How much do you get paid unemployment benefits in Washington ESD weekly?

Thanks! So if my highest quarter was like $14,000, I'd get around $260-270 per week?

That sounds about right, maybe slightly higher. The exact formula is on the Washington ESD website under benefit calculator.

That helps give me a ballpark idea, thanks!

How much does that cost though? I'm already stressed about money.

They focus on getting you connected rather than the cost. When you're waiting weeks for answers it's often worth it to just get through to someone who can help.

I was laid off due to company downsizing so I should be good there.

Perfect, that's a qualifying separation. You should be eligible for the full benefit amount then.

Same here! My claim has been pending forever. So frustrating.

Adjudication can take 4-6 weeks unfortunately. Keep filing your weekly claims even while it's pending.

Nice! That should help cover some expenses while you job search.

Remember you still have to do the job search requirements to keep getting paid. 3 job contacts per week minimum.

Yes, Washington has one of the higher maximum benefit amounts in the country. It's tied to the state's average wage.

Cost of living here is insane though so $999 barely covers rent in Seattle area

Good point, I'll make sure to set up withholding when I file.

Yeah learned that one the hard way last year. Owed like $800 in taxes on my unemployment.

You can still qualify for partial benefits. They deduct a portion of your earnings from your weekly benefit amount. There's a formula for it.

I was getting partial benefits for a while. As long as you make less than your weekly benefit amount you can still get something.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. The phone system is impossible to navigate on your own. I probably would have given up without help getting through.

I tried calling at 8am sharp when they open and still couldn't get through. It's ridiculous.

Yes, bonuses are considered wages and count toward your base period earnings that determine your benefit amount.

That's good to know! I got a decent bonus last year so that might bump up my weekly amount.

Did they answer all your questions about the benefit amount calculation?

Yes, the agent was very helpful and explained exactly how my weekly benefit was calculated. Worth it to get accurate info directly from ESD.

Good reminder. Hopefully I'll find something before then anyway.

26 weeks goes by faster than you think, especially if you're picky about job offers

Overtime wages count just like regular wages for benefit calculations. All reported earnings in your base period quarters are included.

That OT will definitely help boost your weekly benefit amount then!

Yeah I'm trying to learn about all the requirements. The job search stuff seems pretty strict.

Job search requirements aren't too bad as long as you document everything properly in WorkSourceWA

What happens if you miss filing a weekly claim?

You can usually file late but you might not get paid for that week. Better to just stay on top of it every Sunday.

You're welcome! Remember to apply as soon as possible after your last day of work to avoid any delays.

Good luck! The whole process can be overwhelming but this forum helped me too when I was starting out.