How much money does Washington ESD unemployment give you weekly?

That's actually better than I expected! Do they factor in tips too? I made decent tip money as a server.

Only if your employer reported the tips on your paystubs. Most restaurants don't report all tips unfortunately.

That math isn't quite right. It's your highest quarter divided by 26 weeks, but then you get a percentage based on your total base year earnings. The calculation is more complex than just 50%.

whatever the math is, it's not enough to live on lol

I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for three days to ask about my benefit amount calculation and can't get through. Their phone system is impossible.

Never heard of that service. Does it cost money to use?

There's a fee but honestly it was worth it just to get real answers about my benefit calculation instead of guessing.

I'm skeptical of services that charge to help with government benefits. Shouldn't this info be free?

This is getting confusing. Is there an easier way to estimate what I'd get?

Washington ESD has a benefit calculator on their website, but it's not always accurate. Your best bet is calling them directly, though good luck getting through.

I tried that calculator and it was completely wrong. Said I'd get $200 but I actually get $340.

That's really discouraging. How do people survive on so little?

You don't survive, you just go into debt until you find another job. The system is broken.

This is exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. Their system actually gets you through to Washington ESD agents when you need to talk to someone.

How does that work exactly? Do they just call for you?

They handle the calling process and get you connected directly to an agent. Way better than spending entire days redialing.

That gives me hope! How long did it take to get approved and start receiving payments?

About 3 weeks total. Had to do the job search requirements and everything but the process was fairly smooth once I got started.

That's because Washington ESD looks at your individual wage history over the base period. If she worked more hours in her highest quarters, her benefit would be higher.

Makes sense I guess. Still seems unfair when we did the same job.

Did you have any issues with the application process?

nope pretty straightforward. just needed my Social Security number and employment info from last year

Good point, I hadn't thought about taxes. So the weekly amount isn't what you actually take home?

Correct. Federal taxes apply to unemployment benefits, though Washington state doesn't have income tax so that's one less thing to worry about.

So you can work part-time while collecting unemployment?

Yes but you have to report all earnings and they reduce your weekly benefit accordingly. There's a formula but I never understood it completely.

Washington ESD deducts 75% of your earnings over $5 from your weekly benefit amount. So if you earn $100, they subtract $71.25 from your weekly benefit.

Who actually gets the maximum amount? Seems like you'd have to make six figures.

Yeah, the maximum is for high earners. Most service industry workers get much less.

This is where Claimyr really helped me out. Instead of waiting weeks for a callback, I got connected to a Washington ESD agent the same day and got my issue resolved.

I might have to look into that. This waiting game is killing me financially.

What are the job search requirements exactly?

You have to apply for at least 3 jobs per week and log them in WorkSourceWA. Plus register with WorkSource and do other activities they specify.

That sounds about right. I was making $800 weekly and get $420 on unemployment.

These examples are helpful! Seems like I should expect somewhere around $300-400 weekly based on my wages.

26 weeks seems like a decent amount of time to find something new.

You'd think so, but the job market is tough right now. I'm on week 20 and starting to panic.

Sometimes you can get extended benefits if unemployment rates are high enough, but don't count on it.

I worked pretty consistently at the restaurant for 8 months. Hopefully that's enough history.

Should be fine. They look at your wages over the past year, so 8 months of steady work should qualify you for a decent benefit amount.

You're right, I'm probably overthinking this. Better to apply and find out than keep stressing about it.

Exactly! The application only takes like 15 minutes online. Worst case scenario you don't qualify, but at least you'll know for sure.

Thanks for all the advice everyone! Going to file my claim tonight and see what happens.

Good luck! Remember to file your weekly claims on time once you're approved, or you'll miss out on benefits.