How much is unemployment per week in Washington ESD - what's the current rate?

Thanks! So it's based on what I made in previous quarters, not my final salary? And what do you mean by waiting week?

Yes, Washington ESD looks at your base period which is the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters. The waiting week means you won't get paid for your first week of unemployment, but you still need to file that week.

It's actually more complicated than 60%. Washington uses a formula based on your quarterly wages. If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through their phone system automatically. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

oh interesting, never heard of that before. does it actually work?

Yeah it worked for me when I needed to check on my adjudication status. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.

Wow that's more complicated than I thought! Is there an easier way to estimate it?

Honestly the easiest way is to just apply and let Washington ESD calculate it for you. They'll send you a monetary determination letter that breaks down exactly how they calculated your weekly benefit amount.

The benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website works pretty well once you figure out which quarters to use. Just remember your base period might not include your most recent work if you just got laid off.

I feel your frustration! The phone system is definitely overwhelming. I was getting hung up on constantly until someone recommended Claimyr to me. It's a service that automatically calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual person. Worth checking out if you're stuck.

Really?? I've been trying to reach someone for two weeks about my claim. How does that work exactly?

You just enter your info and they handle all the calling and waiting. When they get an agent on the line, they connect you. Super simple and way less stressful than doing it yourself.

That's helpful to know! How long did it take to get your first payment?

First time took about 3 weeks, second time was faster - maybe 10 days. Make sure you file your weekly claims every week even if your initial claim is still pending.

26 weeks seems like a decent amount of time to find a new job. Do I have to look for work while collecting?

Yes, you have to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and register with WorkSource. They're pretty strict about the job search requirements now.

The job search thing is annoying but not too hard once you get into a routine. I just applied to 3 jobs every Sunday and logged them in the WorkSource system.

Good to know! I'll start the application today then. Is it all done online?

Yeah, you apply through the Washington ESD website. It's pretty straightforward but have your employment history ready - you'll need dates and employer info for the last 18 months.

The calling situation is still terrible! I discovered this thing called Claimyr that basically calls for you and waits on hold until they get through. Game changer for dealing with Washington ESD phone issues. There's a demo video that shows how it works if you want to check it out.

oh man where was that when i needed it lol. might be useful for other people though

Thanks for the exact formula! That's super helpful for planning purposes.

No problem! Just remember you also have to meet the total wages requirement - you need at least $5,265 in your base period to qualify at all.

Oh I hadn't thought about taxes! Is it taxed like regular income?

Yes, unemployment benefits are taxable income at both federal and state level. Washington doesn't have state income tax but you'll still owe federal taxes on it.

What causes claims to go into adjudication?

Lots of things - if you quit vs were laid off, if there's a question about your availability to work, wage discrepancies, stuff like that. Usually they just need more information but it can take weeks to resolve.

This is exactly when something like Claimyr becomes really valuable. When you're stuck in adjudication and need to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD, having a way to get through their phone system without spending hours trying is huge.

It really is ridiculous how hard it is to reach them! But there are ways around it if you know what to look for.