How much does unemployment pay in Washington - need to calculate my weekly benefit amount

Thanks! How do I figure out what my base period is exactly? I'm confused about the quarters thing.

If you file now in January 2025, your base period would be April 2023 through March 2024. Washington ESD will look at your W-2s and quarterly wage reports from all your employers during that time.

It's not quite that simple - it's based on your quarterly earnings, not just your most recent weekly pay. The calculation is more complex.

oh ok didnt know that. thought it was just like half your regular paycheck

Did you have trouble getting through to Washington ESD when you had questions about your benefit amount?

YES! I spent hours trying to call them. Actually ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much time and frustration.

Wait, unemployment is taxable? I didn't know that!

Yes, it's taxable income. You can choose to have 10% withheld for federal taxes when you set up your claim, or pay it when you file your tax return.

This is why I always tell people to have taxes withheld. Otherwise you get hit with a big bill at tax time.

The 2-3 weeks is for processing your initial claim. If there are any issues or if your claim goes into adjudication, it takes much longer.

How am I supposed to know if there are issues? The website doesn't tell me anything useful.

This is exactly why I used Claimyr - I needed to talk to someone at Washington ESD to understand what was happening with my claim status. The automated system doesn't give you real answers.

You can get your wage and tax statement from WorkSourceWA or wait until you file your claim - Washington ESD will calculate it automatically based on employer reports.

Just a rough estimate: if you made $18.50 x 40 hours x 13 weeks in your highest quarter, that's about $9,620. Multiply by 0.0385 and you get around $370 per week. But this assumes you worked full-time the whole quarter.

No, Washington doesn't have dependent allowances for unemployment benefits. The amount is solely based on your earnings history.

that sucks. other benefits like food stamps consider family size

That's confusing. So even if I make the same hourly rate, my benefit could be different depending on when I file?

Exactly. If you had a really good quarter with lots of overtime, that could boost your weekly benefit significantly.

What counts as a job search contact?

Applying for jobs, networking events, informational interviews, job fairs, etc. Check the WorkSourceWA website for the full list of approved activities.

What was wrong with their calculation?

They didn't include wages from one of my employers. Had to submit additional documentation to prove my earnings.

That sounds reasonable. I worked pretty consistently at both jobs so hopefully that helps.

Yes, consistency is important. Gaps in employment during your base period can lower your benefit amount.

Have you tried calling Washington ESD to check on your claim status?

I've tried calling dozens of times. Either busy signal or I get disconnected after waiting on hold.

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Worked for me when I needed to resolve an adjudication issue.

26 weeks should be enough time to find something new, hopefully!

yeah just wanted to mention it since some people dont realize theres a time limit

I was laid off due to company downsizing, so that shouldn't be an issue.

Good, layoffs are usually straightforward for eligibility. Just make sure you have documentation from your employer about the reason.

I was planning to file this weekend. Is there a best day of the week to file?

Doesn't matter what day you file, but avoid Mondays if possible - that's when the system is usually busiest.

True, but the system is still frustrating to navigate and getting through to customer service is nearly impossible.

Yeah, the technology and customer service definitely need improvement.

Is there a specific format I need to use for the job search log?

WorkSourceWA has templates you can use, or you can create your own as long as it includes all the required information (date, employer, position, contact method, etc.).

That gives me a good idea of what to expect. Thanks for sharing your experience!

No problem. The uncertainty in the beginning is the worst part, but once it's set up it runs pretty smoothly.

Definitely planning to use this time to get some certifications that might help me get a better job.

That's a great attitude. WorkSourceWA also has training programs that you might be eligible for.

Good to know. I'll make sure to set a reminder so I don't forget.

Yeah, I know people who missed weeks and had to go through appeals to get those benefits back. Not worth the hassle.