How much do you get unemployment benefits in Washington - confused about my payment amount

Your weekly benefit amount is based on your earnings during your base period (first 4 of the last 5 quarters before you filed). Washington ESD calculates it using a formula - it's roughly 3.85% of your total base period wages divided by 52 weeks, but there's a minimum of $295 and maximum of $999 per week. So $358 sounds about right for your wage level.

Yes you can request taxes to be withheld - 10% federal. You can change this anytime in your account on the Washington ESD website. I'd recommend doing it now because you don't want a big tax bill next year.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to verify your benefit amount or ask questions, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

the whole system is so confusing. why cant they just tell you upfront what youll get instead of making you guess???

Just remember you have to file your weekly claims every week to keep getting paid. Don't miss a week or you'll have to explain why and it could delay your payments.

Make sure you're looking for work too. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week and you have to log them in WorkSourceWA. Don't skip this or they'll stop your benefits.

I've been getting unemployment for 2 months now and honestly the amount never feels like enough but its better than nothing I guess. At least it covers my rent.

One thing to watch out for - if you work part time while on unemployment, they'll reduce your weekly benefit. But you can still earn up to about $179 per week before it affects your benefits (changes based on your benefit amount).

For what its worth, Washington has some of the better unemployment benefits compared to other states. The maximum is pretty decent and we get up to 26 weeks normally.

If your benefit amount seems wrong, you can appeal it. I had to do this when they miscalculated mine based on incorrect wage information from my employer.

Also remember to keep all your paperwork organized. If Washington ESD ever audits your claim or you have issues, you'll need documentation of everything.

The key thing is to read all the paperwork they send you. They explain a lot of this stuff in the determination letter but it's in legal language that's hard to understand.

I had to call Washington ESD three times before I finally understood my benefit calculation. Each person gave me slightly different information which was frustrating.

Just a heads up - your benefit year lasts 52 weeks from when you first filed, but you only get 26 weeks of payments (unless there's extended benefits available). Don't confuse the two like I did.

The hardest part for me was understanding the difference between gross and net benefits. They calculate based on gross wages but your weekly benefit is what you actually receive (before taxes if you choose to withhold).

One more tip - if you have any issues with your payments or account, document everything. Date, time, who you talked to, what they said. It'll save you headaches later if something goes wrong.