How much does unemployment pay in Washington state?

Thanks! So if my highest quarter was around $12,600, that would be about $480 per week? That's actually better than I expected.

Yeah that sounds right. I was making similar and got $465 weekly when I filed last year.

Thanks! So they don't just look at your most recent pay? That's confusing but maybe good for me since I was working more hours last summer.

Yeah the calculation is weird but it usually works out better than you think. Just make sure you have all your work history ready when you file.

what kind of job search activities count? just applying for jobs or do they want other stuff too

Applying counts, but you can also do things like attending job fairs, networking events, skills training, or even just researching employers. They're pretty flexible as long as you document 3 activities each week.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents by phone. They have this system that keeps calling until someone picks up. Check out claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Interesting, never heard of that before. Did you actually use it or just heard about it?

Used it twice - once for initial filing questions and once when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.

So it's based on what I earned before? That's good to know. Do you know if they look at the whole year or just certain quarters?

They use your base period which is usually the first four of the last five completed quarters before you filed. So if you file now, they'd look at your earnings from early 2024 through late 2024.

Thanks! So it's based on quarterly earnings not annual? That's confusing but helpful to know.

yeah the quarterly thing trips everyone up at first. your base period is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file

That's way more than I expected! Do you know how long you can collect benefits?

Standard unemployment insurance gives you up to 26 weeks of benefits, but during high unemployment periods the state sometimes extends it. Right now it's the regular 26 weeks.

That would actually help a lot! Do you know if they take out taxes automatically or do I need to request that?

You can request 10% federal tax withholding when you file your weekly claims. It's optional but recommended unless you want a big tax bill next year.

I learned this the hard way - definitely have them withhold taxes! Owed like $1200 at tax time because I didn't think about it.

The job search requirement is 3 work search activities per week. You need to keep a log and they can audit it anytime. It's not that hard if you stay on top of it.

What counts as a work search activity? I've been unemployed for 2 weeks and already running out of places to apply.

Job applications, networking events, career fairs, informational interviews, even some online career training courses can count. Check the Washington ESD website for the full list.

That's actually better than I expected! Is there a calculator somewhere to estimate what I might get?

Washington ESD has a benefit calculator on their website, but it's pretty basic. Your exact amount won't be known until you actually apply and they process your claim.

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work? I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for days about my pending claim.

Yeah it worked for me. Got connected to an agent in like 20 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks on my own. Saved me so much frustration honestly.

Thanks! So if I made about $37,000 last year that would be around $27 per week? That seems really low...

No, you're calculating it wrong. It's 3.85% of your base period wages divided by 52. So $37,000 x 0.0385 = $1,424.50 divided by 52 = about $27 per week. Wait, that does seem off. Let me double check the formula.

The formula is actually much more complicated than that. Washington ESD looks at your highest earning quarter in your base period and uses that to determine your weekly benefit amount. For someone making $18/hour full time, you'd probably get somewhere between $400-600 per week depending on your exact earnings pattern.

Thanks! So it's not just based on my most recent job? They look at a whole quarter?

Exactly. They look at your base period which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. So if you had other jobs during that time, those wages count too.

Thanks! So it's based on quarterly earnings, not annual salary? That makes more sense.

Yeah and don't forget the minimum is $295 per week if you qualify at all

What are the job search requirements? Do I have to apply to a certain number of jobs each week?

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep records. Washington ESD can audit your job search log at any time.

Have you tried using Claimyr? I was having the same problem getting through to Washington ESD and found this service at claimyr.com that actually got me connected to an agent. There's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Never heard of that but honestly at this point I'll try anything. The regular phone lines are impossible.

Claimyr actually worked for me too when I needed to check on my adjudication status. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Is that legit? I've been worried about getting scammed with all these unemployment services out there.

Yeah it's real, claimyr.com is their site. They just help you get connected to actual ESD staff, they don't ask for your personal info or anything sketchy.

Adjudication can take 4-6 weeks unfortunately, especially if there are any complications with your work history or reason for separation. Did you quit or get laid off?

Got laid off due to company downsizing. No issues on my end but Washington ESD is still reviewing everything apparently.

Same boat here. Been waiting 5 weeks for adjudication to finish. Really wish I could talk to someone about what's taking so long.

I don't have kids but that's good to know for other people reading this.

wait really? I have 2 kids and didn't know about the extra money! How do I get that added to my claim?

You need to report your dependents when you file your initial claim. If you already filed, you might be able to add them by calling ESD or using their online system.

That's a good point. Having some income coming in would definitely reduce the pressure to take a bad job just to pay bills.

That sounds about right for that salary level. Did you have to wait long for your claim to get processed?

Mine took about 3 weeks because they had to verify my employment with my previous employer. No adjudication issues thankfully.

It's not quite 60% - that's a common misconception. The actual calculation is more complex and depends on your quarterly wages during the base period.

oh ok thanks for clarifying

I got laid off because the restaurant is cutting hours due to slow business, so I think I should be okay on that front.

Yeah that should qualify you for benefits. Just make sure you file as soon as possible because there's usually a waiting week before benefits start.

Good point about part-time work. I was thinking about picking up some gig work to supplement but didn't know it would affect benefits.

You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount minus $5 before they start reducing your UI payment. So if your benefit is $400, you can earn up to $395 without any reduction.

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

Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, career counseling sessions, skills training. There's a list on the WorkSourceWA website of what qualifies.

I hate the job search requirement tracking. Such a pain to log everything but they will audit you randomly.

Good reminder! You can elect to have 10% federal taxes withheld when you file your weekly claims. Definitely recommend doing that to avoid a big tax bill later.

Learned this the hard way. Owed like $1,800 at tax time because I didn't elect withholding. Make sure to check that box!

That's helpful to know! How long did it take for your claim to get approved?

took about 2 weeks but i had to call them like 10 times to get through. their phone system is awful

Pending usually means your claim is in adjudication. That can take several weeks while they verify your employment and separation reasons. You should eventually get backpay for all the weeks you were eligible.

several weeks?? i need money now, not in several weeks. this is ridiculous

Oh that's helpful! I'll look for that on their website. Thanks for the tip.

How long can you collect benefits for? Is it still 26 weeks max?

Yeah it's 26 weeks for regular unemployment. Sometimes they extend it during recessions but right now it's the standard 26 weeks.

Have you tried using Claimyr? I found out about it when I was having similar issues reaching Washington ESD. It's a service that helps you get through to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Never heard of that but honestly at this point I'm willing to try anything. The regular Washington ESD phone system is completely broken.

I used Claimyr last week after seeing someone mention it here. Actually got connected to a Washington ESD agent in under 10 minutes instead of the usual 2+ hour wait. Worth checking out if you're stuck.

I tried using that calculator and it kept giving me error messages. Has anyone actually gotten it to work properly?

Yeah the website calculator is trash. I ended up using Claimyr to get through to an actual person at Washington ESD who could tell me my exact benefit amount. Way easier than trying to figure it out myself. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Good to know! I don't have kids but that's useful info for others reading this.

It's actually $24 per dependent child for 2025, up to 5 children max. Just wanted to clarify the exact amount.

How does that service work exactly? I hate dealing with phone trees and hold times.

Basically they handle the calling and connecting part for you. You don't have to sit on hold or keep redialing. Super straightforward to use.

Oh no I didn't think about taxes! So I'd actually get even less money than the weekly benefit amount?

No, you get the full weekly amount but you'll owe taxes on it later unless you choose to have taxes withheld. It's still worth applying for though.

Wait seriously? That's something I never thought about. So if I get $300/week I need to save like $30 for taxes?

Something like that, depends on your tax bracket. You can elect to have federal taxes withheld when you file your weekly claim or just set money aside yourself.

That would actually be pretty helpful! I was worried it would be way less than that.

Keep in mind you also have to meet the job search requirements to keep getting benefits. You need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and document them.

Adjudication can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks depending on the issue. What does your claim status say exactly?

just says adjudication in progress with no other details. i've tried calling but can never get through

That's exactly why I used Claimyr - I was stuck in adjudication for a month and couldn't reach anyone. They got me connected to an adjudicator who explained what documents I needed to submit. My claim was approved within a week after that.

I got laid off due to store closure so that should be fine, right?

Yes, layoffs due to lack of work or business closure are definitely qualifying separations. You should be good on that front.

I didn't know about the dependent benefits! Do you have to provide proof of your children when you apply?

Yes, you need to provide Social Security numbers and birth certificates for your dependents. It's part of the initial application process.

I totally agree! The lack of transparency is so frustrating. You shouldn't have to be a mathematician to figure out your benefits.

That's why I ended up paying for Claimyr to talk to someone at Washington ESD directly. Sometimes it's worth it to just get a straight answer instead of guessing.

Is there any way to extend benefits beyond 26 weeks if you still can't find work?

Not anymore. The federal extended benefits programs ended after the pandemic. 26 weeks is the maximum unless Congress passes new legislation.

So if my weekly benefit is $400 and I earn $200 from part-time work, I'd still get the full $400?

No, it's more complicated than that. They have a formula where they subtract your earnings minus $5 divided by 2. So if you earned $200, they'd subtract ($200-$5)/2 = $97.50 from your benefit.

Oh wow I didn't even think about taxes. Do they withhold federal and state taxes?

Yes, both. You can set this up when you file your initial claim or change it later through your online account. I'd recommend having them withhold 10% federal just to be safe.

Thanks for the specific numbers! I didn't realize it was taxable. Do they take taxes out automatically or do I have to pay at the end of the year?

You can choose to have 10% federal tax withheld when you file your weekly claims, but Washington doesn't have state income tax so you don't worry about that part.

Yeah the calculation can be confusing. I think they look at your highest earning quarter over the past 18 months or something like that.

You're right, I'm probably overthinking this. I'll just file the application and see what happens.

Good luck! The application process isn't too bad, just make sure you have all your employment history ready before you start.

Good to know! I wasn't sure about that timing. So you file weekly claims right away even during adjudication?

Exactly. Keep filing every week and if you get approved, they'll pay you for all the weeks you filed retroactively.

Have you tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier? I was skeptical at first but it actually worked when I needed to talk to someone about my adjudication status. Saved me hours of calling.

No but I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point. The hold times are ridiculous and half the time they just hang up on you.

I tried that calculator and it was way off from what I actually received. Turns out I had some wage issues in my claim that needed manual review.

Exactly - the calculator assumes clean wage records. Any discrepancies require human review which can delay everything.

It is complex but once you understand the basics it gets easier. The key is just making sure you file your weekly claims on time and meet the job search requirements.

That's assuming you can actually get your claim approved in the first place. Still waiting on mine.

Good to know! I was thinking about maybe doing some gig work while I'm looking for a full-time job.

You can still do gig work, just make sure to report all earnings when you file your weekly claim. Being honest about income is super important.

Agreed. Could be worse for sure. Just wish the phone system wasn't so impossible to navigate when you need help.

The calculator can be tricky because it needs your exact quarterly wage amounts, not just your hourly rate or annual salary. You need to look at your paystubs or W-2 to get the right quarterly totals.

That makes sense. I was just estimating based on my hourly wage times hours worked. Let me dig up my actual paystubs.

Oh wow, I hadn't thought about taxes. Good point!

Yes, definitely elect tax withholding if you can afford the slightly smaller weekly amount. It prevents a nasty surprise at tax time.

How long did it take to get that letter after you filed?

About 2 weeks for me, but I've heard it can take longer if your claim needs adjudication for any reason.

That's actually really helpful to know. Every little bit helps when you're unemployed.

Yeah the no state tax thing is nice. Just make sure you either have them withhold federal or set aside money for taxes.

This is so true. The waiting is the worst part.

Exactly why I'm looking into that Claimyr service someone mentioned. Can't afford to wait much longer.

This is really important! I waited 3 weeks to apply and lost out on those weeks of benefits. File as soon as you're unemployed.

Good point, I should probably dig through my paperwork this weekend. Do they need anything else besides pay stubs?

Your Social Security card, driver's license, and any separation notices from employers. Also helpful to have bank account info if you want direct deposit.

I tried that calculator last month and it was way off from what I actually got approved for. Better than nothing though.

Yeah it's just an estimate. The actual calculation involves looking at all four quarters of your base period which makes it more complex.

That sounds frustrating. Is there any way to appeal the amount if you think it's wrong?

You can appeal but it's a long process. They basically stick to their formula unless there were actual errors in your wage records.

Good advice. I'll gather all that stuff before I start the application process.

Also keep copies of everything you submit. Washington ESD sometimes loses documents and you'll need to resubmit.

Definitely will do direct deposit. Thanks everyone for all the helpful info!

Good luck with your claim! Feel free to post back here if you run into any issues.

Might have to look into this. I'm getting desperate to talk to someone about my claim status.

Yeah check out their demo video, it shows exactly how the calling system works. Pretty clever solution to the phone maze honestly.

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

Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, taking job-related classes, creating or updating your resume. There's a whole list on the Washington ESD website.

And make sure you keep detailed records! They can ask for your job search log at any time and if you don't have it, they can disqualify you from benefits.

That range helps me plan better. I was hoping for more but it's something at least.

dont forget you also have to actively look for work and report it every week

That's a good point. I should probably gather all my pay stubs and employment records before I apply.

Definitely! Having everything organized upfront saves a lot of headaches later.

That's exactly why I started using Claimyr when I needed to talk to someone at ESD. Way easier than trying to call during their busy hours.

might have to look into that if my claim gets messed up. thanks for the tip

How do you certify? Is it online or do you have to call in?

It's online through your eServices account. Pretty straightforward once you get used to it.

This is so true. I was making $85k and getting the max benefit still meant taking a huge pay cut. Had to really adjust my budget.

Yeah I'm already thinking about what expenses I can cut if I end up filing. Good reality check.

What's the difference in this context? I always get confused by that stuff.

Gross is your pay before taxes and deductions, net is what you actually take home. Washington ESD wants gross wages for their calculations.

I didn't know it worked that way! That's actually pretty helpful information.

Yeah, not many people realize you don't have to use all 26 weeks consecutively. The system is more flexible than it seems.

Yikes, that's scary. I'll definitely be completely honest on everything.

It's really not worth the risk. The penalties and interest make it way worse than just reporting income correctly from the start.

That range sounds about right based on what others have said. I guess I'll know for sure once I actually file the claim.

Exactly, every situation is a little different. The main thing is to file as soon as possible since benefits don't backdate to before you applied.

True. Hopefully won't need anywhere near 26 weeks but good to know what the limits are.

Yeah and if you do find work before the 26 weeks is up, you can stop claiming and still have remaining weeks available if you lose that job later in the same benefit year.

Thanks for all the advice everyone! Sounds like it's definitely worth filing if I do end up getting laid off. At least now I have realistic expectations about the amounts and process.

What counts as a qualifying reason for quitting? Like if your hours get cut way down or working conditions become unsafe?

Yeah those can qualify. Basically you need 'good cause' which includes things like harassment, unsafe conditions, significant changes to your job duties or pay, or personal reasons like health issues or domestic violence.

I had the same frustration until I found Claimyr. It's specifically designed to help people get through to Washington ESD agents. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked - got connected to someone who could explain my benefit amount in detail.

At this point I'm desperate enough to try anything. The regular phone system is completely useless.

How long is a benefit year? And what happens when you reach the maximum?

A benefit year is 52 weeks from when you first file. Your maximum benefit amount is usually 26 times your weekly benefit amount. Once you exhaust that, your claim ends unless there are extended benefits available.

Good advice! I'm still employed but my company announced layoffs for next month. Can I file before my last day of work?

No, you have to wait until after your last day of work to file. But file immediately after that - like the next day if possible.

And make sure you have all your employment information ready when you file. You'll need dates of employment, reason for separation, employer contact info, etc.

Thanks for all the helpful info everyone! This gives me a much better idea of what to expect.

Good luck with everything! The process can be frustrating but the benefits definitely help while you're job searching.

Good reminder about the tax implications. I should probably set aside some money for taxes.

If you elect to have 10% withheld for federal taxes, that usually covers most of what you'll owe. But yeah, it's smart to plan ahead.

That's exactly when Claimyr helped me the most. I was stuck in adjudication for weeks and couldn't get anyone on the phone. They got me connected to an ESD agent who explained what was holding up my claim and how to fix it.

how much does that cost though? if im not getting paid yet i cant afford to pay for help

It's really affordable, and think about it - if you're missing weeks of benefits because you can't get help, it pays for itself quickly. Check out claimyr.com to see what they offer.

Oh wow, I hadn't even thought about health insurance yet. Thanks for bringing that up.

Yeah it's easy to forget about until you need it. The good news is unemployment income qualifies you for premium tax credits on the health insurance marketplace.

I'm not a veteran but that's good info for others. It's nice that there are extra programs available for people who served.

Definitely. The system has various programs for different situations - veterans, disaster victims, trade-affected workers, etc. Worth looking into if you might qualify for anything special.

You're absolutely right. I think I have enough information now to feel confident about filing. Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses!

Good luck with your claim! Hope everything processes smoothly for you.

That's exactly the kind of situation where Claimyr helped me. Wage record issues definitely need an actual person to review and fix.

I might have to try that. This is ridiculous how hard it is to reach anyone.

How do they calculate the number of weeks you qualify for?

It's based on your total base period wages. You need at least 680 hours of work or wages equal to 680 times the minimum wage to get the full 26 weeks.

Each state has different formulas. Washington's is actually more generous than many states with that $999 maximum.

i guess thats true, just wish the website explained it better

What's a waiting week?

Some states make you wait one week before benefits start, even if you qualify immediately. Washington used to do this but got rid of it.

Really? I had three part-time jobs last year and assumed I wouldn't get much.

Definitely file and see. If you had one really good quarter, that's what determines your weekly amount.

That's encouraging! I'm hoping mine processes quickly too.

mine took forever because of some employer issue, hopefully yours goes smooth

How can I check if my wages were reported correctly?

You can request a wage statement from Washington ESD, but honestly it's easier to just file and see what shows up on your monetary determination.

yeah the cost of living keeps going up but at least benefits increased too

Exactly, every little bit helps when you're between jobs.

Good to know there are options if issues come up. Sounds like Claimyr is pretty useful for navigating Washington ESD problems.

Yeah, definitely worth knowing about if you run into complications. The service was straightforward and actually got results.

Perfect, that gives me a realistic expectation for budgeting. Thanks everyone for all the helpful info!

good luck with your claim! the process is pretty straightforward once you get started

Thanks for the reminder. I'll make sure to track everything properly.

yeah dont mess around with the job search stuff, they take it seriously

Looking forward to seeing those actual numbers rather than guessing.

yeah the guessing game is stressful, better to just file and get the real info

Good to know! I might pick up some freelance work while job hunting.

Just make sure to report every penny you earn. The penalties for not reporting work are severe.

Agreed! Much better info here than what I found on the Washington ESD website.

these forums are always more helpful than official sites somehow

That's actually not too bad, I was worried they'd cut you off completely if you worked at all.

Just make sure you report ALL earnings on your weekly claim or they'll hit you with an overpayment later. Washington ESD catches everything eventually.

At least Washington has better benefits than most states. My cousin in Florida only gets like $275 max per week.

True, we're lucky to be in Washington even if the system is frustrating to navigate.

I don't think my restaurant does work-sharing but I'll ask. My hours got cut from 25 to about 12 per week so partial benefits might help.

Definitely worth looking into. Even partial benefits can make a big difference with bills and expenses.

Unless you run into technical issues like I did. Then you're stuck trying to call them anyway. That's when I ended up using Claimyr to actually get through to a human.

Fair point, the online system isn't perfect but it's usually the fastest way to get started.

This is super important! I forgot to file one week early on and lost that week's benefits. There's no makeup option.

Good to know, I'll set a reminder on my phone if I end up filing. What day of the week do you have to file?

You can file your weekly claim starting Sunday for the previous week. Most people do it Sunday or Monday to stay on schedule.

Thanks for sharing your experience! That range of $250-400 weekly is really helpful to know. I was worried it might not be worth it for part-time work, but that could actually cover a decent chunk of my expenses while I look for something full-time. Did you find the 3 job search activities per week requirement hard to meet? I'm wondering what kinds of things count besides just applying to jobs.

The 3 job search activities per week is actually pretty manageable once you get into a routine. Besides applying for jobs, you can count things like attending virtual job fairs, taking online courses related to your field, networking events, even just researching companies and their hiring practices. I used to do a mix - usually 1-2 job applications and then something like updating my LinkedIn profile or taking a free skills course online. The key is just keeping good records of everything you do because Washington ESD can audit your job search log at any time. WorkSourceWA also has tons of free resources that count toward your requirements.