How much money do you get if you file for unemployment in Washington?

Thanks! I didn't know there was a maximum. Do you know if part-time work affects the amount you get?

Yes, if you work part-time while collecting benefits, Washington ESD will reduce your weekly payment based on how much you earn. You need to report all earnings when you file your weekly claim.

What's a base period? I keep seeing that term but I'm confused about what it means.

Your base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through December 2024. Washington ESD uses the wages from those quarters to calculate your benefit amount.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents by phone. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked - I got connected to someone within an hour instead of calling for days. Check out claimyr.com, they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

It's worth checking out their site for details, but honestly after wasting hours trying to call Washington ESD myself, it was a lifesaver. The video explains everything better than I can.

I had a similar experience. The estimate was way off from my actual benefit amount.

The online calculator is just an estimate tool. Your actual benefit amount depends on wage verification from employers, which can take time. That's why there's often a difference between the estimate and your final approved amount.

This is super helpful! So if I made $8,000 in my highest quarter and $7,200 in my second highest, that would be $15,200 divided by 26 = $584, then times 60% = $350 per week?

Exactly! That's how the calculation works. Just remember you'll still need to meet all the other eligibility requirements and file your weekly claims to receive payments.

Good point! Do you recommend having taxes taken out or paying them later?

It's usually better to have the 10% federal tax withheld from your benefits. Unemployment benefits are taxable income, so you'll owe taxes on them anyway. Having it withheld prevents a big tax bill later.

You should definitely file if you're eligible. Even if your benefit amount is on the lower side, it's better than nothing while you're looking for work. Plus there's no harm in applying to see what you qualify for.

True, I guess I have nothing to lose by trying. The application process looks pretty straightforward on the Washington ESD website.

There's typically a one-week waiting period, then it can take 2-3 weeks for your claim to be processed if there are no issues. Your first payment would come after you file your second weekly claim, assuming everything goes smoothly.

IF EVERYTHING GOES" SMOOTHLY -'that s a big if with Washington ESD! My claim took 6 weeks because they had to verify my employment with multiple employers. Plan fordelays.

That's actually more than I expected! I thought it would be much less. This might actually help me get by while I look for a new job.

just remember you have to actively look for work and report your job search activities when you file your weekly claims. washington esd requires at least 3 job search activities per week

I actually tried Claimyr after you mentioned it and got connected to someone at Washington ESD the same day. Finally got my questions answered about my benefit calculation. Thanks for the tip!

Glad it worked for you too! It's frustrating how hard it is to reach Washington ESD through normal channels.

You're right, I should just go ahead and file. Thanks everyone for all the helpful information!

Same here, I'm going to file this week. This thread convinced me it's worth trying.

Oh that's good to know! I was using my take-home pay numbers which would have given me a much lower estimate.

Exactly. Washington ESD uses the gross wages reported by your employers to calculate your base period earnings. That's why it's important that your employers report your wages correctly.

Good tip! I'll gather all that information before I start the application.

I wish I had done that. I had to stop halfway through because I didn't have my last employer's exact address.

I had two part-time jobs for most of last year. Will that affect my benefits?

No, having multiple jobs can actually help your benefit amount since Washington ESD will include wages from all covered employment. Just make sure to list all your employers when you file.

Agreed! I feel much more confident about filing now that I understand how the benefit amounts work.

This is what forums are for - real people sharing real experiences. Good luck to everyone filing for benefits!