How much does unemployment pay in Washington state - weekly benefit amounts?

Thanks! So if I made around $13,000 in my highest quarter, that would be about $500 weekly? That's actually better than I expected.

Yeah that sounds about right. The exact calculation is total wages in highest quarter divided by 26, then multiply by 0.0385. You can also use the benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website to get a more precise estimate.

Thanks! Where do I find my earnings history? Do I need to request it from my employer or does Washington ESD have access to that information?

Washington ESD gets your wage information directly from employers through quarterly reports. When you file your claim, they'll calculate it automatically based on what's in their system.

I had the same problem with getting through to Washington ESD. Tried calling literally 200+ times over two weeks. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that gets you connected 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.

Adjudication can take 4-6 weeks unfortunately. I waited 5 weeks for mine to clear and it was just a simple job separation verification.

That would actually help a lot! My rent is $1400 so getting around $500 weekly would at least cover that plus some groceries.

Don't forget you'll have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits too. They don't withhold federal taxes automatically unless you request it.

Oh I didn't know about the dependent allowance! I have one kid so that would be an extra $25. Good to know about no state taxes too.

Wait, I thought unemployment was taxable? I've been setting aside money for taxes.

Federal taxes yes, but Washington state doesn't have income tax so no state taxes on UI benefits. You should still set aside about 10-12% for federal though.

Good to know about the waiting week! How long did it take for your claim to get approved?

Mine took about 2 weeks to get approved, but I've heard some people wait longer if there are any issues with their application or if it goes to adjudication.

Have you tried using Claimyr? It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. I used it last month when I couldn't reach anyone and it worked really well. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Never heard of that but I'm desperate at this point. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - they basically call repeatedly until they get you connected to an actual person. Way better than trying to get through yourself.

No kids for me, but that's good info for others reading this thread.

So with my $52k salary I could potentially collect around $15,600 total over the 26 weeks? That would definitely help while I'm looking for work.

That's roughly right, assuming you qualify for the full 26 weeks. Remember you also have to do job search activities and report them on your weekly claims.

How many jobs do I need to apply for each week? I heard different numbers from different people.

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. Washington ESD can audit your job search records so make sure you keep good documentation.

Actually it's 3 job search activities per week, not necessarily 3 applications. Can include networking, attending job fairs, interviews, etc.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs or other things too?

Job applications, networking events, career fairs, creating professional profiles, contacting employers directly, even some training activities can count. Check the WorkSourceWA website for the full list.

I got disqualified for not doing enough job search activities in my second week. Had to appeal and it took forever to get it sorted out. Keep a detailed log!

That's good news! So I'd get paid for the first week I file if approved?

Yep, as long as your claim is approved and you meet all the requirements. Usually takes 1-2 weeks to process if there are no issues.

I've only worked in Washington so that shouldn't be an issue for me.

I'll check that out. Do you remember where exactly on their website? I looked around but couldn't find it.

I think it's under the 'File a Claim' section, but their website layout changes pretty frequently so it might have moved.

Yeah I was laid off due to company downsizing so I should be eligible. They gave me a separation notice that says 'lack of work' as the reason.

Thanks for the tip! I was planning to file tomorrow anyway so I'll try early in the morning.

Good tip! I'll make sure to file every week once I submit my initial application.

This is super important. I missed filing for two weeks while waiting for my adjudication and lost those weeks of benefits forever.

What industry are you in? I'm in marketing and seeing a lot of competition for open positions.

im in tech and its been really tough. lots of layoffs and not many openings. thankful for the UI benefits though

Tech market is oversaturated right now. Have you considered temporary contract work while looking for permanent positions?

That sounds scary. What happens if you make an honest mistake?

If it's clearly an honest mistake they're usually reasonable about it. But if they think it was intentional fraud, you can face penalties and even criminal charges. Just be careful and accurate.

That's a decent amount! How long did your benefits last?

I found a job after 14 weeks so I didn't use up all 26 weeks of eligibility. But it was really helpful having that income while I was searching.

I don't have any of those deductions so I should get the full amount they calculate.

I'm definitely going to check out Claimyr if I run into issues. The thought of spending hours on hold is stressful.

I was skeptical about using a third party service but honestly the Washington ESD phone system is so overwhelmed that it's almost impossible to get through otherwise.

I got two weeks severance. Does that mean I have to wait two weeks before filing?

It depends on how the severance is structured. If it's considered wages for specific weeks then yes, you'd have to wait. But if it's a lump sum it might not affect your claim timing. Best to ask Washington ESD directly.

Standby status pays the same amount but has different job search requirements. You don't have to look for work if you're truly on standby waiting for recall.

Good to know. I've been doing job searches anyway since 6 weeks seems like a long time to wait.

After 6 weeks I'd probably start looking elsewhere. Companies often say they'll call people back but then don't.

I'm hoping it won't be too bad. I really need these benefits while I look for work.

It's not that bad once you get into the routine. The weekly claims only take a few minutes and the job search stuff you'd be doing anyway.

Maybe I'm just bitter because I had issues with my claim getting stuck in adjudication for weeks. That Claimyr thing actually helped me get it resolved faster.

Good to know. I might pick up some freelance work if I can find it, so I'll need to remember to report that.

Glad it worked for you! It's such a time saver when you actually need to talk to someone at Washington ESD.

How much does Claimyr cost? I might need to use it too since I can never get through on the phone.

It was worth it for me to not waste entire days trying to call. Check their website for current pricing.

That's confusing. So if I file this week, which quarters would they look at?

If you file in January 2025, they'd look at January 2024 through September 2024 for your base period wages.

When do you file the weekly claims? Is it the same day each week?

You can file starting Sunday for the previous week. Most people do it Sunday or Monday morning to avoid any technical issues with the website.

I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for all the helpful info everyone!

Hopefully I won't need to appeal anything, but good to know that's an option if something goes wrong.

Thanks everyone for all the advice and information. This has been really helpful and I feel much more prepared to file my claim now.

Thanks for the heads up! I'll definitely do direct deposit.

Yes! The debit card has ATM fees and other charges. Direct deposit is the way to go.

Thank you! I'm optimistic about finding something in the next few weeks but it's reassuring to know the benefits will help in the meantime.