How much is unemployment benefit amount in Washington - need to know what to expect

Thanks! Do you know what the minimum earnings requirement is? I'm worried I might not qualify since I haven't been working super long.

You need at least $5,265 in your base period and earnings in at least two quarters. Your base period is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file.

Yeah it does seem pretty complicated. How long did it take for them to tell you your amount?

took like 2 weeks because my claim went into adjudication for some reason, even though everything seemed straightforward

Pretty much yeah, maybe a few weeks here and there where I got less hours but mostly consistent. $400-500 would actually help a lot.

$400-500 sounds about right for that wage. I was making similar and got around $450/week when I was on unemployment last year.

Good to know, thanks. What counts as a job search activity?

Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, informational interviews. They have a list on the Washington ESD website. You have to be able and available for work too.

Make sure you register with WorkSourceWA too, that's required within a certain timeframe after filing.

Interesting, I'll keep that in mind if I run into issues. How does it work exactly?

They basically handle the calling for you and get you connected to an actual Washington ESD agent. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting hung up on.

I've heard of Claimyr but never tried it. Did they charge you a lot?

They focus on getting results rather than being expensive. Worth it considering how impossible it is to reach Washington ESD otherwise.

Perfect, I'll try that calculator. Thanks for the tip!

Yeah that calculator is pretty helpful, used it before I filed and it was pretty close to my actual benefit amount.

Oh wow, good point. How do you set that up?

When you file your weekly claims there's an option to have 10% withheld for federal taxes. You can change it anytime through your account.

Wait, so I won't get paid for the first week even if I qualify?

Exactly. You still have to file that first week but you won't get paid for it. It's just how the system works in Washington.

The waiting week is waived during certain emergency periods but under normal circumstances yeah, you don't get paid for week one.

What happens if you miss filing a weekly claim?

they might make you restart your claim or you could lose benefits for those weeks. better to file even if you're unsure about something

That range sounds reasonable for my situation. Better than nothing while I job hunt.

Yeah even $300-400/week helps cover basic expenses. Just don't expect to maintain your full lifestyle on unemployment.

Definitely planning to start looking right away. Do the 3 job searches per week have to be for jobs I'm qualified for?

They should be jobs you're reasonably qualified for and willing to accept. Washington ESD can review your job search activities.

A month in adjudication sounds terrible! What's your claim stuck on?

Something about verifying my last employer. They haven't responded to Washington ESD's requests apparently. Meanwhile I'm not getting any money.

Definitely try Claimyr for something like that. That's exactly the kind of situation where you need to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD.

That's so frustrating. Hopefully I won't run into any issues but good to know about the phone problems.

The phone system has been broken for years. They keep saying they're fixing it but nothing changes.

Generally you can't get unemployment if you quit unless it's for 'good cause' like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or significant changes to your job. Just being unhappy usually doesn't qualify.

Damn, that's what I figured. Guess I'm stuck until I find something else or they fire me.

Maybe try to find another job first before quitting? That way you don't risk losing unemployment eligibility.

I'm planning to file this week, so I guess whatever quarters they use is what I'll get.

Yeah, the base period is set once you file. Just make sure to file as soon as you're eligible, don't wait around.

Yes, you can work part-time but you have to report all earnings when you file your weekly claim. They'll reduce your benefit amount based on how much you earn that week.

How much can you make before they start reducing benefits?

In Washington, you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount minus $5 before they start reducing your benefits dollar for dollar.

Absolutely, I'm viewing this as a bridge to my next job, not a long-term solution.

Good attitude. Some people get too comfortable on unemployment and then struggle when benefits run out.

Thanks for the encouragement! I'm hoping my case is straightforward since I was laid off due to slow business.

That should be pretty clear cut for Washington ESD. Layoffs due to lack of work are usually approved without issues.

Good point, I'll make sure to keep everything organized. Better safe than sorry.

Yeah, they love asking for random documents weeks after you file. Having everything ready saves a lot of headaches.

That's really helpful to know! $420 would definitely help cover my basic expenses. Thanks for sharing your experience.