How much do you get on unemployment in Washington state - WBA calculation help

Ok that makes more sense. I think my highest quarter was probably around $6,500 so that would be like $250 a week? That's not great but better than nothing I guess.

Yeah that sounds about right. Plus you might qualify for the additional $25 dependency allowance if you have kids under 18.

I definitely made more than that. My paystubs show I was pretty consistent with hours except for a few slow weeks last winter.

You should be good then. The hard part isn't calculating the amount, it's actually getting through to Washington ESD when you have problems with your claim.

Really? How does that work? I'm already dreading having to call them if something goes wrong.

They basically handle the calling for you and connect you when they get through. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting hung up on.

That sounds too good to be true. How much does something like that cost?

It's worth it when you need to actually talk to someone about your claim. Much cheaper than losing weeks of benefits because you can't get through.

Good point about the taxes. I didn't think about that part.

Yeah definitely have them withhold taxes unless you want a surprise bill next April. I learned that the hard way in 2023.

That's helpful to know. I guess I won't know exactly until I file and they calculate it.

The online calculator on the Washington ESD website is pretty accurate if you have your wage info handy.

I tried using that calculator but found it confusing. The actual amount they gave me was close though.

That's good to know. I might be able to pick up some shifts at my old job occasionally.

Just make sure you report all earnings when you file your weekly claim. They cross-check with employers and you don't want an overpayment.

6 weeks?? That's terrifying. I thought it was supposed to be automatic if you qualify.

It's supposed to be but anything can trigger adjudication. Job separation issues, previous claims, computer glitches. Have a backup plan.

This is exactly why I used Claimyr when my claim got stuck. Being able to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD made all the difference in getting it resolved quickly.

What are the job search requirements exactly? I keep hearing about that but haven't looked into it yet.

you have to apply to 3 jobs per week and log them in WorkSourceWA. its annoying but not hard once you get used to it

26 weeks should hopefully be enough time to find something. The job market seems pretty decent right now.

Don't count on 26 weeks being easy. I burned through mine faster than expected and had to really scramble at the end.

That's reassuring. I was worried the whole process would be complicated.

The weekly filing is easy but God help you if you need customer service. That's when services like Claimyr become worth their weight in gold.

That's actually a really helpful way to think about it. Much easier than trying to figure out quarters and all that.

That percentage sounds about right based on what I got when I was laid off in 2024.

Good advice. I was planning to take a week to decompress but I should probably file right away.

Definitely file immediately. You can decompress while waiting for your first payment to arrive.

Thanks for the heads up. I would definitely panic if the website wasn't working when I needed to file.

Sunday mornings are the worst for their system. I learned to file mine on Wednesday or Thursday to avoid the rush.

I never thought about it that way but you're right - I've been paying into this system for years.

Exactly. Don't feel bad about collecting unemployment. You paid for it and you qualify for it.

That's really smart advice. I'll start a folder today with all my employment stuff.

Trust me, you'll thank yourself later if you need to appeal something or prove your eligibility.