How much is unemployment in Washington - weekly benefit amount questions

Washington ESD calculates your weekly benefit amount (WBA) based on your highest earning quarter in your base period. The maximum weekly benefit is currently $999 plus $25 for dependents. They take your highest quarter earnings, divide by 26, then multiply by 0.0385 to get your weekly amount. With your salary, you'd probably qualify for a decent amount.

I had a similar situation last year and ended up getting around $680 per week. The calculation can be confusing but Washington ESD has a benefit calculator on their website that gives you an estimate. Just have your pay stubs ready from the last 18 months.

just apply online dont bother calling unless u have problems with ur claim

Be prepared for potential adjudication if you're still working part-time. Washington ESD will need to verify that your hours were involuntarily reduced and that you're available for full-time work. The process can take several weeks.

UGH the Washington ESD system is SO confusing!!! I've been trying to figure out my benefit amount for weeks and every calculator gives me different numbers. Why can't they just make this simple???

Whatever you do, don't quit your part-time job to get higher benefits. Washington ESD will disqualify you for voluntary separation without good cause.

Also remember you'll need to file weekly claims every week to get paid, even if you're working part-time hours. And you have to report any earnings from your part-time work.

I'm in almost the exact same situation! My hours got cut from 40 to 25 per week. Filed my claim three weeks ago and it's still in adjudication. This waiting is killing me financially.

Don't forget about the job search requirements too. Even with partial benefits you'll need to do work search activities and log them.

The waiting period is what gets most people. Even after you're approved, there's usually a one-week waiting period before payments start.

my cousin got like 400 a week but she was only making minimum wage before so with ur salary u should get way more

One more thing - make sure you have all your employer information ready when you apply. You'll need company names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation for the last 18 months.

Been there with reduced hours! Applied in January and got approved for $743 per week. The process took about 10 days total which wasn't too bad. Just make sure you're honest about everything on the application.

Washington ESD's benefit year lasts 52 weeks from when you first file, so even if your hours pick back up later you might still be eligible if they get reduced again.

Update: I FINALLY got through to Washington ESD after literally calling 247 times (yes I counted). My benefit amount will be $592 per week which is way better than I expected! Still waiting for final approval though.

Remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your weekly payments or pay at the end of the year.

The key is to apply as soon as possible because benefits are backdated to when you first become eligible, not when you actually file the claim.

Quick update - my claim finally got approved! Took exactly 4 weeks from filing to first payment. The adjudication was just to verify my hours were involuntarily reduced. Hang in there if you're waiting!

For what it's worth, I tried using one of those third-party calling services too when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD. Cost me like $20 but saved hours of my time and frustration. Sometimes it's worth paying for convenience.

Just wanted to add that if you're approved for partial benefits, you'll need to report your part-time earnings every week when you file your weekly claim. Be precise with the amounts!