How much money do you get from unemployment benefits in Washington?

Thanks! I didn't know there was a calculator. That weekly amount would actually help a lot with my rent and bills.

Just remember you have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits. A lot of people forget that part and get surprised at tax time.

That's still way better than what I'm making now with reduced hours. How long can you collect benefits?

Standard unemployment in Washington is up to 26 weeks, but it can be less depending on your work history and the unemployment rate.

I had the same problem until I found 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. It saved me so much time and frustration!

Really? I'll check that out. I'm desperate at this point. Been calling for 3 weeks straight.

Another option is to try calling right when they open at 8 AM. Sometimes you can get through faster then.

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

Job applications, attending job fairs, networking events, informational interviews, even creating profiles on job sites can count. You just need to document everything in your WorkSourceWA account.

That's helpful to know, thanks. Did you find it covered your basic expenses okay?

yeah it was tight but doable. had to cut back on some things but covered rent and food

That's complicated math! I think I'll just use that calculator you mentioned earlier.

Smart move. The calculator takes all the guesswork out of it and gives you a pretty accurate estimate.

Good point about the waiting period. I didn't know about that.

Yeah and you have to file your weekly claim every week even if you worked some hours. They'll adjust your benefit amount based on what you earned.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. When my claim got stuck in adjudication, I used their service to actually get through to someone who could explain what was happening. Turned out they just needed one more document from me.

I might have to try that. This is getting ridiculous.

3 weeks in adjudication is pretty normal unfortunately. Mine took 4 weeks last time.

That's exactly my situation! So I could keep my reduced hours and still get some unemployment money?

Yes, but they'll reduce your benefit amount based on what you earn. It's not dollar for dollar though - there's a formula they use.

I used to feel the same way until I discovered Claimyr. It's a game changer for getting through to actual Washington ESD agents. Worth every penny to avoid the phone tree nightmare.

How does something like that even work? Sounds too good to be true.

They basically do the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when they get through to an agent. Check out their demo video - it shows exactly how it works.

Thanks for the reminder. I'll make sure to have them withhold taxes if I file.

Yeah, that tax bill can be a nasty surprise if you're not prepared for it.

I've been at my current job for about 8 months, working pretty consistently. Should that be enough?

Probably, but it depends on your wages too. The base period calculation can be tricky - definitely use that benefit calculator to check.

Good advice. I'm pretty organized with my paperwork anyway, so that shouldn't be a problem.

Wish I'd known that when I was on unemployment. They asked for documentation I didn't have and it was a nightmare to reconstruct.

Thanks for all the helpful info everyone. I think I'm going to go ahead and file my claim this week.

Good luck! The process can be frustrating but it's worth it if you qualify for a decent amount.