How much do you get on unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

Washington ESD uses your highest earning quarter from your base period to calculate benefits. Generally you get about 3.85% of that quarter's wages as your weekly benefit amount. The current maximum is $999 per week but most people don't hit that.

The exact formula is complicated but there's a benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website that can give you an estimate. You'll need your wage info from the last 18 months. Also remember you have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits - they don't automatically withhold.

Just be prepared that getting through to Washington ESD can be a nightmare if you have questions about your benefit amount. I spent weeks trying to call them about a calculation error on my claim. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through - they have this system that calls for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

UPDATE: Found the benefit calculator on their website. Based on my wages it looks like I'd get around $485 per week for up to 26 weeks. That should cover my rent and basic expenses while job hunting.

The benefit amount also depends on if you have any dependents. You can get additional money for dependent children but you have to specifically request it during the application process.

just a heads up the money doesnt start right away, theres usually a waiting week where you file but dont get paid. also if you quit your job instead of getting laid off you might not qualify at all

IMPORTANT: Your benefit amount is based on wages from employers who paid into the unemployment system. If you had any 1099 contractor work or under-the-table income, that won't count toward your benefit calculation.

The system is so broken honestly. I applied 6 weeks ago and still haven't gotten my first payment because they keep asking for more documents. Every time I submit something they ask for something else. Makes me wonder if they're just trying to discourage people from collecting.

One thing to remember is that if you work part-time while collecting unemployment, they'll reduce your weekly benefit dollar for dollar after you earn more than about $155. So if your benefit is $485 and you work a part-time job making $200 that week, you'd get $440 in unemployment benefits.

Don't get too excited about that $485 estimate until you actually get approved. Washington ESD has been really strict about eligibility lately and they're scrutinizing every application. My cousin got denied even though she was clearly laid off.

Pro tip: When you do your weekly claims, do them on Sunday evenings. The system is less likely to crash then and you'll get your payment faster. I learned this the hard way after missing a week because the website was down.

You might also want to sign up for direct deposit right away. The paper checks take forever to arrive and sometimes get lost in the mail. Direct deposit usually hits your account within 1-2 business days of filing your weekly claim.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements before you start collecting. You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep detailed records. They do audit these occasionally and if you can't prove your job search activities they'll make you pay back benefits.

The whole system is designed to be confusing and frustrating. Half the time their website doesn't work properly and when you finally need to talk to someone about an issue, good luck getting through. It's like they don't want people to actually collect benefits.

Whatever you do, don't try to game the system or lie about anything. They cross-reference everything with employer records and the IRS. I know someone who got caught working under the table while collecting benefits and had to pay back everything plus penalties.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I feel much more prepared now to apply for benefits. Sounds like I should expect around $485 per week if everything goes smoothly with my application.