How much is unemployment benefits in Washington - what's the weekly amount?

So if I made like $8,000 in my best quarter that would be around $308 a week? That seems about right for what I was expecting.

Yeah that sounds about right, maybe a little less. The exact calculation includes some other factors but you're in the ballpark.

Thanks! So if I made around $2,500 in my best quarter, I'd get about $48 per week? That seems really low...

Wait, that math doesn't look right. If you made $2,500 in your highest quarter, divide that by 26 weeks = $96, then 50% of that would be $48. But you should double-check your actual wages from all quarters on your paystubs.

Thanks! So if I made about $9,000 in my best quarter, that would be around $346 per week?

That sounds about right. You'll get the exact amount when you file your initial claim on the Washington ESD website.

Thanks! So if I made about $13,000 in my highest quarter, that would be around $500 per week?

That sounds about right, but Washington ESD will calculate the exact amount when you file your claim. The base period is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters.

Thank you! So they look at my highest earning quarter from the past year? That would probably be around $12,600 for me.

Exactly! So 3.85% of $12,600 would be about $485 per week, but since you were making good money, you might qualify for more depending on your full work history.

That's higher than I expected! How do they determine the base period? Is it the last year I worked?

Base period is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file now in 2025, it would be quarters from 2024. Washington ESD has all your wage info from employers who pay into the system.

Thanks! So if I made around $15,000 in my highest quarter, that would be roughly $577 per week? That seems pretty good actually.

That sounds about right, though you should also factor in any taxes that might be withheld if you choose that option.

This is confusing - so they don't just look at my last few paychecks? They go back over a year?

Right, they need to see a longer earning pattern. If you were working steadily for the past year, your recent earnings should be included in the calculation.

I'm so confused by all these quarters and base periods. Why can't they just use your last year of paychecks like normal people would expect?

I know it's confusing! The quarterly system is used because employers pay unemployment taxes quarterly, so that's how the data is organized. If you need help calculating your exact benefit amount, you can call Washington ESD or check your account after filing.

Never heard of that service before. Did they actually help you reach someone at Washington ESD?

Yeah, got connected within like 20 minutes instead of spending hours trying to call myself. The agent was able to explain exactly how my benefit amount was calculated.

Interesting, might have to check that out. I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about my claim.

That's helpful to know, gives me a rough idea of what to expect while I'm job hunting.

How long did it take for your claim to get approved? I'm still waiting on mine.

Mine took about 2 weeks, no issues. Make sure you're filing your weekly claims even while it's processing.

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

It's legitimate - they basically call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to an actual person. Saved me hours of trying to get through myself.

I might try this. I've been calling Washington ESD for weeks about my benefit amount and can never get through.

What's the difference between standard and alternate base period?

Standard base period is the first four of the last five completed quarters. Alternate base period uses the last four completed quarters. Sometimes the alternate gives you a higher benefit amount.

Where exactly is that calculator? I've been looking all over the Washington ESD site and can't find it.

It's under the 'File a Claim' section, then look for 'Estimate Your Benefits' or something like that. The site gets reorganized sometimes so the exact location moves around.

Have you been filing your weekly claims? You won't get paid until your claim is approved, but you need to keep filing weekly to get back pay for those weeks.

Yes I've been filing weekly but my claim is still under adjudication. No idea why it's taking so long.

How much does that cost though? I'm about to be unemployed, I don't want to pay extra fees just to talk to someone.

It's worth checking out the demo video to see if it makes sense for your situation. For me, getting through quickly was better than wasting entire days trying to call.

I might try that if I can't figure out my benefit amount from the online calculator. Thanks for the tip!

Good to know there's a minimum amount. At least I know I'd get something even if my calculation comes out lower.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents without the endless waiting. 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 before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam? I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point.

It's legit - I was skeptical too but it got me connected to an actual Washington ESD representative in like 15 minutes instead of spending my whole day redialing. Worth it just to get real answers about your specific situation.

Did you have any issues getting your claim approved? I'm worried about the adjudication process.

Mine went through without problems, but I know people who got stuck in adjudication for weeks.

Ugh that's what I'm worried about. How did you finally get through to talk to someone?

Honestly I ended up using this service called Claimyr that helped me get connected to an actual agent. Worth checking out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Never heard of that but I'll definitely look into it if I can't get through myself!

How long does it usually take to get that determination letter? I filed my claim yesterday.

Usually 1-2 weeks if there are no issues with your claim. Make sure to keep filing your weekly claims even while waiting for the determination.

Mine took 3 weeks because they had to verify my employment with my old job. The waiting is the worst part honestly.

Good to know about the job search requirement. I didn't realize there were weekly requirements.

Yeah, you have to log them in WorkSourceWA too. Don't skip that or they'll disqualify you.

I don't think they have a public calculator. You have to file a claim to get your exact benefit amount calculated.

Yeah, the calculation involves looking at all your quarterly wages so it's pretty complex to do yourself.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and redialing.

Really? That actually works? I've been calling for weeks and either get busy signals or get hung up on after waiting forever.

Yeah it's legit, they basically handle all the calling and waiting for you then connect you when they get an agent on the line. Way better than trying to get through yourself.

That's a huge difference! Did you ever figure out why it changed so much between claims?

not really, washington esd just said it was based on my 'base period wages' but I never got a clear breakdown of the math

The online calculator gave me an estimate but when I actually filed my claim, the amount was $50 less per week than what it predicted. So frustrating!

Yeah, the calculator can only estimate based on what you enter. Your actual wages reported by employers might be different, or there could be deductions you forgot about.

So someone who made more money would get benefits for the full 26 weeks, but someone with lower earnings might run out sooner?

Not exactly - the 26 weeks is pretty standard for most people. The total dollar amount you can collect over those 26 weeks is what's based on your earnings.

Wait, unemployment is taxable? I didn't know that!

Yes, it's considered income by the IRS. You can have 10% withheld for federal taxes when you file your weekly claims.

What are the job search requirements exactly? Do I need to apply to a certain number of jobs each week?

You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. Can be applications, networking, interviews, job fairs, etc. Washington ESD can audit your log so keep good records.

I saw that calculator but yeah, it's pretty confusing. Seems like you need to know a lot of specific information about your work history.

The calculator is helpful if you have all your wage information handy, but if you're missing details it can be frustrating to use.

Wait so if someone made $26,000 in one quarter they'd get the full $999? That seems like a lot!

Yes, that's correct. Washington has one of the higher maximum benefit amounts compared to other states. Remember though, you can only collect for up to 26 weeks maximum.

Is that legit? I've never heard of services like that for unemployment.

Yeah it's real. They basically call for you and get you connected to an actual Washington ESD agent. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

I used them too when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Worth it just for the time savings.

Oh no I didn't think about taxes. Is it better to have them withheld or pay later?

Generally better to have 10% withheld automatically. Washington ESD gives you the option when you file. Saves you from a big tax surprise later.

Yeah I'm learning a lot from everyone's responses, didn't realize it was so complicated.

That range is helpful, thanks. I'm hoping I'll be on the higher end since I've been pretty consistent with my hours.

Don't forget you'll have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits too, so the actual amount you get is less than the weekly benefit amount.

Good point about taxes! You can have them withhold 10% federal tax when you file your weekly claims if you want.

Good point. I might pick up some freelance work while I'm looking for a full-time job.

Make sure to report any earnings when you file your weekly claim. Even small amounts need to be reported.

Is there still a benefit calculator somewhere on their site? That would be super helpful to estimate what I might get.

I think they took it down or buried it somewhere. Your best bet is to wait for your determination letter or try calling them directly.

good luck getting through on the phone lol, their system is garbage

I get the frustration, but I think they have to verify your work history first before giving you an exact amount.

Still shouldn't take weeks to get a simple answer about benefit amounts. Other states seem to handle this better.

Oh that's a good point, I did have a couple months where I was only working part-time hours. Hope that doesn't mess up my benefits too much.

It's all based on your wages during the base period, so if you had lower earnings in some quarters it could affect the calculation. But even part-time work counts toward your wage history.

The online calculator is usually pretty accurate for the benefit amount calculation. The delays are more about getting your claim approved and processed rather than the actual dollar amount being wrong.

good to know thanks. just anxious about everything right now

That's exactly what I'm worried about. What if something goes wrong with my claim?

Just be prepared for long wait times. I finally got through at 7:30 AM on a Tuesday.

How do you file the weekly claims? Is it online?

Yeah, through your Washington ESD account or by phone. Online is way easier.

That's true, I should be grateful we have decent benefits here even if the system is confusing to navigate.

yeah washington actually has pretty good unemployment compared to other places

Really? I might have to try that. I'm desperate to talk to someone about my claim.

Glad it worked for you! It's amazing how much time it saves compared to calling yourself.

Oh wow, I didn't think about taxes. Can you have them automatically withheld?

Yes, you can choose to have 10% federal tax withheld when you file your weekly claims.

True that. I'm getting $743/week and my rent alone is $2,100/month. Thank god I had some savings or I'd be homeless by now.

Exactly why I moved back in with family temporarily. Pride took a hit but at least I can pay for food and gas while job hunting.

26 weeks should be enough time to find something. Hopefully I won't need it all.

Yeah, and remember you have to actively look for work and report your job search activities to keep receiving benefits.

Oh wow I didn't even think about taxes. Good point! I definitely don't want to owe a bunch at tax time.

Yeah I learned that the hard way. Owed like $2,800 in taxes on my unemployment from 2023. Now I always have them withhold.

I feel your frustration! The benefit calculation is needlessly complicated. Did you ever get a clear explanation of how they calculated your amount?

Nope, just got a letter saying 'your weekly benefit amount is $XXX' with no breakdown of the math. Typical government BS.

How long did it take to get that letter? I just submitted my application yesterday.

I think it was about a week, but this was before all the recent changes to their system. Might take longer now.

Wait, so even if I can't find work for 8 months, I only get 6 months of payments?

Correct. Regular UI is maximum 26 weeks. There might be extended benefits during high unemployment periods but don't count on it. That's why job search is so important.

This is why the system is broken. 6 months isn't enough time to find decent work in this economy, especially if you're being picky about salary and benefits.

Good to know, I might pick up some gig work while I'm looking for full-time employment.

Yeah just make sure to report it honestly. They have a formula for how much you can earn and still get partial benefits.

I don't have any kids, but good to know for others reading this thread.

Yeah the dependency allowance is a nice little boost if you qualify for it. Every bit helps when you're out of work.

I've been working full time for over 3 years so I should be good on that front. Thanks for the heads up though!

Yeah the work history requirement trips up a lot of people, especially if they just started a new job recently.

So even if I don't find a job for 8 months, I only get 6 months of benefits?

Correct. Unless there are extended benefits available, which there aren't right now in Washington.

I don't have any dependents so I guess that doesn't apply to me.

Right, but it's good for others to know. The dependency allowance can add up to $25 per week per dependent child.

Good to know! I was going to wait a few weeks to see if I could find something first. Sounds like I should file right away.

Definitely file immediately. Even if you find work quickly, you can always stop claiming. But if you wait and don't find work, you've lost those potential benefit weeks forever.

That gives me hope. Still waiting for my first payment but good to know it becomes regular once it starts.

Just make sure you file your weekly claims on time. I do mine every Sunday morning so I don't forget.

That's awesome! Good to know there's actually a way to talk to someone when you need help with your claim.

How much did that service cost? I'm tempted to try it but worried about the price.

It was worth it for me to get my questions answered instead of spending weeks trying to call. They focus on the value of actually reaching someone rather than the cost.

What kind of documentation do they typically ask for? I want to have everything ready before I file.

ID verification, Social Security card, proof of work authorization if applicable, and sometimes they want pay stubs or separation notice from your employer. Have digital copies ready to upload.

I've been checking my SAW account but it doesn't show the calculation breakdown, just says my claim is processing.

Yeah the detailed breakdown usually comes in the determination letter. The online account is pretty basic for benefit calculations.

Finally, someone who explains it clearly! So if I made $5,000 in each of my two best quarters, that's $10,000 total, divided by 52 = $192, and 50% of that would be $96 per week?

That's close, but the actual formula is a bit more complex. The percentage isn't exactly 50% for everyone - it varies based on your wage level. Your estimate of $96/week sounds reasonable for that income level though.

That's helpful to know a real example. Did you have any issues with employers not reporting your wages correctly?

Not really, but I did have to provide some additional documentation for a job I had early in my base period. Washington ESD was pretty good about working with me to get it sorted out.

Ugh yes! I've had to restart my weekly claim three times because the system kicked me out. Now I save screenshots of each page just in case.

Smart move. Also clear your browser cache if you run into errors. The Washington ESD website is notoriously glitchy.

Agreed. I moved here from a state where the maximum was only $400 per week. Big difference.

That's reassuring. At least I picked a good state to lose my job in, I guess.

Did you have to pay for that service? Seems like something Washington ESD should provide for free.

There is a cost but honestly it was worth it to actually talk to someone instead of wasting hours trying to call. The agent I spoke with was really helpful explaining how everything works.

Oh wow I didn't even think about taxes on unemployment benefits. That's something else to factor in.

Yeah it's 10% federal withholding if you choose that option. Washington doesn't have state income tax so that's not a concern here.

Good point! I hadn't thought about the tax implications. Is it better to have them withhold taxes or handle it yourself?

Depends on your situation, but I usually recommend having some taxes withheld so you don't get hit with a big bill at tax time.

That's reassuring to know it stays consistent. I'm just anxious to know what to expect for budgeting.

Have you tried calling first thing in the morning? I heard 8am is the best time to get through.

I actually had success using Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD when I was having issues with my claim status. They handle all the calling and waiting for you, then connect you directly to an agent when they get through.

Never heard of that service but honestly at this point I'll try anything. So frustrating!

Good point about gross vs net wages. That's probably where some people get confused with the estimates.

Yeah I'll make sure to use my gross income when I calculate it. Thanks!

That's scary. Did you try calling them?

I've tried calling like 50 times. Either busy signal or they hang up after 2 hours on hold.

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. They got me through to someone in 15 minutes when I had a similar issue.

That gives me hope! I make less per hour but have been working steadily for 2 years, so maybe I'll get something similar.

Yeah, the consistency helps a lot. Make sure you have all your pay stubs when you file - it speeds up the process.

Actually, the job search requirements in Washington are the same regardless of your benefit amount. You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week.

Thanks for the correction! I was thinking of something else I guess.

Seems like a lot of people have had good experiences with that service. Might be worth looking into if I run into issues.

Yeah, the regular Washington ESD phone system is pretty frustrating. Any service that can help you actually reach someone is probably worth considering.

Right, I'll definitely keep that in mind when planning my finances. Thanks for bringing that up.

I had pretty steady employment with one employer, so hopefully my case will be straightforward.

That should make things easier. The more consistent your work history, the simpler the benefit calculation tends to be.

Glad we could help! Feel free to post here again if you run into any other issues with your claim.

Good luck with your claim! The process can be confusing at first but it gets easier once you understand how everything works.

Good to know there's at least a minimum amount guaranteed. That helps with planning.

Yeah the minimum provides some security even if your wages were low in the base period.

Absolutely, I'm already starting my job search and keeping track of applications for the weekly claims.

Smart approach. Keep good records of your job search activities because they sometimes audit that stuff.

Good to hear another success story with that service. The regular ESD phone system is basically useless.

I'll definitely keep that option in mind if I run into issues with my claim or have questions about my benefit amount.

I filed pretty quickly after getting laid off, so hopefully that won't be an issue for me.

Yeah you should be fine if you filed right away. It's people who wait months that sometimes run into base period issues.

Agreed, I feel much more prepared now for what to expect with my claim. This community is really helpful.

Happy to help fellow claimants navigate the system. We're all in this together trying to figure out Washington ESD.

I didn't get any severance, just my final paycheck. Should I wait to file until after I get that?

No, file as soon as possible. You can report the final paycheck when you do your first weekly claim.

Yes, there's no waiting week anymore. You can get benefits for your first week if you're eligible.

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

What kind of proof do they want?

Company names, contact person, date applied, method of contact. The WorkSourceWA system tracks most of this for you.

Really? How much did it cost?

Honestly don't remember the exact amount but it was worth it to actually talk to someone. Way less than what I would have lost in benefits if the issue wasn't fixed.

How much can you earn before you lose benefits completely?

It depends on your weekly benefit amount. Generally if you earn more than 1.5 times your weekly benefit, you get nothing for that week.

Is the website pretty user-friendly?

It's not great but better than calling. Just make sure you have a good internet connection when filing.

What if the pay is way less than my previous job?

After a certain number of weeks, they expect you to accept jobs that pay less. It's complicated but they explain it in the handbook.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info. Feel much better about the process now.

Happy to help. Let us know if you run into any issues with your claim.

True, any amount will help with bills while I job search.

Exactly. Focus on filing correctly and meeting all the requirements. The money will come.

I'll definitely keep that in mind if I run into issues. Thanks for the tip!

No problem. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to get things sorted out.

I'll make sure to have taxes withheld. Don't want a surprise tax bill.

Smart move. That 10% federal withholding option is there for a reason.

Good advice! I'm planning to file tomorrow morning. How long was your waiting period?

First time was about 2 weeks, second time was almost a month because my claim went into adjudication. That's when I really needed to talk to someone at Washington ESD but couldn't get through.

Adjudication delays are the worst! That's exactly when I used Claimyr actually - needed to talk to someone about why my claim was held up and they got me through to an agent the same day.

The $999 is the base maximum. Washington doesn't provide additional dependent allowances for unemployment benefits, unlike some other states.

oh that sucks. thought there might be extra for kids like with other programs

That's good to know! I was wondering if working part-time would affect my weekly amount.

Working part-time affects how much you actually receive each week (they deduct from your benefits) but not your base benefit amount calculation.

Great tip! I'll definitely keep records of everything I submit.

YES this is so important. I learned this the hard way when they claimed I never submitted my work search log.

Thanks for breaking it down simply! Math was never my strong suit so this helps.

Yeah that makes it much clearer. Appreciate the simple explanation!

Yes, overtime wages are included in the calculation. Washington ESD uses all wages reported to them by your employer, including overtime, bonuses, and commissions.

Awesome, that should help bump up my benefit amount then!

Sounds like your claim might be in adjudication. That can add weeks to the process unfortunately.

How can I find out for sure? The website doesn't really explain what's happening.

You need to talk to someone at Washington ESD directly. I know it's hard to get through but that's the only way to get real answers about claim delays.

That's good news! I was worried I'd lose that first week of benefits.

Yeah, they got rid of the waiting week a few years ago. One less thing to worry about.

How much does it cost though? Is it worth it just to find out your benefit amount?

I think it's reasonable considering how much time it saves. Plus you can ask multiple questions once you're connected to an agent.

You should get a monetary determination letter within a week or two that will show your exact weekly benefit amount and how many weeks you're eligible for.

Thanks! I'll watch for that letter. Do they send it by mail or through the online account?

Good reminder. I've been focusing on the money part but need to start tracking my job search activities too.

Yeah, they can ask for your job search log at any time, so keep good records of where you've applied.

I've only worked in Washington so that shouldn't be an issue for me.

Good, that makes it simpler. Multi-state claims can get complicated.

That range sounds reasonable based on what everyone else has shared. Thanks for all the helpful information!