How much is unemployment benefit amount in Washington ESD 2024?

Thanks! That helps a lot. I think my highest quarter was probably around $9,000 so I'm guessing I'd get somewhere around $133 per week?

That sounds about right for your earnings level. You can check your exact base period wages by logging into your SecureAccess Washington account once you file your claim.

Thanks! Do you know if they count overtime pay in those calculations? I had quite a bit of overtime last year.

Yes, all wages including overtime count toward your base period earnings. Make sure Washington ESD has accurate wage records from your employer.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone, I had success using Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to ESD agents without waiting on hold forever. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of frustration trying to call myself.

never heard of that but might check it out, calling ESD directly is impossible most days

I used Claimyr too when I needed help with my adjudication issue. Way better than spending all day redialing the main number. You can find them at claimyr.com

Thanks! So with $52k annually that would be roughly $1000 per week gross, so maybe around $600-700 weekly benefit?

That sounds about right, but Washington ESD looks at your quarterly wages not annual. Check your wages from the highest quarter in your base period for a more accurate estimate.

So if my highest quarter was around $14,000 that would be about $538 per week? That seems pretty good actually.

Yes that sounds about right. Just remember you still have to meet the job search requirements and file your weekly claims on time.

Thanks! So if my highest quarter was around $13,500, that would be about $520 per week?

That sounds about right. You can also use the benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website to get an estimate.

Thanks! So if my highest quarter was around $15,000, that would be about $560 per week?

That math looks right. You can also use the benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website to get an exact estimate.

Good point about taxes. Do they automatically take taxes out or do I need to request that?

You can request federal tax withholding when you file your weekly claims. I think it's 10% federal tax withholding. Washington doesn't have state income tax so you don't worry about that part.

Thanks! So if I made about $12,600 in my highest quarter that would be around $484 per week? That seems reasonable.

Yes, that sounds about right. Just remember you also need to meet the minimum earnings requirement across your entire base period, not just one quarter.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents automatically. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Really? Does it actually work? I'm so frustrated with trying to reach them.

Yeah, it worked for me. Got connected within an hour instead of calling all day. Worth trying if you need to talk to someone about your specific situation.

That sounds about right. I was making similar and got around $650 weekly when I was laid off earlier this year.

That would help a lot. How long did it take for your claim to get approved?

Mine took about 3 weeks but I had some adjudication issues they had to review first.

Did you have any issues with wage verification? I'm worried some of my employers might not have reported correctly.

No issues for me, but if there are problems Washington ESD will contact you during the adjudication process to get additional documentation.

How does that work exactly? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days about my benefit amount and keep getting busy signals.

Basically they handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when they get an agent on the line. Saved me hours of sitting on hold.

Interesting, might have to try that if I can't get through the normal way. The phone system is ridiculous right now.

Yeah but you have to have made really good money to qualify for the max amount. Most people get way less than that.

True, the average benefit in Washington is probably closer to $450-500 per week from what I've seen.

I looked but couldn't find an estimate tool. Maybe it's only available after you start the application?

There used to be a benefit calculator but I think they removed it. Now you only see your actual amount after filing and it's processed.

That's really helpful to know! How long did it take Washington ESD to process your claim?

About 3 weeks, but I had to call them twice to check on the status. Their phone system is brutal.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent faster. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

I get the frustration but the calculation method is actually pretty straightforward once you understand it. It's based on your work history to make sure people who worked more get higher benefits.

maybe but try explaining that to someone whos never dealt with unemployment before, the whole base period thing is confusing

Is there a calculator somewhere to figure this out more precisely?

Washington ESD doesn't have a public calculator, but you can estimate by taking your highest quarter earnings, dividing by 13, then multiplying by 0.6. That gives you a rough idea.

The COVID pandemic programs like PUA ended in 2021. Regular unemployment benefits in 2024 follow the normal Washington state formula.

ok thanks for clarifying that

How does that work exactly? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days with no luck.

Basically they call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to a live agent. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

That actually sounds really helpful. The phone system at Washington ESD is impossible to navigate.

Good point! I definitely want to avoid a big tax bill next year. Can you change the withholding after you've already started filing?

Yes, you can update your tax withholding preferences in your online account or when you file your weekly claims.

This is so important! I got hit with a $2,000 tax bill because I didn't withhold anything during my unemployment period.

Yeah the wage requirements changed recently. You need wages in at least two quarters of your base period too, not just the total amount.

Good to know about the two quarter requirement. I've been at the same job for 3 years so that shouldn't be an issue.

Which quarters did you use? I'm still confused about the base period calculation.

they use the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters. so if you file in january 2024, they look at jul-sep 2023, apr-jun 2023, jan-mar 2023, oct-dec 2022

Correct, the 2024 rates are higher than 2023. The calculation is still the same formula though - it's based on your quarterly wages during the base period.

What's the base period exactly? I keep seeing that term but don't understand it.

Base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in December 2024, your base period would be July 2023 through June 2024.

Oh no, what's taking so long with your claim?

They said it's under adjudication for 'identity verification' but I sent all my documents weeks ago. Can't get anyone on the phone to explain what's happening.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - they helped me get through to an agent when my claim was stuck in adjudication. Worth checking out if you're getting nowhere with regular calling.

That's helpful to know! Did you have any issues with your claim approval or did it go smoothly?

Mine went pretty smooth, took about 2 weeks to get approved. Just had to do the usual job search requirements.

How much does something like that cost? I'm trying to save money obviously since I might be unemployed soon.

They focus on just getting you connected quickly rather than charging a lot. Way better than sitting on hold for hours and getting disconnected.

Interesting, never heard of that before. Did they actually help resolve your questions about benefit amounts?

Yeah, the Washington ESD agent was able to look at my wage records and give me an exact calculation on the spot.

I had the same problem until I discovered Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to ESD agents by handling the calling for you. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Try calling right at 8am when they open, that's when I had the best luck getting through

This is really helpful, thank you. So they don't just look at my most recent pay stubs?

No, they use quarterly wage reports that employers submit to the state. Make sure all your employers reported your wages correctly or it could affect your benefit amount.

What exactly counts as job search activities? Do I need to apply to a certain number of jobs per week?

Currently it's 3 job search activities per week. This can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or completing WorkSource workshops.

Make sure you keep detailed records of your job search activities! Washington ESD can audit this and if you can't prove you were searching, they'll make you pay back benefits.

Washington ESD gets wage reports from employers quarterly, but contract/1099 work usually isn't included unless you paid into unemployment insurance as self-employed. You might need to provide tax records.

That's what I was afraid of. Most of my contract work was 1099 so I probably won't qualify for as much as I thought.

I understand the frustration but the benefit amount is directly tied to your earnings history. Higher earners do get more, up to the maximum.

Yeah but that maximum is way too low for people who were making decent wages. $999 a week doesn't go far when you were making $2000+ a week.

True, but it's meant to be temporary assistance while you find new work, not full wage replacement.

What if you haven't worked a full year? Like if someone just started working 6 months ago?

If you don't have enough wages in your base period, you might not qualify for regular unemployment benefits. Washington ESD requires wages in at least 2 quarters of your base period and total wages of at least 680 hours at minimum wage.

That makes sense, thanks for explaining!

Close but not exactly. In Washington, you can earn up to 25% of your weekly benefit amount without any reduction. After that, they deduct your earnings minus that 25% allowance from your weekly benefit.

ok that sounds right, i just knew there was some kind of limit where they start taking money away

Good point, I definitely meet that requirement though.

Actually it's a bit more complex - you need $3,900 total AND earnings in at least two quarters of your base year.

Yes, Washington ESD reduces your weekly benefit if you earn money while collecting. Generally they subtract your earnings from your weekly benefit amount, but there's a small earnings disregard.

So if I made $100 in freelance work, they'd subtract that from my weekly benefit? That doesn't seem worth it then.

Not exactly. There's usually an earnings disregard of around 25% of your weekly benefit amount. So some earnings won't affect your benefits at all.

Oh man, I didn't think about taxes. Can you have them withhold taxes from the weekly payments?

Yes, you can request 10% federal tax withholding when you file your weekly claims. Washington doesn't have state income tax so you only worry about federal.

wish i had done that. ended up owing like $1200 in taxes

Good point! I forgot about taxes. So that $600-700 estimate would be before taxes.

yeah i learned that the hard way last year, owed like $1200 at tax time because i didnt have taxes withheld

I know right? Their website is terrible. Half the links don't work and the other half take you to pages that don't have what you need.

This is exactly why I couldn't get answers and had to keep calling. Their online stuff is useless.

yeah the website is terrible, half the links dont even work

The information is there but it's definitely not user-friendly. The key is understanding your base period dates and which quarters count.

Regular unemployment benefits last up to 26 weeks in Washington. The extended benefits from the pandemic (like the extra weeks and extra $600/$300) ended in 2021. Now it's back to the standard 26 weeks maximum.

Got it, 26 weeks makes sense. Hopefully I won't need it but good to know what to expect.

Yes it's still 3 job search activities per week for most claimants. You need to log them in WorkSource and keep records in case of an audit.

ok good to know thanks

You need to have earned at least $1,294 in your base period to qualify. With only 3 months of work you might not meet the earnings requirement, but you could potentially use the alternate base period which looks at more recent quarters.

How do I know which base period they'll use? This is all so confusing.

Washington ESD will automatically check both base periods and use whichever one qualifies you for benefits. You don't have to choose.

I feel you! The unemployment system wasn't designed to be user-friendly. Have you been filing your weekly claims on time at least?

Yeah I do those every Sunday. That part is pretty straightforward once you get used to it.

That would really help with my bills while I look for full-time work again. Do you know how long benefits last?

Regular unemployment benefits last up to 26 weeks in Washington state. Sometimes there are extended benefits during high unemployment periods but that's not common.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. The regular phone system is basically unusable right now. At least with their service I knew someone was actually trying to get through for me.

I'm getting desperate enough to try anything at this point. How quickly were you able to get connected?

Took about 2 hours but that's way better than the days I wasted trying to call myself. Check out that video demo I mentioned earlier to see how it works.

Good to know! I was laid off two weeks ago but just started thinking about filing. Should I file now or does it matter since it's only been two weeks?

File now! You can usually get retroactive benefits for the week you became unemployed, but only if you file within a reasonable time frame.

Are those programs currently active in Washington? I thought they ended after the pandemic.

Extended Benefits are triggered automatically when unemployment rates hit certain thresholds. It varies by state and time period. You'd need to check Washington ESD's website for current program availability.

Good to know! I have two kids so that would be an extra $50 per week.

Exactly. You just need to provide their social security numbers when you file your initial claim.

It usually takes about a week to get your monetary determination letter that shows your benefit amount. Hang in there!

thanks, hopefully it comes soon because I need to know for budgeting purposes

You can request a wage transcript from Washington ESD online through your SecureAccess Washington account. That will show exactly what wages they have on record for you.

Good idea, I'll check that first before trying to calculate anything.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already tight on money.

It's worth checking their website at claimyr.com. The time and stress it saves is definitely valuable when you need to get your claim moving.

26 weeks sounds reasonable. Hopefully I won't need that long to find something new.

The 26 weeks can be extended in certain circumstances but that's rare. Most people don't need the full amount.

IF you can actually get your claim processed... still waiting on mine after 8 weeks

Same here. I'm grateful for the help but it's definitely not enough to maintain your previous lifestyle. Had to cut back on everything.

Yep, had to move back in with my parents. At least the job market seems to be picking up a little bit.

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

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

Actually it's 3 job search activities per week, not just contacts. Can include networking, job fairs, online applications, etc. Keep detailed records.

Good point about taxes. I heard you can choose to have federal taxes withheld at 10%?

Yeah that's right, it's optional but probably a good idea so you don't owe a bunch at tax time.

I learned that the hard way - owed like $800 in taxes on my unemployment from 2023.

The benefit amounts have increased over the years. In 2019 the maximum was lower, and your individual amount depends on your work history. If you had lower wages, you'd get a lower benefit amount.

yeah that makes sense, i was working part time minimum wage jobs back then

So even if I file this week, I won't get paid for the first week I'm unemployed?

Exactly. The first week is unpaid, then you start receiving benefits for subsequent weeks. It's just how the system works in Washington.

That waiting week is such BS when people are already struggling financially. Like we choose to be unemployed!

I tried that calculator but got confused about which wages to enter. Should I use gross or net wages?

Always use gross wages (before deductions). Washington ESD bases everything on your gross earnings reported by employers.

What are the job search requirements? I haven't filed yet but want to make sure I understand everything.

You need to make 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. Can be applications, interviews, networking events, stuff like that. They explain it all when you file.

And they do check sometimes! My friend got audited and had to provide all her job search documentation.

There's typically a one week waiting period before you start receiving benefits. So you file your initial claim, then file weekly claims, but your first payable week is usually your second week of unemployment.

Thanks, good to know there's that delay built in

And make sure you file your weekly claims on time every week even during that waiting period, or you can lose benefits for those weeks

Good point. I'm still working part-time so I'd need to report those wages. Do they deduct dollar for dollar?

No, in Washington you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount minus $5 before they start reducing your benefits. So if your weekly benefit is $500, you can earn up to $495 without any reduction.

2 weeks isn't too bad. What paperwork did she need besides the initial application?

Just the basic stuff - ID, Social Security card, and employment history. She didn't have any complications though.

That's frustrating. I got promoted 6 months ago with a significant pay increase.

Yeah, the timing of when you file really matters. Sometimes it's worth waiting a quarter if you had a big pay increase recently.

That's helpful to know for planning purposes, thanks!

Correct, Washington has no state income tax anyway so unemployment benefits are only subject to federal taxes.

It's the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in 2024, your base year would typically be the 4 quarters of 2023.

Ok that makes sense, so they look at a full year of earnings but not the most recent quarter.

Right, because they need time to get all the wage reports from employers.

Good to know. I might try to pick up some freelance work while looking for a full-time job.

Just make sure to report ALL earnings when you do your weekly claim. Even small amounts need to be reported.

That sounds complicated. Did it affect your benefit amount?

It was confusing but Washington ESD handled most of it. Took longer to process though, like 4-5 weeks instead of the usual 2-3.

How is the Maximum Benefit Amount calculated? Is it just 26 times the weekly amount?

It's typically 26 times your WBA, but it can't exceed 30% of your total base period wages. So depending on your earnings pattern, you might max out before 26 weeks.

How long do the weekly claims take to complete?

like 5-10 minutes online. just basic questions about job search activities and if you worked or earned any money that week

Don't give up! I had the same frustration but Claimyr really helped me get through to someone who could explain what was holding up my claim. Sometimes you just need to talk to the right person at Washington ESD.

I'll check out that Claimyr thing. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get some answers.

Wait, so I file but don't get paid the first week? That seems harsh.

Exactly. You still need to file that first weekly claim but no payment is issued. It's been that way for years in Washington.

You can submit wage documentation yourself if Washington ESD doesn't have complete records. Pay stubs, W-2s, and tax returns can all be used as proof.

Thanks, I still have all my pay stubs saved. Better safe than sorry.

Yeah stick to the official Washington ESD calculator or call them directly to get accurate information.

That's why I was trying to call them in the first place. Good thing someone mentioned that Claimyr service earlier - finally got through and confirmed my benefit amount.

As of 2024, Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week. These can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking activities, or training programs. You need to keep a log of your job search activities.

Okay good to know. Do they actually check the job search log or is it just if they audit you?

They can request your job search log at any time for verification. It's best to keep detailed records because if you can't provide proof when requested, you could be disqualified from benefits.

Sounds like you might be in adjudication. That can take several weeks especially if there are any issues with your separation from work or eligibility.

How am I supposed to pay my rent while they take weeks to decide if I qualify? This system is broken.

Try using Claimyr to get through to an agent. Sometimes they can expedite things or at least tell you what's holding up your claim.

You can request a wage review if you think there are missing or incorrect wages. You'll need to provide documentation like pay stubs or tax forms to prove the additional earnings.

Do I need to call them for that or can I submit the documentation online? I really don't want to deal with their phone system.

There should be an option in your online account to upload documents for wage protests. Much easier than calling if you can handle it that way.

How long does the appeal process take? I'm worried about going weeks without any income while they figure it out.

Appeals can take 4-8 weeks unfortunately. But if you win, you'll get back-paid for all the weeks you should have received benefits.

That's another situation where Claimyr really helped me. I needed to talk to someone about my appeal status and couldn't get through the normal way. Their service connected me with an agent who could actually check my case.

Yes, all wages reported on your W-2 count including overtime, bonuses, commissions, etc.

Sweet, that should boost my benefit amount then!

That's another reason I ended up using Claimyr - the agent was able to walk me through the calculation step by step over the phone.

I might have to try that service too. Getting actual human help with this stuff is so valuable.

You get the full amount as long as you meet all the eligibility requirements each week - available for work, actively seeking work, etc. The job search requirement is 3 activities per week.

Got it, so the dollar amount stays the same but you have to keep proving you're looking for work.

Exactly, and you have to file your weekly claim every week to get paid.

Yeah but rent and everything else has gone up even more than the unemployment benefits unfortunately.

True, $999 a week sounds like a lot but that's only about $52k per year if you were on unemployment the whole time.

Good to know there's a limit on duration. Hopefully I won't need anywhere near 26 weeks!

Yeah hopefully you find something quickly. The job market seems to be picking up in some sectors.

How would I check that?

When you get your monetary determination letter, it will show the wages they have on file. Compare that to your pay stubs and W-2.

And if there are errors, you can appeal the monetary determination to get it corrected.

That's true, some states cap benefits at like $400-500 per week max.

Washington has one of the more generous unemployment systems in the country for sure.

No, there's a formula. You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount minus $5 before any deduction. Then they reduce your benefit by 75 cents for every dollar over that threshold.

Ok so there's some cushion built in, that's good to know.

Good point, I should get all my employment records organized before I file.

Yeah having dates, addresses, and supervisor info ready makes the application much faster.

Good luck with your claim! Hope everything goes smoothly.

And remember if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, Claimyr can save you a lot of time and frustration with their callback service.

Definitely going to keep that in mind. Thanks again everyone!

That's good to hear. $999 maximum seems pretty reasonable for Washington state cost of living.

Yeah especially in Seattle area where rent is so high. $999 weekly at least covers basic expenses for most people.

There's typically a one-week waiting period in Washington. Your first payable week is usually the second week after you file, assuming no issues with your claim.

ok thanks, good to know when planning finances

Good advice. I'll make sure to double-check all my wage information before submitting.

Yeah it's worth taking the extra time upfront to avoid headaches later. The benefit calculation is only as good as the wage data you provide.

That's helpful to know about the timing. So you file Sunday and get paid Tuesday?

Yeah pretty much. Sometimes it's Wednesday if there's a holiday or something, but usually Tuesday.

I don't have kids but good to know for others. Every little bit helps when you're unemployed.

Yeah I get an extra $50 per week for my two kids. It's not huge but definitely helps with expenses.

That's great news! So the service actually worked for reaching someone?

Yeah, way better than trying to call normally. Took like 20 minutes to get connected to an actual person instead of hours of busy signals.

Glad it worked out! Sometimes you just need to get the right person on the phone to sort things out quickly.

Same here - hopefully neither of us will need it but it's good to be prepared!

Smart to research ahead of time. If you do need to file, having realistic expectations makes the process less stressful.

How many job search activities do you need per week?

i think its 3 per week but check the current requirements when you file. they change sometimes

It's currently 3 job search activities per week for most claimants. Keep detailed records - date, employer, position, method of contact, and result.

You're welcome! Hope you don't need to use this information, but it's always good to be prepared.

Best of luck with your job situation. The unemployment system isn't perfect but it's there when you need it.

I feel you. The system is definitely overwhelmed. Keep filing your weekly claims though - if you miss weeks you might not be able to get back-paid for them later.

Yeah I'm still filing weekly but it's frustrating doing it when I don't even know if I'm approved yet. This whole process is dehumanizing.

That's exactly the kind of issue I'm worried about! How did they help you fix the wage reporting problem?

The agent walked me through submitting a wage protest with documentation. She said it should be resolved within 2-3 weeks and my benefit amount will be recalculated if the additional wages are verified.

Good to hear there are still some helpful agents at Washington ESD. Most of the time I feel like they're just trying to get you off the phone as quickly as possible.

This has been super helpful everyone. I think I have enough information now to file my claim and know what to expect. Thanks for all the detailed responses!

Good luck with your claim! Remember to file as soon as possible and keep detailed records of everything. The unemployment system isn't perfect but it's there to help when you need it.