How much is my unemployment check going to be in Washington state?

Thanks! So if I made about $12,600 in my highest quarter, that would be around $485 per week?

Yeah that sounds about right. You should get your monetary determination letter within a week or two that will show your exact WBA.

I only started my last job in May 2024, so most of my base period earnings would be from that job. I had a different job before that but made less money.

That might actually work in your favor since they'll use your highest quarter. Washington ESD will send you a breakdown showing all four quarters of your base period.

Never heard of that service. Does it actually work for reaching Washington ESD?

Yeah it worked for me. Got connected to an agent in like 20 minutes instead of calling all day and getting busy signals.

Interesting, might have to try that if I can't get through the normal way.

Good point, I hadn't thought about that requirement. I definitely have earnings in multiple quarters so that shouldn't be an issue.

Yeah I definitely won't be anywhere near the maximum. My calculation puts me around $485 per week which seems reasonable.

That sounds like a solid estimate. You'll know for sure once you get your monetary determination.

Three weeks seems long. Have you checked your eServices account online? Sometimes the determination shows up there before you get the paper letter.

I check every day but it just says pending. So frustrating when you need to know how much money you'll have coming in.

Great news! That's a decent amount that should help while you're job searching.

Awesome, glad it worked out. Now you just need to file your weekly claims and do your job search activities.

Yeah I need to figure out the job search requirements next. I think it's 3 job contacts per week?

For claims filed in January 2025, your base period would be October 2023 through September 2024. It's always a year that ends about 3-4 months before you file.

That seems like such old information to base benefits on. What if you made way more money recently?

You might qualify for alternate base period if your recent earnings are higher. Washington ESD will automatically check that if your regular base period doesn't give you enough benefits.

Yes, all wages count including overtime, bonuses, commissions, tips - basically anything that shows up on your W-2.

Perfect, that should boost my benefit amount then. Thanks!

It's designed to be fair across different employment patterns. Someone who worked seasonally or had gaps would be disadvantaged by just using the most recent job.

I guess that makes sense but it's still confusing for regular people to figure out.

How much does that service cost? Is it worth it?

It's definitely worth it if you're stuck and need to talk to someone. Way less stressful than calling Washington ESD all day and getting nowhere.

Hard to say without knowing your full base period, but if that $5,200/month was your highest quarter you'd be looking at around $600 per week, assuming that was about $15,600 in a quarter.

That would be amazing if it's that much. I'm really hoping it's enough to cover my rent and bills.

Don't forget you'll still owe taxes on unemployment benefits. Plan to set aside some money for that.

Yes, vacation payout counts as wages for the period it covers. So if you got paid out for 2 weeks vacation, that counts toward your quarterly earnings.

Great, that should help my calculation then since it was a decent amount.

Usually about a week after you file your first weekly claim, assuming there are no issues. Make sure you file your weekly claim right away.

Perfect, I'll file it today. Thanks for the heads up!

Yeah mine was really helpful. I could see exactly which quarters they used and how they got to my $492 per week.

It's nice when government agencies actually provide clear explanations for once!

Good reminder! You can update your address through eServices on the Washington ESD website.

Exactly, it's pretty easy to do online if you need to change it.

Usually only if there was an error in the original calculation or if alternate base period gives you a higher amount. Washington ESD should automatically check alternate base period if you qualify.

Okay good to know. I think my calculation is correct but wanted to make sure there wasn't some way to appeal it.

It stays the same throughout your benefit year unless there are very specific circumstances like a wage correction. Your WBA is locked in when your claim is established.

That's what I figured but wanted to confirm. Thanks!

I might have to try that. I've been calling for days trying to ask about my alternate base period and can never get through.

That's exactly the type of question they can help with. Check out their demo video to see how it works.

Thanks for the tip! Good to know there are options when the regular phone system doesn't work.