How much do you make on unemployment - Washington ESD weekly benefit amounts?

So if my highest quarter was like $14,000, that would be around $323 per week? That seems pretty low compared to what I was making.

Yeah that sounds about right. The formula is designed to replace part of your income, not all of it. You'll also need to look for work and report your job search activities every week.

Why was yours different from the calculator? Did they use different quarters or something?

They explained it had to do with how they count certain types of earnings. Some bonus pay I got wasn't included the way I thought it would be.

Never heard of that before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - they basically call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to a real person. Saved me from sitting on hold for hours.

Good to know there's an option if I can't get through the normal way. Thanks for sharing that.

Wait I thought it was always 26 weeks? How does the unemployment rate affect it?

During periods of high unemployment, extended benefits can kick in to give you additional weeks. But the standard is 26 weeks of regular UI benefits.

I know it's frustrating but once you understand the basic formula it makes more sense. Focus on finding your highest earning quarter from your base period.

What even IS a base period though? I swear they use all these terms that nobody explains properly.

That makes sense. So they're looking at my 2024 earnings since I'm filing now in 2025.

Exactly, and if you don't have enough wages in your regular base period, they might use an alternate base period which includes more recent quarters.

This is so important! I had a friend who got hit with a $2,800 overpayment because they forgot about some Uber driving they did.

Yeah overpayments are no joke. Better to be completely honest upfront than deal with that mess later.

That's actually a good point about the hidden costs of working. $445 sounds pretty reasonable for your income level.

How long did it take for your claim to get approved? I'm still waiting on mine.

Mine took about 3 weeks but I know some people are waiting longer, especially if they go into adjudication.

Mine was lower than the estimate like I mentioned earlier. I think the tool doesn't account for all the nuances in how they calculate things.

Same here - estimated $375 but actually got $341. Close but not exact.

Oh wow I didn't think about taxes. Can you have them withhold federal taxes from your weekly payment?

Yes, you can choose to have 10% withheld for federal taxes when you file your weekly claims. Highly recommend it.

What do you mean by work history pattern? Like the timing of when you worked?

yeah like if you have gaps in employment or seasonal work it can change which quarters they use and how much wages count toward your benefit calculation.

Yes, bonuses and overtime are included in your quarterly wage totals. That bonus could definitely increase your weekly benefit amount.

Awesome! That might put me closer to $500 per week then. Every little bit helps.

Right, because your total benefit amount is typically 26 times your weekly benefit amount, up to certain limits.

So if I get $323 per week, my total would be around $8,400 over 26 weeks if I use it all.

Commission earnings count the same as regular wages for benefit calculations. Washington ESD looks at your total reported wages regardless of how they were earned.

Good to know. My commission varied a lot quarter to quarter so I wasn't sure how that would work.

How long do you have to file an appeal on the benefit amount?

30 days from when you receive the determination notice. Don't wait because they're pretty strict about that deadline.

That's encouraging! I was worried 8 months wouldn't be enough work history.

As long as you meet the minimum earnings requirements in your base period, you should be fine. The exact amount just depends on your highest quarter.

What's the rule on part-time work? I might have a chance to pick up some freelance work.

You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount plus $5 before they start reducing your unemployment payment. So if you get $300/week in UI, you can earn up to $305 without any reduction.

Good advice. I'll make sure to save all the paperwork when I get it.

Yeah definitely keep everything. I needed mine when I had to verify my benefits for a loan application.

Really? I didn't know you could go to school and still get unemployment. What kind of programs?

Washington ESD has approved training programs where you don't have to look for work while you're in school. You have to get approval first though.

Glad we could help! Don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions after you file.

Good luck with your claim! The hardest part is just getting started.