How much is unemployment benefit amount in Washington ESD - what should I expect?

So if I made like $9000 in my best quarter that would be around $346 a week? That's actually more than I thought I'd get.

Yeah that sounds about right, but remember you also have to meet the minimum earnings requirement over your entire base period to qualify at all.

Thanks! So if I made around $14,000 in my highest quarter, that would put me near the max?

Yeah, $14,000 × 3.85% = $539, but there are other factors too. The system looks at all your quarters to determine eligibility.

6 weeks?? That's crazy long. Did you have to do anything special or just wait it out?

just waited. called like 100 times but could never get through to anyone at washington esd

I've only had one job the whole time so that should make it easier. Thanks!

I tried the calculator but it's confusing with all the quarter stuff. Wish it was simpler.

I used Claimyr to help me understand my benefit amount and get through to Washington ESD when I had questions. They have a good video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that explains how it works. Way easier than trying to call ESD directly.

Have you tried calling right at 8am when they open? I heard that's the only way to get through.

I've tried everything - early morning, lunch time, different days of the week. Either busy signal or I wait on hold for 2 hours then get disconnected.

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works. Saved me hours of frustration.

Never heard of that but I'm desperate at this point. Does it actually work?

Oh no, I didn't think about taxes. How much extra should I set aside?

Depends on your tax bracket but usually 10-22% for federal. You can request they withhold 10% when you file your weekly claims.

EXACTLY why the unemployment system is broken. They give you money then want it back at tax time. Makes no sense!

Good to know about the part-time work thing. I might pick up some gig work while I'm looking for something full-time.

Just make sure you report EVERYTHING you earn, even if it's just $20 from DoorDash or whatever. They cross-reference with tax records and will hit you with an overpayment if you don't report correctly.

How do they determine the number of weeks you get?

It's based on your total base year wages. You need at least 680 hours of work or earnings of at least $7,000 in your base year to qualify for benefits.

Yeah I figured it wouldn't be the full amount. Just trying to make sure I can cover rent and basic expenses.

Wow really? I've been trying to reach them for 2 weeks about my pending adjudication. Might have to try this Claimyr thing too.

Glad it worked for you! I've recommended it to several people dealing with Washington ESD phone issues and everyone's had good results.

Two months?! What's the holdup?

adjudication they say. no one explains what that means or how long it takes

Adjudication means they're reviewing something about your claim - could be job separation, availability for work, or wage verification. Usually takes 3-6 weeks but can be longer.

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

applying, networking events, career fairs, some online training courses. they have a list on the worksourcewa website

Good point. So really budgeting should be based on maybe $700-750 after taxes?

Depends on your situation but yeah, that's probably more realistic for planning purposes.

How does that work exactly? Do they call for you?

Yeah, they handle the calling and waiting, then connect you when they get someone on the line. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

sounds too good to be true. what's the catch?

Good point, I didn't think about taxes. I'll make sure to set that up when I file my claim.

That's a decent increase. Helps with inflation I guess.

Still not enough to live on if you were making decent money before. Unemployment is barely survival mode.

Why were you disqualified if you don't mind me asking?

They said I quit voluntarily but I actually got laid off. Had to provide documentation from my employer to prove it. The appeal process is confusing but worth it if you know you qualify.

Yes, all wages reported to Washington ESD count including overtime, bonuses, and commissions.

Good to know, I had a lot of OT last year so that should help my benefit amount.

That seems about right based on what others are saying. How long did it take to get approved?

About 3 weeks for me. Pretty standard timeline according to what I've read.

Seems like everyone's recommending that service. I'll keep it in mind if I run into problems.

Good to know it can vary that much. I've been pretty consistent at my job so hopefully that helps.

I haven't lost my job yet but my hours got cut way back so I'm preparing. Thanks for the advice!

Oh if your hours got cut you might qualify for partial benefits while still working. Definitely look into that.

Yeah I've looked at the website and there's so much information it's overwhelming. This thread has been really helpful though.

That's helpful to know, gives me a better idea of what to expect.

So I have to do something every single week? I thought once you got approved you just got paid automatically.

Nope, you have to log in every week and answer questions about whether you worked, if you're available for work, and what job search activities you did. Miss a week and your benefits stop.

Definitely doing direct deposit. I need the money as fast as possible once I'm approved.

That's not very encouraging but I appreciate the honest warning!

It's really not that bad if you know what to expect. The key is being persistent and having all your documentation ready.

Good tip about screenshots. I'll make sure to document everything.

Thanks everyone for all the advice! This has been super helpful. I feel much more prepared now to navigate the whole process.

Good luck! It's stressful but manageable if you stay organized and don't give up.

Yeah I heard about that. Do they actually check the job search log?

Sometimes. They can audit your claim and ask for proof, so keep good records of where you applied.

I got audited and had to provide screenshots of all my applications. Good thing I kept everything organized.

So if I get $800/week, I can earn up to $800 from part-time work without losing benefits?

Not exactly. If you earn more than $5/week, they reduce your benefit dollar for dollar after a small deduction. It's complicated.

Right? All these calculations and quarters and base years... just give me a number!

The complexity exists because everyone's work history is different. The system has to account for seasonal workers, people with gaps in employment, multiple jobs, etc.

Good advice! I was planning to file tomorrow which is Tuesday.

Tuesday should be fine too. Just avoid Fridays - that's when everyone tries to file their weekly claims.

How do you figure out which quarters count?

Washington ESD looks at the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. So if you file in March 2025, they look at October 2023 through September 2024.

There's also an alternate base year option if your standard base year doesn't give you enough benefits. Worth asking about if your calculation seems low.

Definitely won't lie. How do they verify wages though?

They have access to employer wage reports and can cross-reference with tax records. Pretty thorough.

I might need that if my calculation doesn't make sense. Thanks for the tip!

I was skeptical about using a service like that but honestly it saved me so much time and frustration. Washington ESD phone lines are impossible otherwise.

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

Good luck with your claim! Hope it goes smoothly for you.

Feel free to come back with questions once you file. This community is pretty helpful with Washington ESD issues.