How much is Washington ESD unemployment per week - need to know my benefit amount

So if I made $13,000 in my highest quarter, that would be $500 per week? That seems like a lot more than I expected.

Yes, that's roughly correct. Your base period is the first four of the last five completed quarters before you filed your claim.

Did you call Washington ESD to ask about your calculation? I'm worried mine might be wrong too.

tried calling but couldnt get through. spent like 3 hours on hold yesterday

Is that service free? I don't want to pay extra fees when I'm already unemployed.

It's not free but it saved me hours of calling. Worth it when you need answers about your benefit amount calculation.

sounds sketchy to me, why would you need to pay someone to call washington esd for you?

I haven't gotten my determination letter yet. How long does that usually take?

Usually takes 2-3 weeks after you file your initial claim, as long as there are no issues that require adjudication.

What happened when you used an online calculator?

It told me I'd get $650 per week but my actual Washington ESD benefit was only $425. Big difference when you're trying to budget!

wait i thought it was just the highest quarter divided by 26?

You're right, I mixed that up. It's the highest quarter divided by 26 weeks. Thanks for the correction!

So many different formulas being mentioned here. I really need to talk to Washington ESD directly.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr. Got through to Washington ESD in like 20 minutes instead of hours of busy signals.

might have to try that if i cant get through soon

Great! That sounds about right based on the salary you mentioned. Don't forget you also need to file your weekly claims to actually receive the money.

Yes, I already filed my first weekly claim. Should see the payment in a few days hopefully.

They do tell you - it's in your determination letter. The problem is people don't always know where to find it or how to read it.

yeah well mine was buried in like 5 pages of legal jargon

Oh no, I didn't think about taxes. How much should I have withheld?

Washington ESD can withhold 10% for federal taxes. You set this up in your online account or when you file weekly claims.

How did the part time job affect it? I had some freelance work during that time.

if you didnt report the freelance income properly it could lower your benefit amount. might want to check with washington esd

tried that multiple times, still couldnt get through

The phone lines are definitely hit or miss. Claimyr worked better for me than trying to time the calls perfectly.

You're welcome! Remember you need to keep filing those weekly claims and documenting your job search activities.

Yes, I've been applying to jobs every day and keeping track in WorkSourceWA.

It stays the same for your entire benefit year unless there are special circumstances like a wage protest or correction.

good to know, thanks!

That would be so much easier! I almost missed my determination letter because I wasn't checking my physical mail.

exactly! everything else is digital these days

How long did the appeal process take?

About 6 weeks, but I got back pay for the difference once it was resolved.

I filed within a week of my layoff. Should be okay then?

yes that should be fine. the base period is determined by when you file your claim

Right, I need to remember to account for taxes in my budget. Thanks for the reminder.

yep, learned that one the hard way on my first unemployment payment

ok maybe that service isnt as sketchy as i thought if its actually helping people

Definitely legitimate. The video demo I mentioned earlier shows exactly how it works.

Glad it helped! I learned a lot too from everyone's responses.

yeah this is way more helpful than the washington esd website