How much does a person get for unemployment benefits in Washington?

So if I made $15,000 in my highest quarter, that would be about $577 per week? That seems pretty reasonable.

Exactly! And you can get up to 26 weeks of benefits if you qualify, though that depends on your total base period earnings.

Have you tried calling early in the morning? I heard they're less busy then.

yeah tried that, still getting busy signals or hung up on after waiting 45 minutes

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true honestly.

Yeah I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Got through to an agent in about 10 minutes to check my claim status.

might have to try this if I can't get through tomorrow

I was laid off due to company downsizing, so I think I should qualify without issues.

Layoffs are usually straightforward for qualification. Just make sure you have all your separation paperwork ready when you file.

Good point, I'll file this week then. How long does it usually take to get approved?

If everything goes smoothly, about 2-3 weeks. But if they need to verify anything or you go into adjudication, could be longer.

Same formula applies - they still use your highest quarter earnings divided by 26. Part-time workers often qualify for lower amounts but can still get benefits if they meet the minimum earnings requirement.

That makes sense. I was only working 25 hours a week so probably won't get much.

How many jobs do you have to apply to each week?

It's 3 job search activities per week, but it doesn't have to be just applications. Can include networking, job fairs, skills training, etc.

And you have to register with WorkSource WA within 4 weeks of filing your claim.

Glad it worked for you! That's exactly why I mentioned it - so much faster than trying to navigate the system alone.

What documents did they need for employment verification?

Just my final paystub and separation letter from HR. Pretty standard stuff but I didn't know I needed to upload them proactively.

Yes, unemployment benefits are taxable at the federal level and in Washington state. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your weekly payments or pay them when you file your tax return.

Good to know, I'll probably have them withhold taxes so I don't get hit with a big bill next year.

That's actually really good to know. I might be able to pick up some freelance work.

Just make sure you report ALL earnings, even small amounts. They cross-reference with tax records and penalties for unreported income are severe.

How does that work exactly? I thought they just used your highest quarter.

They use your highest quarter for the weekly amount calculation, but your total base period earnings determine how many weeks you can collect. If you have low earnings in some quarters, you might max out before 26 weeks.

Wait, so I should file weekly claims before my initial claim is even approved?

YES! You file weekly claims for every week you're unemployed and looking for work, starting with your first week of unemployment. The system won't let you go back and claim weeks you missed.

This is crucial information. I know someone who lost 3 weeks of benefits because they thought they had to wait for approval first.

What counts as 'suitable work'? Does it have to pay the same as my old job?

Not necessarily the same pay, but it should be in line with your skills and experience. There are specific rules about what percentage of your previous wage is considered suitable. Washington ESD has guidelines on their website.

Don't let it overwhelm you! The basic process is straightforward if you're honest about your situation and follow the instructions. Most people who qualify get their benefits without major issues.

Just read everything carefully and ask questions if you're unsure. The Washington ESD website has a lot of helpful information, and you can always call for clarification.

thanks, I'll take it one step at a time

That's great news! Was it direct deposit or did they mail a check?

Direct deposit. Much faster than waiting for mail. You can set that up when you file your initial claim.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. I'm feeling much more confident about filing now.

Good luck with your claim! Remember to keep track of all your job search activities and file those weekly claims.

Definitely planning to do direct deposit. Thanks again everyone!