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Lena Müller

How much money do I get for unemployment benefits in Washington?

I just got laid off from my job at a manufacturing plant where I was making $22/hour for the past 2 years. I've never filed for unemployment before and honestly have no idea what to expect. How much money do I actually get for unemployment benefits? Is it based on my salary or is there a flat rate? I'm trying to figure out if I can cover my rent and bills while I look for another job. Any help would be appreciated!

Washington ESD calculates your weekly benefit amount based on your earnings during your base period (first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters). The maximum weekly benefit is currently $999, but most people get between $200-$600 per week depending on their wages. You'll need to file your initial claim to get your exact amount.

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That's way more than I expected! So it's not just a flat rate for everyone?

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Nope, it's individualized based on your work history and earnings. The formula is a bit complex but Washington ESD does the calculation automatically when you file.

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At $22/hour you should get a decent amount. I was making about $20/hour and got $450 a week. Just make sure you have all your employment info ready when you file your claim on the Washington ESD website.

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Good to know, that would definitely help with bills. How long did it take for your first payment?

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About 2 weeks after filing, but that was before all the recent delays. Could be longer now.

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The weekly benefit amount is roughly 60-70% of your average weekly wage during your base period, but it can't exceed the state maximum. Since you were making consistent wages, you should qualify for a decent amount. Just be prepared for the waiting period.

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What's the waiting period about?

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Washington has a one-week waiting period before benefits start, plus processing time. So don't expect money immediately.

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If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status or get specific benefit information, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach an agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.

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Is this legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days with no luck.

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Yeah it's real. I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Got through to an agent in about 30 minutes instead of spending all day redialing.

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ugh the whole system is so confusing. i filed 3 weeks ago and still haven't gotten a penny. they keep saying my claim is under review but won't tell me why or how long it'll take. meanwhile my bills are piling up and i can't get anyone on the phone at washington esd.

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That sounds like adjudication. Did you quit your job or were there any issues with your employment that might trigger a review?

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no i got laid off with everyone else when they closed our department. this is ridiculous

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Try that Claimyr thing someone mentioned above. I used it last month when my claim got stuck and finally got answers.

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The amount varies but don't expect to live comfortably on it. I was making $25/hour and only got $520 a week which barely covered my mortgage. You'll need to budget carefully and start job hunting immediately.

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Yeah I figured it wouldn't be enough to maintain my current lifestyle. Better than nothing though.

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Exactly. And remember you have to file weekly claims and meet the job search requirements to keep getting benefits.

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Make sure you apply ASAP because there's a waiting week before benefits start. I waited too long thinking I'd find a job quickly and lost out on weeks of benefits I could have gotten.

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Good point, I'll file today. Is it all online or do I need to go somewhere?

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All online through the Washington ESD website. Just have your social security number and employment history ready.

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Been there! At $22/hour full time you'll probably get around $450-500 per week. Not bad but definitely start your job search early. The benefits only last 26 weeks max unless there's some special extension program.

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26 weeks should be enough time to find something. Hopefully the job market isn't too bad right now.

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Manufacturing jobs are picking up around here so you might be okay. Just cast a wide net.

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Don't forget about taxes! Unemployment benefits are taxable income so you might want to have them withhold taxes or set some aside for next year. Learned that the hard way.

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Oh crap, I didn't think about taxes. Can I have them automatically deduct taxes from my weekly payments?

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Yes, there's an option to withhold 10% for federal taxes when you file your weekly claims. I'd recommend it.

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The system is totally broken. I've been fighting with Washington ESD for months over an overpayment notice that makes no sense. They want me to pay back $2,800 but can't explain why. Good luck getting anyone to actually help you!

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That's a separate issue from calculating initial benefits. You should appeal that overpayment notice if you think it's wrong.

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I did appeal but the hearing isn't for another 6 weeks. Meanwhile they're threatening to garnish my wages.

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For what it's worth, I had trouble reaching Washington ESD too until someone told me about Claimyr. It's not free but it's worth it if you need to talk to someone about your claim. They basically call for you and get you connected to an actual person.

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How much does it cost? I'm already tight on money.

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I don't remember the exact amount but it was reasonable compared to the time I was wasting trying to call myself. Check their website for current pricing.

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Your benefit amount will be listed in your determination letter after you file. At your wage level, expect somewhere between $400-550 per week. Just make sure you're eligible - no quits or misconduct on your record.

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Nope, clean record and was laid off due to company downsizing. Should be straightforward.

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Perfect, then you should have no issues. File online and you'll get your determination letter in a few days.

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i got like $380 a week when i was making $19/hour so you'll probably get more than that. just be ready to prove you're looking for work every week or they'll cut you off.

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What kind of proof do they need for job searching?

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you have to apply to at least 3 jobs per week and keep a log of where you applied. they can audit you anytime

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The formula is based on your highest earning quarter in your base period. Since you were making steady wages, you'll probably max out at whatever your wage history supports. Could be anywhere from $300-700 depending on your specific situation.

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That's a pretty wide range. I guess I won't know for sure until I file.

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Exactly. The online system will calculate it automatically when you submit your claim.

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Just remember you can work part-time while collecting unemployment as long as you report your earnings. They'll reduce your benefit amount based on what you earn but you won't lose benefits entirely unless you work too many hours.

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Good to know. I might try to pick up some gig work while I'm looking for full-time employment.

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Just make sure to report everything honestly. They cross-reference with employers and tax records.

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Washington ESD is impossible to reach by phone. I've been calling for 2 weeks straight and either get busy signals or get disconnected after waiting on hold for hours. The whole system needs an overhaul.

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That's exactly why I started using Claimyr. No more wasted time on hold or getting disconnected.

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I'll have to check that out. This is ridiculous.

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One thing to keep in mind is that your first payment might be delayed if they need to verify your employment. Have your pay stubs and W-2s ready in case they ask for documentation.

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I have all my pay stubs saved digitally. Should I upload them when I file or wait until they ask?

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Wait until they ask. The system usually processes claims without additional documentation unless there's a red flag.

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Made $24/hour and got $612 per week. Pretty fair considering I was supporting a family. The key is filing immediately after your last day of work and staying on top of your weekly claims. Miss one week and you lose that week's benefits permanently.

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Thanks for the real numbers. That gives me a good idea of what to expect.

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No problem. Also set up direct deposit when you file - checks take forever to arrive by mail.

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