How much is unemployment right now in Washington - current benefit rates?

Thanks! Do you know how they calculate it exactly? Like what percentage of your previous wages?

It's roughly 50% of your average weekly wage up to the maximum. So if you were making around $880 per week, you'd get close to $440 weekly in benefits.

You're right, I should stop overthinking it. Just nervous about the whole process.

yeah the application isn't that bad, just have your employment info ready

That's helpful to know a real example. Where do I find the benefit calculator on their site?

Go to esd.wa.gov and look for 'Benefit Calculator' under the unemployment services section. You'll need pay stubs or tax info to use it properly.

I tried using that calculator but couldn't get through to verify my account. Has anyone had issues with the Washington ESD website lately?

Never heard of that before. Is it legit? I'm always suspicious of third-party services.

Yeah it's real, I used it last month when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Saved me probably 20 hours of failed phone calls. Check out claimyr.com for more info.

How much does something like that cost though? If I'm unemployed I don't want to spend money on services.

Good point, I hadn't thought about the job search requirements. Is that new?

No it's been around but they're more strict about it now. Make sure you're actually applying for jobs that match your experience level.

Wait, do you have to use WorkSourceWA specifically or can you use other job sites?

That sounds like a lot of paperwork for each application. Do they really check all that?

They don't check every single one but if you get audited and can't provide documentation, they'll disqualify you and you might have to pay back benefits.

I feel your frustration. Have you tried reaching out to your local legislators? Sometimes they can help push things along.

Yeah I contacted my state rep last week. Still waiting to hear back from them too. Everything takes forever.

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. When you're stuck in adjudication for weeks, sometimes you need help getting through to actually talk to someone who can resolve your case.

I was laid off, not quit. The whole warehouse is closing down so it should be straightforward.

That's good then, layoffs are usually processed faster than other types of separations.

Good to know about the appeal option. How long does the whole process usually take?

if everything goes smooth maybe 2-3 weeks to get your first payment. longer if there are issues

26 weeks seems like a reasonable amount of time to find something. Are there any extensions available if needed?

Extensions are rare and usually only during major economic downturns. Don't count on them being available.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Did you have any issues with the online system?

The website crashed on me a few times but it usually worked better early in the morning or late at night when fewer people were using it.

That's a good point, I hadn't thought about other programs. Every bit helps when you're not working.

Washington also has some workforce development programs that might help with job training or education while you're collecting benefits.

Oh wow, I didn't realize that. How much do they withhold if you choose that option?

I think it's 10% federal withholding. You can set it up when you file your initial claim or change it later through your online account.

Did they help resolve your overpayment issue or just get you connected?

They just help you get through to agents, but that was exactly what I needed. The agent was able to explain the overpayment and set up a payment plan.

Thanks for the checklist. I should be able to gather all that information pretty easily.

Also make sure you file the week you become unemployed, not weeks later. You can't backdate claims in most cases.

That's good news. So I can file now even though I've been out of work for a few weeks?

You should file as soon as possible. They might not pay for the weeks you waited to file, so don't delay any longer.

Good advice. Sounds like the key is to be organized and keep good records throughout the process.

Exactly. And file your weekly claims on the same day each week so you don't forget. Missing even one can cause problems.

Good luck! The process isn't as scary as it seems once you get started.

Hope it goes smoothly for you. Don't hesitate to ask if you run into any issues.

And remember, if you need help reaching Washington ESD agents for any reason, that Claimyr service is there as an option.