How much money do I get from unemployment benefits in Washington state?

Thanks! So if I made around $2,500 per month, that would put my highest quarter at maybe $7,500. Does that sound like it would qualify for a decent weekly amount?

With $7,500 in your highest quarter, you'd be looking at roughly $288 per week, but that's below the minimum so you'd get the $295 minimum weekly benefit. Not great but better than nothing while you job search.

That gives me hope! $22/hour is pretty close to what I was making with tips included.

Tips can be tricky though - Washington ESD only counts reported tip income in your wage calculation, so if you weren't claiming all your cash tips it might affect your benefit amount.

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com, they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made a huge difference for me when I needed to resolve an adjudication issue.

I usually try calling right at 8am when they open, sometimes you can get through then but you have to be quick on the redial.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs or other things too?

Job applications, networking events, career fairs, interviews, even updating your resume or LinkedIn profile can count. Just make sure you document everything with dates and details.

And you have to register with WorkSourceWA too, that's mandatory now. They'll help with job placement services.

Ugh, I definitely didn't report all my cash tips. How much did that hurt your benefits?

Probably cost me $100-150 per week in benefits. Washington ESD can only work with what's on your wage records from employers.

Adjudication delays are brutal right now. I waited 8 weeks last year for them to verify my identity. Eventually got approved and received all the back pay though.

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Finally got through to an agent who explained what documents they needed from me. Worth trying if you're desperate.

Good point, I hadn't thought about taxes. So if I get $300/week that's really only like $270 after taxes?

If you elect to have taxes withheld, yes. But you can also choose not to and just pay at tax time. Depends on your preference and financial situation.

True, but don't forget about the waiting week. You won't get paid for your first week of unemployment even if you're eligible.

You can work part-time and still collect some unemployment benefits as long as you report all your earnings. Washington ESD will reduce your weekly benefit by a percentage of what you earn, but you won't lose benefits entirely unless you work full-time.

Just make sure you report every penny you earn when you file your weekly claim. They cross-reference with employer records and any discrepancies can cause overpayment issues later.

26 weeks should be enough time to find something decent, especially in the restaurant industry where there's usually high turnover.

Don't be so confident about that. The job market is tougher than it looks right now, especially for good-paying restaurant positions. Start applying immediately and cast a wide net.

The suitable work requirements kick in after a few weeks of benefits. Initially you can be more selective, but eventually you have to accept jobs that pay at least 70% of your previous wage.

Definitely planning to be completely honest. Not worth the risk of getting in legal trouble over.

Smart approach. I've seen people get caught years later when employers report wage discrepancies. The state has good record-keeping systems.

Thanks for all the advice everyone! This has been really helpful for understanding what to expect from the process.

Good luck with your claim! The process can be frustrating but most people eventually get their benefits sorted out.