How much does unemployment pay in Washington - just got approved

So if I made $12,600 in my highest quarter that would be around $969 per week? That seems higher than I expected.

That's right, but remember they also factor in your total base period wages. The formula is a bit more complex but yes, you're in the ballpark.

I got the letter but it's confusing. It shows my base period wages but doesn't clearly explain how they got to my weekly amount.

Yeah those letters are pretty unclear. If you need clarification on how they calculated it, you might want to call Washington ESD directly.

Never heard of that service before. Is it legit? I'm desperate to talk to someone about my calculation.

Yeah it's legitimate. I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Much better than spending hours on hold or getting disconnected.

I used Claimyr too when I had questions about my overpayment notice. Saved me so much time and frustration.

So the $999 is the absolute maximum anyone can get? That's actually pretty good compared to other states.

Correct, $999 is the max. Washington has one of the higher maximum benefit amounts in the country. Your actual amount depends on your wage history.

The key is looking at your highest quarter wages. That's usually what determines your weekly benefit amount. What was your highest quarter total?

i think it was around $11,000 in my best quarter but my weekly benefit is only $723. doesn't seem right

I definitely worked more than 680 hours during my base period. I was full-time for over a year.

Then you should be getting close to the full calculated amount. The formula is pretty straightforward once you understand the base period concept.

So even if I get $900 per week, I might not get the full 26 weeks?

Right, your maximum benefit amount is typically around 30% of your total base period wages. So if you had $40,000 in base period wages, your max total benefit would be around $12,000.

Wait, I thought it was just the highest quarter divided by 13? Now I'm even more confused.

You're right to be confused - I misspoke. It IS the highest quarter divided by 13, not two quarters divided by 26. Sorry for the confusion!

How much does that service cost though? I'm on unemployment so money's tight.

I found it worth the cost considering how much time and frustration it saved me. Plus getting accurate information about your benefits is pretty important.

Do you remember what your highest quarter wages were? Trying to see if my calculation matches up.

i think it was around $10,800 in my highest quarter. so $834 weekly works out to about what you'd expect from the formula

Good point! I forgot about taxes. So if I get $900 per week and elect withholding, I'd actually receive $810 per week?

Exactly. Many people forget about the tax implications until they file their return the following year.

The online calculator is limited because it can't access your actual wage records. The real calculation happens when they process your claim.

yeah i figured that out after trying to use it. ended up just waiting for my monetary determination letter

That's reassuring. At least I picked a good state to lose my job in, I guess.

Definitely. Plus Washington doesn't tax unemployment benefits at the state level, so you only deal with federal taxes.

The complexity is because they have to account for seasonal workers, people with irregular schedules, and various other employment situations.

i guess that makes sense but it sure doesn't make it easier to understand

I think I'm going to try that service. This thread has been helpful but I still want to confirm my exact calculation with an agent.

Good call. Having that peace of mind about your benefits is worth it, especially when you're planning your finances during unemployment.

That's good to know. At least I can count on a consistent amount each week.

Exactly. Makes budgeting much easier when you know exactly what to expect.

Yes, part-time earnings can reduce your weekly benefit. Washington ESD has specific rules about how much you can earn before it affects your payment.

Good to know. I'll have to look into those rules before taking on any extra work.

Same here. Feeling much better about my financial situation now that I understand how the payments work.

exactly! knowledge is power when you're dealing with unemployment

When are the weekly claims due? I want to make sure I don't miss any deadlines.

You can file starting Sunday for the previous week, and it's due by Saturday. Most people file on Sunday to stay on schedule.

Glad we could help! That's what these forums are for - sharing knowledge and supporting each other.

Definitely! This community has been amazing. Thanks to everyone who contributed.