How much does unemployment pay in Washington state? Need to know what to expect

That's helpful! So they look at quarters, not annual salary. My highest quarter was probably around $15,200 so that would put me at about $585/week if I'm doing the math right.

Just remember they also look at your total base period earnings to determine how many weeks you can collect. You need at least 680 hours of work in your base period to qualify.

Good point about the taxes. I'll definitely want to have them withhold federal taxes so I don't get hit with a big bill next year.

I learned this the hard way - definitely have them withhold taxes! Got a nasty surprise at tax time last year.

Oh wow, I didn't realize there was a lag like that. I got a raise in November so that probably won't count toward my benefits.

That's correct. If your recent earnings aren't in your base period, you might be able to use the alternate base period which uses the most recent 4 quarters, but you have to request that specifically.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They basically call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to an actual person. Saved me so much time and frustration. There's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

That sounds too good to be true. How does it actually work? Do they just keep calling until they get through?

Pretty much! They handle all the calling and waiting, then connect you when they reach an agent. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.

I'm permanently laid off so it would be regular UI. Good to know about the job search requirement though.

The job search requirement is 3 job contacts per week minimum. Make sure you keep good records in your job search log.

That's good to know. I might pick up some freelance work so I'll need to report that on my weekly claims.

Just make sure you report ALL earnings, even if it's just $20. Washington ESD can see everything and they'll hit you with an overpayment if you don't report it.

Your payment might vary if you have deductions like child support, taxes, or if there are holiday adjustments. Check your payment detail in your online account to see the breakdown.

i never thought about holiday adjustments. that might explain why my payment was different last week

That's really helpful to hear a real example. Sounds like I'll be in a similar range based on my salary.

The maximum benefit duration is 26 weeks for regular unemployment, but it can be less if your base period earnings are lower.

Adjudication can take forever. I was stuck for 6 weeks before they finally approved my claim. Turns out it was just a routine check because I had multiple employers in my base period.

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. When my claim was in adjudication, I used their service to actually get through to Washington ESD and find out what was holding it up. Worth every penny to get answers instead of just waiting.

I might have to try that. I'm getting desperate to know what's going on with my claim.

I tried that calculator but it seemed like it was asking for information I don't have easy access to, like my exact quarterly earnings from 2 years ago.

You can get your quarterly wage information from your SecureAccess Washington account once you create it. It shows all your reported earnings by quarter.

That's actually really good to know. I wasn't sure what happened if you found work and then lost it again.

Just remember you have to earn at least 6 times your weekly benefit amount in covered employment to establish a new claim if your benefit year expires.

I feel you. The benefits are meant to be temporary assistance, not full salary replacement. That's why they push the job search requirements so hard.

Have you looked into any additional assistance programs? Some people qualify for food assistance or other help while collecting unemployment.

I should probably look into that. Never thought I'd be in this situation but here we are.

Good advice. I've been putting together all my employment information. Do I need pay stubs or just the employer contact info?

You don't need pay stubs for the initial application, but having your last pay stub can help verify your earnings if there are any questions later.

That's a really important point. I was laid off on Friday and planning to file on Monday, so I should be okay.

Monday filing for Friday layoff should be fine. Just don't wait thinking you might find work quickly - you can always stop claiming if you find a job.