idea.

Seems like a lot of people are having trouble getting through to Washington ESD. Maybe I should bookmark that service just in case.

Yeah definitely worth having as a backup. The regular phone lines are basically useless during busy times.

Good to know. I think my situation would be regular unemployment if it happens, not standby.

Regular unemployment is more common anyway. Standby is mainly for seasonal workers or temporary layoffs.

True, $999 maximum is pretty good. Hopefully I won't need to find out personally though!

Fingers crossed for you! But good to be prepared just in case.

Oh wow, I hadn't thought about health insurance costs. That's a huge expense to consider.

Yeah it's often overlooked but can easily be $500+ per month for decent coverage. Really impacts how far unemployment benefits stretch.

How soon should you file after losing your job?

As soon as possible, like within a week if you can. Don't wait thinking you'll find something quickly - you can always stop claiming if you get hired fast.

Exactly. The financial support is there but navigating Washington ESD's bureaucracy takes patience. Good luck with your job situation!

Thanks! Hopefully it won't come to that but at least I'll be prepared if it does.