How much does unemployment pay in Washington state - just got approved

Thanks! So if my highest quarter was like $15,000 that would be around $288 per week?

Yeah that sounds about right. You can check your exact amount in your Washington ESD account under benefit details.

Hang in there! Mine took way longer than expected but it finally went through.

Wait I thought it was just the highest quarter? I'm so confused about how they calculate this stuff.

You're right to be confused - Washington changed their calculation method a few years ago. It used to be highest quarter only, now it's average of two highest quarters.

I had such a hard time getting through to Washington ESD to get this explained. Ended up using Claimyr to actually reach someone who could walk me through the calculation. Their service at claimyr.com was a lifesaver - you can see how it works in their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

About 6 weeks total from when I first applied. The adjudication part was maybe 3 weeks of that.

Ugh mine's been in adjudication for 2 months now. Did you have to submit any extra documents?

This is important! I made the mistake of not reporting some small gig work and got an overpayment notice later.

Good to know - I don't have any other income right now but I'll keep that in mind if I pick up any freelance work.

I tried that but couldn't find it on their site. Do you have a direct link?

I think they removed the calculator tool. You have to look at your claim details in your SAW account to see the exact amount.

Yeah I got the WorkSourceWA registration done already. Do I need to log all my job search activities somewhere?

Keep your own log with dates, company names, and contact info. Washington ESD can audit your job search records anytime.

I learned this the hard way when they suspended my benefits for not having proper job search documentation. Had to appeal and everything.

That does sound right. The formula works out to roughly 50% of your average weekly earnings from your base year.

Maximum benefit went up from $985 to $999 this year but that's about it. Your individual amount is still based on your earnings history.

Yeah the increases are pretty minimal. My rent alone is more than my weekly benefit amount.

How do I set that up? Is it in the weekly claim or somewhere else?

You can change it in your Washington ESD account under tax withholding options. They'll take out 10% for federal taxes.

Have you tried calling to check on the status? I know their phone lines are always busy but sometimes you can get through.

I've tried calling dozens of times but never get through. Just busy signals or get hung up on after waiting.

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Worth checking out at claimyr.com - they have a demo video that shows exactly how it works.

No, your base year is already established when you file. Washington ESD looks at the four quarters before your claim effective date to determine your base year.

I was worried about the same thing but my benefits were calculated normally even though I waited a few months to apply.

Yes, all wages reported to Washington ESD count including overtime, bonuses, and commissions. It's based on your total quarterly earnings.

Great! That should help my weekly amount then since I had some really high overtime quarters.

Correct, Washington eliminated the waiting week permanently. You can get paid for your first week as long as you file your weekly claim on time.

That's such a relief. I remember having to wait that extra week before and it was really tough financially.

Good to know! So I have one year from my original application date to use up my benefit weeks?

Exactly. And you get up to 26 weeks of benefits during that year, depending on your earnings history.

This is so important! My friend got hit with a $3000 overpayment because she didn't report some cash work she did.

Definitely will be careful about that. Better to be safe and report everything than deal with overpayment issues later.

I was having the same issue until I found Claimyr. They help you actually connect with Washington ESD agents instead of getting stuck in phone tree hell. Made all the difference for me.

I'll look into that. Getting through on my own has been impossible.

Yeah their phone system is terrible. Even when you do get through after hours of waiting, they sometimes just hang up on you.

Good to know there's an appeal option. Hopefully I won't need it but it's nice to have that safety net.

I had to appeal mine because they missed some wages from a previous employer. Took a few weeks but they corrected it and gave me back pay.

Really? I might be moving to Oregon for a job opportunity but wasn't sure if I'd lose my benefits.

You should be able to continue as long as you stay eligible and meet job search requirements in the new state. Worth confirming with Washington ESD though.

Glad it helped! This community has been great for getting real answers about the unemployment process.

Agreed! So much better than trying to navigate the Washington ESD website or sit on hold for hours.