How much is unemployment benefits - Washington ESD weekly payment amounts?

Thanks! That sounds about right based on what I was making. How long does it take for them to calculate this after I file?

Usually shows up in your account within a few days of filing your initial claim, assuming no adjudication issues.

That gives me a good idea of what to expect. Did you have any issues with your claim or was it pretty smooth?

Mine went into adjudication for three weeks because they needed to verify my separation reason, but once that cleared everything was fine.

Never heard of that service before. Is it legit or just another scam?

It's legit - they just help you get through the phone queue faster. I was skeptical too but it actually worked when I couldn't get through any other way.

Good to know there's an option if I can't reach them the normal way. Thanks for sharing!

I don't have kids so that won't apply to me, but good info for others to know.

Wait, I have two kids and never knew about this! How do I add them to my claim?

You need to contact Washington ESD and provide birth certificates or other proof. They can add dependents to existing claims.

Oh wow, I hadn't thought about taxes. How do I set up withholding?

When you file your weekly claims there's an option to have 10% withheld for federal taxes. Washington doesn't have state income tax so that's not an issue.

I always have them withhold the 10%. Better safe than sorry come tax time.

Yes, it increased for 2025. It was $929 in 2024 but they adjust it annually based on average wages in the state.

Ok thanks for clarifying. I was going off old information apparently.

What counts as a job search activity?

Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, career counseling sessions. They have a list on the Washington ESD website of approved activities.

And you have to keep a log of all your job search activities in case they audit you. I use the WorkSourceWA website to track mine.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. I had the same problem until I found that service. Saved me hours of frustration.

I might have to try that. This is ridiculous that you can't reach your own state agency.

Try calling right at 8am when they open. Sometimes you can get through then.

So if I get $650 per week, my maximum would be around $16,900 total?

Exactly. That's assuming you don't work part-time during any weeks, which would reduce your weekly payment.

How would I check that?

When you file your initial claim, you'll see a wage statement showing what they have on file. If anything looks wrong you can protest it.

Same thing happened to me. Had to get my old employer to submit corrected wage reports. Took forever but eventually got it fixed.

There is a benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website that gives you an estimate before you file.

I tried that calculator and it was completely wrong. Off by like $200 per week.

The calculator is just an estimate. Your actual amount depends on the exact wages they have in their system.

At least that's some good news. Hopefully I won't need benefits for long anyway.

Yeah, the job market is pretty good right now in most industries. You'll probably find something quick.

Definitely will do direct deposit. Thanks for the tip!

Yes! And make sure your bank info is correct. I had a friend who put in wrong account number and it took weeks to fix.

That's helpful to know. Gives me a good sense of the range based on income levels.

How long have you been on unemployment? Any luck with the job search?

About 8 weeks now. Had a few promising interviews but nothing solid yet. The job search requirement keeps me motivated though.

Wait, what? They don't pay for the first week?

Correct. The first week is a waiting period. You still have to file the weekly claim but you won't get paid for that week.

That policy is so stupid. People need money most when they first lose their job.

Good to know there are options if I run into problems. Hopefully my claim will be straightforward.

Most claims go through fine if you were laid off and have good work history. It's the tricky separation reasons that cause problems.

How much can you earn before it affects your benefits?

You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount minus $5 before they start reducing it. So if your benefit is $650, you can earn $645 and still get your full payment.

I didn't know about the $5 disregard. That's actually pretty generous compared to some states.

When do you file the weekly claims? Same day each week?

You can file starting Sunday for the previous week. I always do mine Sunday morning so I don't forget.

I set a phone reminder for Sunday at 9am. Too easy to forget otherwise.

I worked at my last job for 3 years so that shouldn't be an issue for me.

You should be fine then. It's mainly an issue for people who recently changed jobs or just entered the workforce.