How much do you get from unemployment in Washington - confused about weekly benefit amount

So if I made like $7,000 in my highest quarter, that would be around $269 per week divided by 26? That seems really low.

No, you divide $7,000 by 26 first to get $269, then take about 60% of that. So you'd get roughly $160-170 per week before taxes.

I can't even get into my eServices account right now, it keeps saying there's high volume and to try again later.

Same problem here! I've been trying to check my claim status for days. The Washington ESD phone lines are always busy too.

Try using Claimyr to get through to an actual Washington ESD agent. I found out about it from someone on here and it actually worked. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

That actually sounds pretty decent. I hope I get something close to that amount.

Keep in mind they take taxes out too unless you opt out. I learned that the hard way when I got my first payment.

I feel your frustration but 6 weeks seems really long. Are you sure there isn't an adjudication issue or something you need to resolve?

That's what I'm trying to find out but I CAN'T GET THROUGH TO ANYONE! This is ridiculous.

Have you tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier? Might be worth it if you've been stuck for 6 weeks. The site is claimyr.com if you want to check it out.

Wait, what's this about dependents allowances? I have two kids under 18.

You can get additional money for dependent children - I think it's $34 per dependent up to 5 dependents. You have to apply for it separately though.

This is all so confusing. I wish Washington ESD just told you upfront what you'd get instead of making you wait.

How did you finally get through? I've been calling for days.

Honestly I used this service called Claimyr that keeps calling for you until they get through. Cost me a bit but saved me hours of frustration. They have all the info on their website claimyr.com.

was it worth the cost? im getting desperate here

Totally worth it for me. I got answers in one day instead of weeks of trying on my own.

When do you start filing weekly claims? Right after you apply or after your claim is approved?

You can start filing weekly claims right away, but you won't get paid until your initial claim is processed and approved. Keep filing though or you'll lose those weeks.

Wait, you have to apply to 3 jobs every single week? That seems like a lot.

Yep, and they can audit your job search log anytime. Better to do more than less if you want to avoid problems.

I've heard they're pretty strict about the job search thing now. My friend got disqualified for not logging enough job contacts.

That's weird. Why wouldn't they use your most recent wages?

It's because employers have to report wages quarterly and there's a lag time. They use completed quarters so there's no confusion about what wages to count.

That gives me hope. If I can get somewhere in the $300-400 range I should be okay.

Just be patient with the process. It took about 3 weeks for her claim to get fully processed and the first payment to hit her account.

Glad you finally got answers! I'm going to look into that Claimyr service too.

how much did claimyr cost you? trying to decide if its worth it

Honestly after 6 weeks of frustration, I would have paid double. Getting actual information was priceless.

60% sounds about right based on what everyone else is saying. Thanks for all the info everyone!

Good luck with your claim! Hope it processes quickly for you.

This has been super helpful. I feel like I understand the system way better now.

Agreed, good breakdown. The Washington ESD website explains this but it's buried in like 50 pages of documentation.