How much to expect from unemployment benefits in Washington - need realistic numbers

Washington ESD calculates your weekly benefit amount using your highest earning quarter from your base period. For someone making $52k annually, you're probably looking at somewhere between $450-650 per week, depending on how your earnings were distributed. The maximum weekly benefit amount in Washington is currently $999 per week.

you should definitely file, even if the amount seems low. took me forever to get through to washington esd on the phone to ask questions about my claim though. kept getting busy signals or hung up on.

I was in a similar situation last year - retail supervisor making around $48k. My weekly benefit ended up being $542. The key thing is they use your gross wages, not what you take home. Also make sure you have all your employment history ready when you apply because they'll verify everything.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone, I recently discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and redialing.

The Washington ESD website has a benefit calculator but it's not super accurate in my experience. You're better off just filing and seeing what they give you. The worst that happens is you get denied, but with reduced hours you should qualify.

just a heads up - even if you qualify for benefits, you still have to do the job search requirements. 3 job contacts per week minimum in washington. make sure you're prepared for that.

Don't forget about taxes! UI benefits are taxable income. You can have them withhold 10% federal tax when you certify each week, or you'll owe it all at tax time.

One more thing - since you mentioned your hours got cut rather than being laid off completely, make sure you report any wages you do earn when you file your weekly claims. You can still collect partial benefits as long as you're under certain thresholds.

file asap! there's usually a waiting week before benefits start, so the sooner you apply the sooner you'll start getting payments. even if you're not sure about the amounts, at least get the process started.

I work in HR and deal with unemployment claims regularly. Your benefit amount will be roughly 60-70% of your average weekly wage, up to the state maximum. For retail management at your salary level, you should expect somewhere in the $500-600 range weekly.

Whatever you do, don't wait too long to file. I made that mistake and lost out on several weeks of benefits because I thought I might get more hours again. File as soon as you're eligible.

WASHINGTON ESD IS SO SLOW TO PROCESS EVERYTHING!!! My claim took 6 weeks to get approved and then another 2 weeks for first payment. Budget accordingly because it's not fast money.

Check if your employer offers any kind of supplemental unemployment insurance too. Some retail chains have additional benefits that can help bridge the gap.

btw that claimyr service someone mentioned earlier actually works. used it last month when my claim got stuck in adjudication and needed to talk to someone urgently. got through same day instead of waiting weeks.

Pro tip: when you do file, create your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account first before starting your claim. Makes the whole process smoother.

The benefit amount depends on your base period wages, but also remember you have to be able and available for work. If you're still employed part-time, make sure you're available for full-time work or it could affect your eligibility.

just go ahead and file already! you're overthinking it. worst case they say no, best case you get several hundred dollars a week while you look for better work. seems like a no-brainer to me.

One last thing - if you do get approved, set up direct deposit immediately. The debit card option they give you has fees for ATM withdrawals and stuff. Direct deposit is free and faster.

Good luck with your claim! Sounds like you have a solid work history so you should be fine. The process can be frustrating but it's worth it if you qualify.

Make sure to keep records of everything - your application, correspondence from Washington ESD, job search activities, everything. You never know when you might need to reference something later.