How much of unemployment do you get from Washington ESD - confused about benefit amounts

Thanks! So even though I was making over $4k monthly, I'd only get around $1000 weekly max? That's way less than I expected.

Yes, unemployment isn't meant to replace your full income. It's typically 40-50% of what you were earning for most people, but high earners get capped at that $1,019 weekly maximum.

It's not exactly 60% - that's a common misconception. The formula is more complex and based on your quarterly earnings during the base period, not just your most recent pay.

oh ok that makes sense why the numbers seemed weird when i calculated it

A few weeks?? I need to know my benefit amount ASAP to plan my finances. Is there any way to get this information faster?

I had the same problem trying to reach Washington ESD for benefit info. Kept getting busy signals and disconnected calls. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Got my questions answered in one call instead of weeks of trying.

Wait, so they don't use my most recent salary? I got promoted 3 months ago with a significant raise. Does that mean my benefits will be based on my old lower salary?

Exactly! That's why some people are shocked when their benefit amount is lower than expected. The base period lag is really frustrating when you've had recent pay increases.

There is an alternate base period option if your regular base period doesn't qualify you or gives you a very low amount. Washington ESD can use the most recent 4 quarters instead, but you have to request it specifically.

What exactly are the job search requirements? I haven't started looking yet since I just got laid off.

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. Has to be real applications, not just browsing job sites. Washington ESD can audit your search activities anytime.

I tried the calculator but couldn't figure out which quarters to use. The website explanation is confusing.

If you filed in January 2025, your base period would be October 2023 through September 2024. It's always the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters.

I didn't know unemployment was taxable! Should I have taxes withheld or pay later?

Most people choose to have 10% withheld to avoid owing a large amount at tax time. You can change this election anytime through your Washington ESD account.

There's a waiting week? So I won't get any money for the first week I'm unemployed?

Yes, there's a one-week waiting period for new claims. You still need to file that first weekly claim, but you won't receive payment for it unless you have a subsequent spell of unemployment within the same benefit year.

How long did it take to get your first payment after filing?

About 3 weeks total. One week for processing, one waiting week, then got my first payment. But I had to call to resolve some verification issues which delayed things.

Is there anywhere I can see what the exact calculation formula is? I like to understand the math behind it.

Washington ESD has the formula buried in their administrative code, but basically it's your highest quarter earnings divided by 25, subject to the minimum and maximum limits.

Yeah I'm learning that now. Wish they made this clearer upfront instead of having to dig through all these confusing explanations.

Tell me about it. The whole Washington ESD system feels like it was designed by people who never had to use it themselves.

How would I know if they're missing wage information?

When you file your claim, they'll show you the wages they have on record for each quarter. If something looks wrong or missing, you can upload pay stubs or W2s to correct it.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like it might be worth it to avoid the phone hassle.

It's pretty reasonable considering how much time and frustration it saves. Way better than spending hours trying to get through on your own.

So true! I want to understand exactly how they got to my number so I can verify it's correct.

You can request a wage transcript that shows all the quarterly wages they used, but you have to know to ask for it specifically.

Is that 26 weeks from when I first file, or 26 actual weeks of payments?

26 weeks worth of payments, but you have a full year to claim them. So if you find work and stop claiming, then get laid off again within that year, you can restart your claim.

Good to know! I was thinking about doing some freelance work while job hunting.

You can still do freelance work, just make sure to report all earnings on your weekly claim. Washington ESD has specific rules about how much you can earn before it affects your benefits.

How do I know if I have enough wage credits? Is there a minimum amount?

You need earnings in at least two quarters of your base period, and your total base period wages need to be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter. Most people with steady employment easily meet this.

That's good to hear. I'm already dreading having to call Washington ESD about anything.

Yeah, their regular phone system is terrible. The Claimyr service makes it actually manageable to get help when you need it.

Thanks everyone! This has been super helpful. I'm going to file my claim this week and see what happens.

Good luck! Remember to keep detailed records of your job search activities from day one. Washington ESD can ask for that information anytime.