How much is my unemployment benefit going to be from Washington ESD?

Thanks! So they look at my best 3-month period? That would probably be last summer when I was working overtime on a big campaign project.

Exactly, they use your highest earning quarter from the past 5 quarters. If you made $15,000 in that quarter, your weekly would be around $577 before taxes.

I haven't gotten any letters yet, just the confirmation that they received my application. Should I be worried if it's been a week?

No that's normal timing. Washington ESD is pretty backed up right now. If you need to check your claim status or have questions, you might want to try calling them but good luck getting through. I used Claimyr.com to actually reach someone at Washington ESD when I couldn't get through on my own - they have this system that calls for you and connects you when an agent picks up. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Oh interesting, I didn't know there were services like that. The phone system is definitely frustrating when you're trying to get basic info.

I think you might be mixing up the calculation. Washington uses the highest quarter divided by 26 for the weekly benefit amount, not total base year wages.

You're right, I was thinking of the total benefit amount calculation. The weekly amount is definitely based on highest quarter earnings divided by 26.

That sounds like your claim might be in adjudication. Did you have any issues with your last employer or gaps in employment? Sometimes Washington ESD needs to verify information before they can determine your benefits.

I did have a brief period where I was working part-time before my layoff. Maybe that's causing the delay?

Yeah that could definitely trigger adjudication. If you can't get through to Washington ESD by phone, that Claimyr service the other person mentioned might help. I was stuck in adjudication for weeks and finally got through using their system to talk to someone who could explain what was happening.

That range sounds about right based on what others are saying. Do you know what percentage they take out for taxes?

I think it's 10% federal tax withholding if you elect it, but you can choose not to have taxes taken out and just deal with it at tax time.

Good point. I was pretty consistent with my earnings last year so hopefully that won't be an issue.

Right, you need to have earned wages in at least 2 quarters and meet the minimum base year wage requirements or they'll reduce your benefits or deny the claim entirely.

Is the 26 weeks standard for everyone or does it vary?

26 weeks is the standard maximum for regular unemployment benefits in Washington. Sometimes there are federal extensions during recessions but right now it's just the standard 26 weeks.

And remember you have to file your weekly claims to actually get the money, even after you know your benefit amount.

Good thinking, I'll definitely save all the paperwork once I get it.

Yeah the uncertainty is really stressful. At least we're both in the same boat.

Same here, just wish Washington ESD would move faster with processing everything.

I did get a small severance package. Should I be worried about that causing issues?

Not necessarily issues, but it might delay when you can start collecting. They'll explain it in your determination letter or you can call to ask about it.

If you need to get clarification about severance pay and benefit timing, that's another good reason to use something like Claimyr to actually reach someone at Washington ESD. Much better than trying to guess or wait for letters.

Yeah I tried using that calculator and it wasn't very helpful. Guess I'll just have to wait for the official letter.

I'm planning to do some freelance work while job searching. How does that affect the benefits?

You can earn up to a certain amount (I think it's around $200-300) without affecting your benefits, but anything over that gets deducted from your weekly payment. You have to report all earnings though.

That's reassuring to hear. I'm hoping the process gets easier once I understand what my weekly amount will be.

Good reminder. I think I'll opt to have taxes withheld to avoid a big bill later.

Smart choice. The 10% withholding usually covers most of what you'll owe on the unemployment income.

It's been exactly one week so I'll give it a few more days before I start calling.

If you do need to call, seriously consider using Claimyr. Saved me hours of trying to get through on my own. The service actually works and it's worth it when you need answers.

Yeah I've been reading about the job search log requirements. Seems like I need to document 3 job search activities per week?

That's right, 3 job search activities per week and you need to keep detailed records. They can audit your job search log so make sure you're documenting everything properly.

That math makes sense. Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I feel much better about understanding how this all works now.

No problem! Good luck with your job search and don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions about the unemployment process.