How much do you get on Washington ESD unemployment benefits - confused about calculations

Thanks! That helps a lot. Do you know if tips count toward the calculation? I made decent tips as a manager but I'm not sure if those show up in the wage records.

Only reported tips count - whatever shows up on your W-2. If you didn't report all your tips, Washington ESD won't know about them for the calculation.

Good to know about the minimum requirement. I definitely earned way more than $3k in any quarter.

It's actually $3,850 minimum in the base period now, but yeah with a $52k salary that's not gonna be an issue.

How much does that service cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay just to talk to the agency that's supposed to help us.

I get the frustration, but when you're unemployed and need answers, sometimes it's worth it. The alternative is spending days trying to get through on your own.

I've heard good things about Claimyr too. My neighbor used them when her claim got stuck in adjudication and she needed to talk to someone urgently.

How can I check if my wages were reported correctly? I worked at two different restaurants in the past year and a half.

You can request a wage and benefit statement from Washington ESD. It'll show all the reported wages from your employers. If something's missing, you'll need documentation to prove those wages.

Are you still in adjudication? That could be why you don't have your benefit amount yet.

yeah it says adjudication in progress but no idea what thats even about. this whole system is a nightmare

Few weeks? Mine took 6 weeks and I had to call multiple times. Maybe I just had bad luck.

Could have been during a busy period or if there were issues with your claim that needed review. The adjudication process can definitely slow things down.

Good point! I've been filing weekly claims since I applied. Even though I don't know my benefit amount yet, I'm keeping up with the weekly filings.

Smart move. Those weekly claims are basically your way of saying 'I'm still unemployed and looking for work' to Washington ESD.

How many jobs do I need to apply to each week? I've been applying to about 5-6 restaurant management positions per week.

I think it's 3 job search activities per week, but applying to jobs is just one type of activity. Networking, attending job fairs, and training courses count too.

I hadn't thought about retraining. I really want to stay in restaurant management though - it's what I know best.

Nothing wrong with that! Just mentioning it as an option if the restaurant job market is tough in your area.

I don't have any side income right now, but good to know for the future. Do you have to report it even if it's just like $20?

Yes, you need to report all income regardless of the amount. It's better to over-report than under-report and risk an overpayment notice later.

There are too many variables for a simple calculator. Your benefit amount depends on which quarters you worked, how much you earned each quarter, and when you file your claim.

Still seems like they could make it more user-friendly. Everything about dealing with Washington ESD is like pulling teeth.

Sorry to hear about your layoff. The hospitality industry has been rough lately. Hope you hear back soon!

Thanks! Yeah, it's been a tough year for restaurants and hotels. But we'll get through it.

If you have documentation showing you were laid off, you should be fine. Keep that layoff notice safe - you might need to provide it during the claims process.

Good advice. I'm keeping copies of everything just in case they ask for it later.

might have to try that. ive been calling for weeks and getting nowhere

Same situation I was in. The service really does work - I was skeptical at first but it saved me so much time and frustration.

Good point! I'll probably have taxes withheld so I don't get hit with a big bill next year.

Smart choice. The tax withholding is 10% federal, so it's not too much but it helps avoid surprises later.

That's reassuring. I filed about a week ago so hopefully I'll hear something soon.

Keep filing those weekly claims in the meantime and you should be all set once your benefit amount is determined.

Severance pay can affect your benefits depending on how it's structured. If it's a lump sum for future weeks, it might delay your benefits. If it's just additional compensation for past work, it usually doesn't affect eligibility.

It's a lump sum but they said it's for the two weeks after my last day. I'll probably need to call Washington ESD to clarify.

That's exactly the type of question Claimyr can help you get answered quickly. Calling on your own could take forever to get through.

Agreed! Really appreciate everyone taking the time to share their experiences and knowledge.

That's what these forums are for - helping each other navigate the system. Good luck with your claim!

definitely. hope everyone here gets their claims sorted out quickly