How much is unemployment pay in Washington ESD - confused about benefit amounts

Thanks! So if my highest quarter was around $15,000, that would be about $577 per week?

That sounds about right, but Washington ESD will calculate the exact amount when you file your claim.

Have you tried calling right at 8am when they open? That's usually the best time to get through.

I actually found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD when I couldn't reach them myself. They have a system that calls for you and connects you when an agent picks up. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Never heard of that but I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point. Thanks for the tip!

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

Wait, how much extra do you get for dependents? I have two kids and didn't know about this.

I think it's around $28 per week per dependent, but you should verify that with Washington ESD when you file.

Oh wow, I didn't think about taxes. That's going to reduce the amount I actually get to keep.

Yes, you can elect to have 10% withheld for federal taxes when you set up your claim with Washington ESD.

I agree it's frustrating, but they need to verify your wage information before they can give you an exact amount.

still stupid though, other states make it way easier

This is super helpful! So there's definitely a cap on how much you can get per week.

What if your highest quarter was really low? Is there a minimum benefit amount too?

Yes, the minimum weekly benefit amount is $295 for 2025, but you still need to meet the earnings requirements to qualify.

What counts as job search activities? Just applying for jobs?

Job applications, networking events, career fairs, online job training courses, meeting with career counselors - there are lots of options.

I hate the job search requirements, feels like busy work when I'm already looking for jobs on my own.

How long does it usually take for the claim to get processed?

If there are no issues, usually within a week. But if they need to verify employment or investigate something, it can take longer.

That gives me a good idea of what to expect. Thanks for sharing your actual numbers!

Did you have any trouble getting your claim approved? I'm worried they might question my layoff.

No issues for me since it was a clear layoff due to company downsizing. Make sure you have your separation notice ready.

I tried using that calculator but got confused about which quarters to use for the base period.

The base period is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim.

See, that's exactly the kind of confusing language that makes it hard to figure out!

When are the weekly claims due?

You have to file by 11:59 PM on Saturday for the previous week. Don't wait until the last minute though!

I missed one week because I forgot and Washington ESD wouldn't let me file it late. Lost $600 that week.

Good to know! I was thinking about doing some freelance work to supplement the unemployment.

Just make sure you report any earnings when you file your weekly claim. Being dishonest about work can get you in serious trouble.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD. Saved me so much time and frustration compared to calling myself.

Is that the service you mentioned earlier? Might have to look into that if I need to call them again.

Yeah, it's been a lifesaver for dealing with Washington ESD phone issues. Much better than sitting on hold for hours.

26 weeks should hopefully be enough time to find something new. That's about 6 months right?

Yes, exactly 6 months. But the job market is pretty competitive right now so start looking actively right away.

Wait, so even if I file right away, I won't get paid for the first week?

Right, the first week is unpaid. So if you file this week, your first payment would be for next week.

That's so dumb, like people don't need money right away when they lose their job!

I only worked in Washington so hopefully that makes it simpler for me.

Yeah, that should make your claim process much smoother. Multi-state claims can add weeks to the processing time.

That's exactly how I'm feeling! The uncertainty makes it hard to plan anything.

If you need to check on your claim status, Claimyr can help you get through to Washington ESD faster than calling yourself. I used them when I was waiting for answers about my claim.

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind if I don't hear back soon.

That range helps a lot with planning. Thanks everyone for all the helpful information!

Don't forget to account for taxes being taken out if you elect to have them withheld. That $550-650 would be before taxes.

Good point, I'll start organizing all my paperwork now before I file.

Smart move. Being organized from the start can save you headaches later if any issues come up with your claim.

Yeah, that seems to be the common complaint I'm hearing - difficulty reaching them by phone.

That's exactly why services like Claimyr exist. When you can't get through to Washington ESD yourself, having something that handles the calling for you is invaluable.