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

So if I was making about $970 a week, I'd get around $485 weekly? That's actually not too bad.

That sounds about right, but Washington ESD will calculate it exactly based on your wage history when you file your claim.

Do I file the weekly claim on the same day every week or can I do it whenever?

You can file anytime during your claim week, but most people do it on Sunday when the system opens for the new week.

How much does that cost? I'm about to be unemployed so every dollar counts.

It's worth checking out their site for pricing, but honestly it saved me so much time and stress trying to reach Washington ESD that it was worth it for me.

I've heard good things about Claimyr too. The Washington ESD phone system is absolutely terrible to navigate on your own.

What if I just started this job 6 months ago? Would they use wages from my previous job too?

Yes, they look at all your covered wages during the base year period, so previous jobs count if they were in Washington and paid into the UI system.

It all depends on your wage history during the base year. If your friend had lower wages during that specific period, they'd get less even if they make more now.

ohh that makes sense. the base year thing is weird timing

How long does it take to get that determination letter? I want to know my amount ASAP.

Usually within a week or two of filing your claim, assuming there are no issues with your application.

Oh crap, I didn't think about taxes. So if I get $500 a week I'll owe taxes on all of that?

Yep, unemployment is taxable income. You can have them withhold 10% for federal taxes when you file your weekly claims.

I learned that the hard way. Definitely elect to have taxes withheld or you'll get a big tax bill next year.

Your weekly benefit amount stays the same, but if you work part-time and earn money, they reduce your payment for that week based on how much you earned.

Got it, so the base amount doesn't change but the actual payment can vary week to week.

That's exactly the kind of situation where Claimyr helped me. I was able to actually talk to a Washington ESD agent about my adjudication delay instead of just waiting forever.

I might have to try that. I can't get through on the phone no matter what time I call.

That formula is super helpful! So if my highest quarter was $13,000, that would be $13,000 ÷ 26 = $500, then $500 × 0.5 = $250... but that's below the minimum so I'd get $295?

Exactly right! The minimum ensures you get at least $295 even if the calculation would be lower.

No, Washington is actually pretty generous. It's approximately 50% of your average weekly wage, subject to the minimum and maximum limits.

Wow, that's way better than I expected. I was dreading having to survive on like $200 a week.

Nice! So if you make enough, you actually get more than the 50% because of the cap?

Exactly. The cap works in your favor if you're a higher earner. $999/week is pretty decent for unemployment.

It's because they need time to process and verify wage data from employers. Using the base year ensures they have complete, verified wage information.

I guess that makes sense from an administrative perspective, but it sucks when you're living it.

Wait, what? So even if I file right away, I don't get paid for the first week?

Correct. The first week is a 'waiting week' where you file a claim but don't receive payment. It's just how the system works.

Yeah, that first week not getting paid is rough when you're already stressed about money.

I tried that but it asked for so much detailed wage info that I didn't have handy. Easier to just file and see what they calculate.

Fair point. The actual filing process pulls your wage data automatically from employers anyway.

That really shows how much the wage history matters. Did you find it harder to get approved the second time?

Actually it was easier the second time because I knew what to expect and had all my documentation ready.

An hour vs days is a huge difference. I'll definitely keep that in mind if I run into issues.

Yeah, especially when you're stressed about money and just need answers about your claim.

Actually in Washington, everyone gets up to 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits regardless of their benefit amount. The duration doesn't vary based on how much you earn.

Oh really? I thought it was different. Thanks for the correction!

Perfect summary! This thread has been super helpful. I feel much more prepared to file now.

Glad we could help! The Washington ESD system isn't too bad once you understand how it works.

And remember, if you need to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD, don't hesitate to use tools like Claimyr to get through their phone system.