How much is unemployment benefits in Washington state - need to know my weekly amount

That makes sense! I think my highest quarter was probably around $10,000 so maybe I'll get close to $400 a week. Thanks for explaining it clearly.

Just remember they take taxes out of unemployment benefits too, so you'll get less than the full amount deposited.

I have two kids so that extra $25 would help! Do I need to provide proof of my dependents when I file my claim?

Yes, you'll need to upload documents like birth certificates or tax returns showing your dependents during the application process.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to ESD agents by phone. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works. Finally got my benefit amount corrected after using their service.

Did you have to do anything to get it corrected or did they fix it automatically?

it was automatic but i had to keep filing my weekly claims during that time even though the amount looked wrong

Where did you find the calculator? I looked all over their site and couldn't locate it.

It's buried in the FAQ section under 'How Benefits Are Calculated' - not easy to find at all.

26 weeks should hopefully be enough time to find something new. Are there any extensions available if you can't find work by then?

There's sometimes extended benefits during high unemployment periods, but right now the regular 26 weeks is all that's available in Washington.

That helps give me an idea of what to expect. I made around $38,000 last year so probably looking at around $400 weekly.

Keep in mind if you worked multiple jobs or had irregular hours, it might affect how they calculate your base period wages.

I feel your frustration. The Washington ESD system is definitely not user-friendly. Have you tried calling to check on your claim status?

This is exactly why I used Claimyr to get through to an actual ESD agent. Saved me so much time and stress dealing with their phone system.

All wages count the same whether regular hours or overtime. They just look at your total quarterly earnings from all sources.

Good to know, thanks! That should help my benefit amount since I put in tons of overtime hours.

4 weeks seems like a long time when you have bills to pay. Is there any way to speed up the process?

Not really, just make sure you file your weekly claims on time and respond to any requests for information immediately.

Good to know there's a minimum amount. At least I know I'll get something even if my calculation is lower than expected.

I mentioned my kids when I filed but wasn't sure if it would actually increase my benefit amount. Good to know it's an extra $50 per week for both of them.

Make sure you have documentation ready in case they ask for proof of your dependents later.

I'd rather have them take out taxes automatically so I don't get hit with a big bill next year. How much do they typically withhold?

They withhold 10% for federal taxes. You can also choose to have state taxes withheld if you want.

That gives me hope that my calculation will be accurate too. How long did it take to get your determination letter?

About 2 weeks from when I filed my initial claim. Just keep checking your online account for updates.

Thanks for the reminder! I've been filing every week even though I haven't gotten my amount yet.

Smart move. I missed one week early on and had to go through a whole appeals process to get that payment.

How did you finally get through to them to file the appeal? I still can't reach anyone by phone.

I ended up using Claimyr after weeks of trying to call myself. Worth every penny to actually talk to someone who could help with my appeal.

That's the clearest explanation I've seen. So if my highest quarter was $10,000, that's about $770 per week, so 50% would be $385 weekly benefit.

Exactly! You've got it figured out. Just remember to add any dependent allowances on top of that base amount.

I worked pretty consistently the last two years so hopefully that won't be an issue for me.

You should be fine then. Consistent work history makes the calculation straightforward.

Congrats! That gives me confidence that my calculation is probably accurate too. Can't wait to get my determination letter.

How long from filing to getting your first payment? I'm on week 3 of waiting.

Took about 3.5 weeks total for me. Just keep filing your weekly claims and it'll come through.

That's close enough for me! I just want a ballpark figure so I can budget while I'm job searching.

You're welcome! Sounds like you've got a good handle on what to expect. Just a heads up - make sure you have all your dependent documentation ready when you file, like birth certificates or recent tax returns. The $50 extra per week really adds up over time and can make a big difference. Good luck with your job search!