How much is unemployment benefits in Washington - what should I expect?

Thanks! So they don't just look at my most recent pay? They go back further to find the highest quarter?

Exactly! They look at the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed your claim. It's called your base period.

Perfect, I'll try that calculator. Do you know if tips count toward the wage calculation?

Only if your employer reported them as wages on your paystubs. Cash tips that weren't reported won't count.

Thanks! So it's not a flat rate for everyone? How do they calculate the exact amount?

Right, it's based on your actual earnings. They take your highest earning quarter from your base year, divide by 13, then apply their formula. You can get an estimate on the Washington ESD website before you file.

Thanks! So if I made about $14k in my highest quarter, that would be around $520 per week? That's actually better than I expected.

That sounds about right, but double-check your quarterly earnings on your pay stubs. Sometimes bonuses or overtime can bump up your highest quarter significantly.

Thanks! So if I made around $6,500 in my best quarter, that would be roughly $250 per week? That's actually better than I expected.

Yeah, that sounds about right. Just remember you'll need to file your weekly claims every week and meet the job search requirements to keep getting benefits.

That's helpful! How do I know what my highest quarter was? Is there a way to check that before I file?

You can check your wage history on the Washington ESD website once you create your account. They'll show all your reported wages by quarter.

Good point - I've been working there for 2 years so I should definitely meet that requirement.

yeah the minimum is pretty low, most full time workers easily hit it

Thanks! That's actually really helpful. So if my highest quarter was around $14,000 would that mean about $415 per week?

Yeah that sounds about right, maybe a little less. The exact formula is on the Washington ESD website but your calculation is close.

I was making $65k and my weekly benefit is around $590, so yeah it's nowhere near the max but still decent.

thats not bad at all, should cover most expenses while job hunting

How much does something like that cost? I'm already worried about money.

It's worth checking out their site for pricing info. For me it was totally worth it since I was spending entire days trying to get through to Washington ESD and getting nowhere.

I used Claimyr too when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Much better than wasting time on hold all day.

I don't think I'd qualify for anything special, just regular unemployment. But good to know there might be other options.

Make sure you apply as soon as possible after losing your job. There's a waiting week but the sooner you file the sooner your claim starts processing.

Oh wow, I didn't know that. So I should probably have them take out taxes then?

Yeah definitely. It's either 10% federal withholding or you can opt out and pay later. I'd recommend having them withhold it to avoid a big tax bill.

This is good advice. I got hit with a $1,200 tax bill because I didn't withhold anything from my UI benefits.

Do they actually check that you're applying for jobs or is it just on the honor system?

They definitely check. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities and you need to keep detailed records. Use WorkSourceWA whenever possible since those applications are automatically tracked.

I've been at this job for 2 years so hopefully that helps. $400-500 would actually be manageable.

Don't forget you can collect for up to 26 weeks in Washington, so even if it's not your full salary it gives you time to find something good.

Have you tried calling right when they open at 8 AM? I heard that's the best time to get through.

I've tried everything - early morning, late afternoon, different days. Nothing works. The phone system is completely broken.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr that actually gets you connected to Washington ESD agents. You just give them your info and they call you back when they have an agent on the line. Check out claimyr.com - there's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of frustration.

Oh no, I didn't think about taxes! How much do they take out?

You can choose to have 10% federal taxes withheld when you file your weekly claims. Washington state doesn't have income tax so no state taxes to worry about.

Oh no, that's exactly what I was worried about! How long are people waiting right now?

It varies but I've heard anywhere from 2-6 weeks for a straightforward claim. If there are any issues it can take much longer.

I actually found a service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents faster. They have a system that calls for you and gets you connected when an agent is available. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

That's encouraging! How long did it take for your claim to get approved?

took about 2 weeks but i had to call them to get it moving. couldn't get through for days until i used claimyr.com - that service actually got me connected to someone at Washington ESD in like 10 minutes

Never heard of that service - does it actually work? I've been trying to reach someone at Washington ESD for days.

Yeah it worked great for me. They basically call on your behalf and connect you when they get through. Saved me so much frustration.

Interesting, might have to try that. The regular Washington ESD phone system is absolutely useless.

Good reminder about taxes. I completely forgot about that part.

Yeah I learned that the hard way last year when I owed like $2000 at tax time because I didn't have anything withheld.

That's really helpful, thank you! Did you have any issues with the weekly claims or job search requirements?

nah the weekly claims are pretty easy, just takes a few minutes online each week. job search stuff is more annoying but manageable

That seems like a weird way to calculate it. What if you just started a good job recently?

There's an alternate base period if you don't qualify under the standard one, but it can get complicated. Sometimes it helps to wait a bit before filing if you know your recent quarters were much better.

Be careful with that advice. You want to file as soon as you're unemployed to avoid gaps in coverage. The benefit calculation is what it is.

That's helpful to know! How long did it take for them to determine your amount?

took about 5 days after I filed, they sent me a letter with the breakdown

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

Actually it's up to $50 per dependent per week in Washington, with a maximum of 5 dependents counted.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They basically call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to an actual agent. Saved me hours of trying to get through myself. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

It's worth it compared to spending entire days calling and getting nowhere. They handle all the waiting and callback stuff.

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

It's $29 per dependent for 2025. Just looked it up on the Washington ESD site.

Oh wow, I never thought about that. My hours have been all over the place depending on the season.

Yeah, that's why the calculator is just an estimate. Your actual amount might be different based on when you worked your highest earning quarters.

Overtime wages count the same as regular wages - it's all just part of your total quarterly earnings that Washington ESD uses in the calculation.

Good to know, thanks! I was worried they might exclude it somehow.

Wait, what? So I have to wait a whole week before I can even start getting benefits?

Exactly. It's called a waiting week and it's required by law. You still file your weekly claim but you won't get paid for that first week.

The waiting week is only if you file a new claim. If you had a claim in the past year and still have benefit weeks available, you might not have another waiting week.

What if I forget to file one week? Can I make it up?

Nope, if you miss the deadline for filing your weekly claim that week is just gone. That's why I set reminders on my phone every Sunday.

Good to know Washington takes care of people better than some places.

Yeah but remember you still have to meet all the job search requirements and file your weekly claims on time or they'll cut you off.

Oh wow I didn't think about taxes. Should I have them withhold it or pay later?

I always have them withhold 10% just so I don't get surprised at tax time. You can change this setting in your account.

learned this the hard way - owed like $800 in taxes on my unemployment from last year 😭

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying to jobs?

Applying to jobs, networking events, career fairs, informational interviews, even some training activities. They have a list on the WorkSourceWA website.

I got audited last year and had to provide documentation for every single job search activity I claimed. Keep good records!

Yes, Washington has a partial unemployment system. You can work part-time and still collect some benefits, but your weekly benefit gets reduced based on how much you earn.

Good to know. I'll probably try to pick up some side work then to supplement the unemployment.

Just make sure you report ALL earnings when you file your weekly claim. They cross-reference with employers and tax records.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - I was stuck in adjudication hell too. Once I got through to an actual person they explained what was holding up my claim.

Maybe I should try that service you mentioned. This is so stressful not knowing when money will come in.

Adjudication can take forever if they need to verify your employment or reason for separation. Hang in there!

That's exactly the problem I mentioned earlier. The phone system is completely overwhelmed.

This is another situation where Claimyr could really help you. Instead of sitting on hold for hours or getting busy signals, they handle the calling for you and connect you when an agent is actually available.

I might have to try that. This is so frustrating - I just want to know when my first payment will come through.

I tried using that but it was confusing. Do you use gross or net income?

Always use gross income - that's what they base the calculation on. Net income doesn't matter for unemployment benefits.

I'm getting two weeks of severance pay. Does that mean I have to wait two weeks before I can file?

Not necessarily wait to file, but the severance might make you ineligible for benefits during those weeks. You should still file your claim right away and report the severance when you do your weekly claims.

Exactly right. File immediately but be honest about any severance or vacation pay. They'll sort out the timing of when benefits actually start.

They adjust the maximum benefit amount each year based on the state's average wage. For 2025 it's higher than it was in 2023.

That's good to know. The cost of everything has gone up so much since then.

That's reassuring! Was that enough to cover your basic expenses while job searching?

It covered rent and groceries but I had to cut back on everything else. Make sure you apply as soon as possible after losing your job - there's a waiting week now.

6 weeks?! That's terrifying. How are you supposed to pay bills during that time?

That's unusual. Most claims are processed within 2-3 weeks unless there's an adjudication issue. Did you have any complications with your separation?

No complications that I know of. It just says 'adjudication in progress' and has been stuck there forever.

What kind of verification issue? I want to make sure I don't run into the same problem.

They wanted additional proof of my employment because I had worked at two different restaurants in the same quarter. Had to send in paystubs and W-2s.

How long can you collect benefits? I heard it's usually 26 weeks but wasn't sure.

Yeah 26 weeks is standard for regular unemployment insurance in Washington. Sometimes there are extensions during economic downturns but right now it's just the regular 26.

Is that the same service someone mentioned earlier? Might be worth looking into if I run into problems.

Yeah same one. Really helped me when I had questions about my benefit amount that I couldn't get answered through the automated system.

Thanks for the formula! That helps me calculate it myself.

Wait, I thought it was 30 weeks max? Or am I thinking of a different program?

Regular UI in Washington is 26 weeks. You might be thinking of extended benefits during recessions or other programs.

Good point. Is there a specific format for the job search log?

You can use their online form or keep your own record. Just make sure you have company names, dates, positions, and how you applied.

I didn't know there was a benefit calculator! I'll definitely check that out before filing.

Yeah it's really helpful for planning your budget while you're job hunting. Just remember the benefits are taxable income so you might want to have taxes withheld.

You should be able to see the calculation breakdown in your Washington ESD account. It's good to verify it's correct in case there are any wage reporting errors.

yeah i probably should check that. thanks for the reminder

What's the minimum amount you can get? Is there a floor?

I believe the minimum is around $295 per week, but don't quote me on that exact number.

That's really helpful to know! Gives me a realistic expectation of what to budget for.

Yeah it's definitely not enough to live like you were before, but it keeps you afloat while job hunting. Just file as soon as possible because there's usually a waiting week.

Good tip! How do you file the weekly claims? Is it online?

Yes, you do it through your SecureAccess Washington account. It asks about any work you did that week and if you were available for work.

Thanks for the warning. I was laid off due to company downsizing so I should be good.

Yeah you should be fine then. Just make sure you have all your employment documentation ready when you file.

26 weeks should hopefully be enough time to find something new. The job market seems pretty decent right now.

The job search requirements are pretty strict too. You need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep detailed records in WorkSourceWA.

This is exactly what I'm dealing with right now. How did you handle it when you needed to talk to someone?

Honestly, I got lucky one time and got through after calling for three hours straight. But I've heard about services that can help you get connected faster.

That's where Claimyr comes in handy. I used them when I had an adjudication issue and needed to speak with someone urgently. Much better than spending all day redialing.

What kind of salary would you need to get the maximum? Like $100k+?

You'd need to have made around $65,000 in your highest quarter, which would be close to $260k annually. So yeah, it's pretty high.

most people get somewhere between $300-700 per week depending on their job

I feel your frustration but getting angry doesn't help. There are other ways to get information like the website and the services other people mentioned.

Easy for you to say. When you need answers about your benefits and can't get through it's incredibly stressful.

What counts as income? Like if I sell something on eBay?

Any work income needs to be reported. Casual sales might not count but if you're regularly selling things as income, probably yes. When in doubt, report it.

What do you mean by waiting week? Like they just don't pay you for the first week you file?

exactly. the first week you claim is a waiting week and you don't get paid for it. every week after that you get your weekly benefit amount

The waiting week is served during your first week of unemployment, not your first week of filing. Important distinction if you didn't file right away.

How did you manage to reach an agent? I've been trying for weeks!

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. They got me connected within a few hours instead of me spending days redialing.

Seriously, try Claimyr if you need to actually talk to someone. I mentioned it earlier but it really works. They handle all the calling and waiting for you, then connect you directly to an agent who can answer your specific questions about benefit calculations.

Is it expensive? I'm already struggling financially.

It's worth it when you consider how much time and frustration it saves. Way better than spending entire days trying to get through on your own.

Good advice! I'm planning to file tomorrow. Better to get the process started even if it takes time to get approved.

Exactly. Even if your claim sits in pending status for a while, at least your effective date will be from when you first filed.

I've heard mixed things about those call services. Some people say they're helpful, others think they're unnecessary.

i was skeptical too but when you're stuck in adjudication or have issues with your claim, sometimes you need to actually talk to a human. this got me through when nothing else worked

Definitely will do direct deposit. I hate dealing with those benefit debit cards.

The Washington ESD debit card actually isn't too bad - you get one free ATM withdrawal per day. But direct deposit is still more convenient.

That's super helpful to see the actual math! So it's not quite 60%, it's 60.4%?

Yep, 60.4% is the exact percentage they use. I think it changed a few years ago but that's the current rate.

Wait, so even if everything goes smoothly, I won't get anything for the first week I file?

Correct. It's unpaid but you still have to file the claim for that week to establish your claim.

Oh no, I didn't think about taxes! How much should I expect to owe?

Depends on your total income for the year, but unemployment is taxed as regular income. You can have them withhold 10% when you file your weekly claims.

I don't have kids but good to know for people who do!

Yeah, they ask about dependents when you first file your claim. You have to provide their social security numbers.

Yeah, I'm already worried about that. My rent alone is $1,800 per month.

You might want to look into other assistance programs too while you're job hunting. Food assistance, utility help, etc.

I'll definitely check that out. Thanks for the tip!

Where exactly is the calculator on their website? I looked but couldn't find it.

It's under the 'File a Claim' section, there's a link for benefit estimator. Sometimes the site is slow to load though.

Yikes! How easy is it to remember to file each week?

set a calendar reminder for every sunday. the system opens at 12:01am sunday for the previous week

That's in the ballpark of what I was hoping for. Should be enough to cover rent at least.

Just remember it's temporary. Use the time to really focus on your job search and maybe learn some new skills.

I couldn't find a calculator on their site. Do you have a direct link?

Hmm, maybe they removed it. I could have sworn there was one there last year.

Good to know! How long did the appeal process take?

About 3 weeks total. Not too bad and they gave me back pay for the difference.

Any specific requirements I should pay extra attention to?

job search stuff mainly. and reporting any income accurately. they audit claims randomly so dont mess around with that

Thanks! That's really close to what others have estimated. Gives me confidence to move forward with filing.

Yeah definitely file as soon as you can. Every week you wait is a week you can't get back.

Seems like a few people have mentioned them. Might be worth looking into if I run into problems.

Yeah I've heard good things too. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to get things sorted out.

Perfect summary! This thread has been super helpful. Thanks everyone for all the advice and info.

That usually happens if you reported working some hours during the week. They reduce your benefit amount based on any wages you earned.

I did pick up one shift at a different restaurant that week. So they subtract that from your benefit?

Not exactly subtract - there's a formula. You can earn up to about 1.5 times your weekly benefit before they start reducing it, then they reduce it dollar for dollar after that.

You'd need to file an interstate claim to combine wages from multiple states. It's more complicated than a regular claim but definitely possible.

Thanks! Is that something I can do online or do I need to call?

I think you have to call for interstate claims, but you might want to check the Washington ESD website first.

Yeah, I'm definitely going to use the calculator too. This thread has been really helpful!

Agreed! Way more useful than trying to decipher the official Washington ESD website.

I got laid off so I think I'm okay there, but good point for others to know.

Yeah, layoffs are usually straightforward. It's when people quit or get fired for misconduct that things get complicated.

How long did the appeal process take?

About 6 weeks total, but they paid me the difference retroactively once it was approved.

That's another situation where Claimyr would be helpful - getting through to Washington ESD to discuss appeal issues or check on the status.

That sounds about right for your wage range. Good luck with the job search!

Thanks! Hopefully I won't need to be on unemployment for too long.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to the agency that owes us money.

I mean yeah, it sucks that we need a service like that, but it's better than never getting through at all. At least I got my questions answered.

That's interesting. I guess I'll just have to wait and see what mine comes out to be.

Yeah, there's an estimator tool on the Washington ESD website but it's not always accurate. The real calculation happens when they process your claim.

Overtime counts the same as regular wages for benefit calculation purposes. It's all just wages to them.

Cool, that should help my benefit amount then since I worked tons of overtime in my highest quarter.

Good to know for planning purposes. So if I file my weekly claim on Sunday, I'd probably see money by Wednesday?

Usually yeah, sometimes Tuesday if it processes quickly. Just don't count on having it immediately.

Yeah I was definitely laid off due to company downsizing. Have the paperwork to prove it.

Perfect, that makes the process much smoother. Keep that paperwork handy in case they ask for it during adjudication.

Or use that Claimyr thing people mentioned if you can't get through the regular way. Seems like lots of people here had success with it.

True, whatever works to get accurate information about your claim.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. Feeling much more prepared to file now!

No problem! This forum has been super helpful when I was going through the same thing.

That's good to know. So if I work for a few months and then get laid off again I don't have to start over?

Right, you'd just reopen your existing claim. But your benefit amount would stay the same as when you originally filed.

I didn't know you could get partial benefits. How does that work?

If you work less than full-time and earn less than 1.5 times your weekly benefit amount, you can still get partial unemployment. They subtract your earnings from your benefit amount.

That makes sense I guess. Timing really matters then.

My employer seemed pretty understanding about the layoff so hopefully that won't be an issue.

Even understanding employers sometimes contest claims. It's usually their insurance company or payroll company that handles it automatically.

That's reassuring to hear. I was worried it would be really hard to qualify or the amount would be tiny.

Yeah you should be fine as long as you worked enough hours and met the earnings requirements. Retail work definitely counts.

Good point, I'll make sure to set that up right away. Every day matters when you're trying to pay bills.

You can also get a debit card instead of direct deposit if you don't have a bank account. Just takes a bit longer to get the card initially.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more prepared to file my claim now.

Good luck with your claim! The process can seem overwhelming at first but it gets routine once you get started.

That's good news! Every week counts when you're not working.

Yeah that was a huge improvement. Used to be really frustrating to have that unpaid first week.

Good point. I'm planning to do some freelance work while job hunting so I'll make sure to report that.

You can still work part-time and collect partial benefits as long as you report it correctly on your weekly claim.

Thanks for the reminder! I'll definitely have taxes withheld to avoid a big bill later.

Yeah I mentioned that earlier too. It's 10% federal and 2% state withholding if you choose that option.

that's exactly why i ended up using claimyr. couldn't take the frustration anymore of calling 50 times a day

Maybe I should look into that. I'm getting desperate at this point.

I'll file this week then. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Exactly. Even if you find a job right away, you can always stop filing the weekly claims.

That does sound confusing but good to know it's automatic. I don't want to mess up the calculation.

The Washington ESD website has some examples that help explain the base period calculation if you want to dig into the details.

Yeah I'm already working on a bare-bones budget just in case. Unemployment is definitely a pay cut from working.

Smart planning. The job search stress is bad enough without financial panic on top of it.