How much unemployment benefits can I get from Washington ESD?

Thanks! That helps a lot. I think my highest quarter was probably around $15,000 so maybe I'll get close to $450 a week?

That sounds about right. You can see your exact wage history once you file your claim through the Washington ESD website.

That's way more than I expected! I thought unemployment was only like $300 a week or something. So I should be able to cover most of my expenses then.

Don't get too excited - you still have to meet all the job search requirements and file your weekly claims on time. Washington ESD is pretty strict about that stuff.

Have you tried calling first thing in the morning? I usually get through around 8:05 AM when they first open.

tried that too, still getting the busy signal or getting hung up on after waiting forever

So they look at my best quarter not my annual salary? That's confusing. How do I know what my highest quarter was?

Yeah exactly. You can check your wage history on your SecureAccess Washington account once you file your claim. It shows all the quarters from employers who reported your wages.

So if my highest quarter was like $14,000, I'd get around $538 per week? That seems pretty good actually.

Yeah that sounds about right. Just remember you'll need to file weekly claims and do job searches to keep getting paid.

Thanks! So if I made $52k last year, what would that roughly work out to per week? I'm terrible at math.

It depends on how your earnings were distributed across quarters, but roughly you'd probably get somewhere in the $400-600 range per week if your income was consistent. You can use the benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website to get a more accurate estimate.

That's encouraging! How long did it take for your claim to get approved?

took about 2 weeks but that was pretty fast from what i hear

Thanks! So if I was making $13,000 per quarter that would be $500 divided by 26 times 3.85%? That seems low.

No sorry, you divide your highest quarter by 26 weeks, then multiply by 3.85%. So $13,000 divided by 26 = $500, then $500 x 3.85% = about $19 per week. Wait that can't be right either...

The minimum weekly benefit amount in Washington is $295. You're correct about that.

thanks! wasnt 100% sure on the exact number

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work or is it some kind of scam?

Totally legit. I was skeptical too but it actually connected me to Washington ESD. Way better than wasting days trying to call myself.

Claimyr has helped a lot of people get through to Washington ESD when the phone lines are jammed. It's especially useful when you have time-sensitive issues with your unemployment claim.

Thanks! That's more than I expected. Do you know what the maximum weekly benefit is for 2025?

The max weekly benefit amount for 2025 is $999. Your wages sound like they'd put you well within that range.

So if I made like $6,000 in my best quarter, that would be around $230 per week? That seems lower than I hoped.

That sounds about right for your earnings level. Remember you also need to meet the minimum earnings requirement in your base period to qualify.

That's helpful to know a real example. How long did it take to get approved?

took about 3 weeks but I had to call them multiple times to check on my claim status

I had the same problem trying to reach Washington ESD by phone. Discovered this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to an agent in under 20 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Check out claimyr.com - totally worth it when you need to talk to someone about your benefit calculation.

Interesting, never heard of that service. Might be worth trying since I'm getting nowhere with the regular phone system.

That sounds about right for what I might expect then. Did you have any trouble getting approved or was it pretty straightforward?

it took forever to get through to anyone at washington esd to check on my claim status. kept getting busy signals for weeks

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

Yeah basically they handle the calling and waiting, then connect you when they get through to an agent. Saved me so much time and frustration.

Seems sketchy to me. Why would you need to pay someone to make a phone call?

I was skeptical too but when you're dealing with Washington ESD's phone system it makes sense. The peace of mind was worth it for me.

Oh wow I didn't realize it went back that far. I'll need to dig up some old pay stubs then.

You don't necessarily need the pay stubs - Washington ESD gets wage info directly from employers. But it's good to have them just in case.

I feel you man, same thing happened to me. Took forever to get my first payment.

What specific issue are you having with your claim? Sometimes there are ways to resolve things faster if you know what to ask for.

Same here! I finally used Claimyr to get through to an actual person at Washington ESD. They have this service where they call for you and patch you through when they reach someone. Check out claimyr.com - there's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Interesting, never heard of that before. Did it actually work for you?

Yeah it was great! Got through in like 20 minutes instead of calling all day. The agent was able to explain exactly how they calculated my benefit amount.

That's really helpful to know about the tax withholding option. Did you have any trouble getting through to file your initial claim?

Yeah, the phone lines are brutal. Took me three days of calling before I could get through to complete my claim. The online system kept kicking me out.

You'll need to look at your specific quarterly earnings to know for sure. Log into your Washington ESD account and check your monetary determination once you file your claim. That will show exactly how much you qualify for.

I haven't filed yet - should I do that online or over the phone?

Definitely file online at esd.wa.gov. It's much faster than trying to call and you can do it 24/7.

Good luck getting through to them! I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my claim status and can never get past the busy signal.

yeah their phone system is garbage, takes forever to reach anyone

What counts as a job search activity? Is applying online enough or do I need to do other stuff too?

Online applications count, but you can also attend job fairs, networking events, interviews, or even informational interviews. Just keep good records of everything in case they audit your job search log.

They adjust the maximum benefit amount every year based on the state's average weekly wage. The $999 maximum is for 2025.

damn wish i had known that when i was on unemployment last year lol

Good point, I totally forgot unemployment is taxable income.

Yes you can elect to have federal taxes withheld when you file your weekly claims. State of Washington doesn't have income tax so no worries there.

This is getting complicated. Is there an easier way to estimate what I might get without doing all this math?

Washington ESD has a benefit calculator on their website but it's not always accurate. Your best bet is to just file the claim and they'll tell you your exact amount.

I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for days about my benefit calculation and can't get through. The phone system is impossible. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there?

Good point, I didn't think about taxes. How much should I expect to pay in taxes on unemployment benefits?

Depends on your tax bracket, but I'd estimate around 20-25% between federal and state taxes. You can have 10% federal withheld automatically when you file your weekly claims.

3 weeks?? Why so long?

something about verifying my identity and then my claim went into adjudication for no reason

That makes way more sense! $500 a week would definitely help while I'm job searching.

Just remember you have to be actively looking for work and documenting your job search activities. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. They handle all the calling and wait times for you. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Never heard of that but I'm desperate at this point. Regular calling just isn't working.

6 weeks?! That's crazy. What's taking so long with your claim?

Something about verifying my separation reason with my employer. I was laid off due to budget cuts but Washington ESD wants documentation from HR.

Adjudication delays are brutal right now. I waited 8 weeks for mine to clear last year.

What's the difference between standard base period and alternative base period?

Standard base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed. Alternative base period uses the last 4 completed quarters if you don't have enough wages in the standard period.

this is why I hate dealing with Washington ESD - too many confusing rules and periods. just tell me how much I get!

I feel your frustration. Have you tried requesting a detailed benefit computation? You can ask for that and they'll send you a breakdown.

How do I request that? Through the website or do I have to call?

You can request it through your online account under 'correspondence' or call them. Though calling might be easier said than done.

Interesting, never heard of that before. Is it legit or is there a catch?

It's legitimate - they just handle the calling part so you don't have to sit on hold for hours. Pretty straightforward service.

I was skeptical at first too but honestly it saved me so much time and frustration trying to reach Washington ESD.

Is that legitimate? I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point but don't want to get scammed.

Yeah it's legit, they just handle the calling part for you so you don't have to sit on hold. I was able to get my benefit amount clarified the same day.

Interesting, I might have to check that out. Been trying to reach someone about my adjudication for weeks.

Is this legit? I'm desperate at this point but don't want to get scammed.

It's totally legitimate. I was skeptical too but they actually got me through to Washington ESD in like 2 hours when I'd been trying for weeks on my own.

Never heard of this but might be worth trying. The Washington ESD phone system is absolutely broken.

Boeing layoffs are rough, sorry you went through that.

Thanks, it worked out okay in the end. The severance helped bridge the gap while waiting for unemployment to kick in.

might have to try that, im getting desperate trying to reach them about my adjudication

Yeah definitely try it, especially if you've been stuck in adjudication. That's exactly the kind of situation where you need to talk to an actual person at Washington ESD.

Good to know about the timing. I was planning to file tomorrow which is Monday.

You can try Monday but if the site is slow or timing out, wait until Tuesday morning.

How do I file the weekly claim? Is it the same website where I file my initial application?

Yeah, same site. Once your claim is processed you'll see a link to file your weekly claim. Just answer the questions honestly about any work you did or money you earned that week.

You can also use the online calculator on the Washington ESD website to get an estimate of your benefits before filing.

Where is this calculator? I've looked all over their site and can't find it.

Yes, Washington ESD provides a dependency allowance of $25 per week for each dependent child up to 5 children, so maximum additional $125/week.

Good to know! That could help with my situation since I have 3 kids.

How long does it usually take to get the first payment after filing?

If there are no issues with your claim, typically 2-3 weeks for the first payment. But if it goes into adjudication, could be much longer.

Good point. So if I get $500 per week, my maximum total would be $500 x 26 = $13,000?

Exactly. And remember you'll need to file your weekly claims every week to keep getting payments.

The complexity comes from federal requirements and ensuring people get the maximum benefits they're entitled to. The alternative base period actually helps more people qualify.

yeah but it shouldn't take a PhD to figure out your own benefit amount

I tried that but it kept asking for quarters and base periods that I don't really understand. Guess I'll just file and see what happens.

Your base period is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you're filing now, it would be Q1 2024 through Q4 2024.

Good point. What counts as a job search activity? Just applications or other stuff too?

Applications, networking events, job fairs, informational interviews, even some online training courses can count. You need to document everything in WorkSourceWA.

That's helpful! So they're not looking at my most recent work necessarily, but the calendar quarters?

Exactly. Sometimes your most recent work isn't in the base period, which can be confusing for people.

This is why I got confused when I first applied. I thought they'd use my last few months of work but it was actually from earlier in the year.

Good point, I wasn't sure about that. So even like 10 hours of work needs to be reported?

yep, any earnings over $5 per week need to be reported on your weekly claim

Actually it's any earnings period, not just over $5. But earnings under certain amounts won't reduce your weekly benefit.

Yeah I'm trying to be realistic about it. At least it'll cover some bills while I job hunt.

What if I do some freelance work? How do I report that?

Report it the week you earn it, not when you get paid. So if you do freelance work this week but don't get paid until next month, report it this week.

That's confusing. I thought you report when you actually receive the money?

Nope, it's when you earn it. The Washington ESD handbook explains this but it's buried in like page 20 of their PDF.

What kind of issues did you have with the benefit calculation?

They were using the wrong base period somehow. Took the agent about 5 minutes to fix it once I got through.

That matches what others have said. Sounds like I'll be in that $400-500 range.

Don't forget you can collect for up to 26 weeks in most cases, longer if you qualify for extended benefits.

How many jobs do I need to apply to each week?

i think its 3 job search activities per week but check the requirements when you file

It's actually 3 job search activities per week and they have to be documented in WorkSourceWA. Activities can include applying for jobs, networking, attending job fairs, etc.

That's smart. I should dig up my pay stubs from last quarter.

Or you can request a wage and benefit statement from Washington ESD once you file your claim. Shows all your reported wages by quarter.

This is confusing... what if I started a new job 6 months ago that paid way more than my previous job?

Then your base period might not include those higher earnings, which could mean a lower benefit amount. Washington ESD has an alternate base period option in some cases.

Good point. So if I get a part-time job making $200/week, they'd deduct $195 from my unemployment?

Exactly. You get to keep the first $5, then they deduct the rest dollar-for-dollar from your weekly benefit amount.

Good point! I didn't think about taxes. Is it better to have them withheld or pay later?

Depends on your situation, but I usually recommend having them withheld so you don't get hit with a big tax bill later.

Wait, there are job search requirements? No one mentioned that when I was reading about filing.

Yeah it's part of being able and available for work. You have to actively look for employment and document it.

The job search thing is such a pain. Like we're not already trying to find work, now we have to prove it with paperwork.

I want to get an idea before I file so I know what to expect financially. Some of us like to plan ahead.

Actually it's smart to estimate beforehand especially if you're worried about making ends meet during unemployment.

Seems like Claimyr is really popular here. Might have to try it if I run into issues.

I was hesitant about using a third party service but honestly Washington ESD's phone system is just broken. Sometimes you gotta do what works.

That's a good point. I did get a raise about 6 months ago so hopefully that's included in my base period.

If you got the raise 6 months ago it should definitely be in your base period. The base period lag is usually about 3-6 months.

Washington ESD uses the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, they'd look at quarters from October 2023 through September 2024.

That's helpful but also weird that they don't use more recent earnings. What if you got a big raise recently?

There's an alternate base year calculation if your recent quarters would give you a higher benefit amount. You have to specifically request it though.

Good to know! I don't have kids but that's helpful info for others reading this.

Wait really? I have two kids and never knew about dependent benefits. How do you claim that?

You report your dependents when you file your initial claim. Make sure you have their social security numbers ready.

Yes, overtime wages count toward your benefit calculation. All wages reported to Washington ESD are included.

sweet, that should help my weekly amount then

That range sounds reasonable and would definitely help me budget. Thanks for the realistic estimate!

Keep in mind you'll also need to pay taxes on unemployment benefits. A lot of people forget about that and get surprised at tax time.

I know right? It's like they make it difficult on purpose.

The requirements exist to prevent fraud and make sure benefits go to people who are actually unemployed and looking for work. It's annoying but it protects the system.

How many job searches do you need to do each week?

It's typically 3 job search activities per week, but check your specific requirements when you file your claim.

And make sure to keep detailed records of your job searches. Washington ESD can audit you and ask for proof.

This happened to me! I worked construction so my wages were all over the place. Had to talk to someone at Washington ESD to get it sorted out.

How did you manage to get through to them? I've been trying for weeks.

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Totally worth it to actually talk to a real person instead of waiting on hold forever.

I've only been unemployed 2 weeks so I should be okay. Planning to file this week.

good plan. even if you think you might find something quickly its better to have the benefits available

That's exactly what happened to me. The early morning rush is the worst because everyone tries calling right when they open.

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - it handles all that calling frustration for you. Worth checking out their demo video if you're tired of getting hung up on.

Oh no, I didn't think about taxes. How much should I expect to owe?

Unemployment benefits are taxed as regular income. You can have 10% federal tax withheld when you certify for benefits, or pay quarterly estimated taxes.

I've only had the one retail job for the past two years, so hopefully that makes it straightforward.

Agreed! Every state seems to do it differently too which makes it even more confusing if you've moved around.

At least Washington state has decent benefit amounts compared to some other states. Could be worse.

I feel your pain. Have you tried filing an appeal or requesting a hearing if your claim was denied?

cant even get far enough to know what to appeal. claim just says pending adjudication with no explanation

Thank you for the specific formula! That's much clearer than the general explanations I found online.

Wait, I thought it was your highest quarter divided by 26? Now I'm confused about which calculation is correct.

You're thinking of a different formula. The current Washington ESD calculation uses the two highest quarters method I described.

Quickly?? My claim has been pending for over a month!

That's probably because there's an adjudication issue. Normal claims without complications usually get processed within a week or two.

Good to know! What kind of evidence would you need for an appeal?

Pay stubs, tax returns, anything that shows your actual wages. Sometimes Washington ESD doesn't have complete wage information from all your employers.

I have my final pay stub and the layoff email from HR. Is that enough?

That should be good to start with. They'll tell you if they need anything else. The key is having everything organized and ready to submit if they ask.

Ugh I didn't think about taxes. How much do they typically withhold?

Federal is 10% and Washington doesn't have state income tax, so just the 10% federal withholding if you elect it.

The waiting week was permanently eliminated in Washington. You can receive benefits starting with your first week of unemployment if you're eligible.

That's good news at least. One less thing to worry about.

How many jobs do I need to apply for each week? I want to make sure I stay compliant.

I believe it's 3 job search activities per week but check the Washington ESD website for the current requirements. They can change.

Really? I'm still skeptical about paying for something like that. How much did it cost?

Worth every penny compared to the stress of trying to reach them myself. The video demo explains it better than I can.

I used it too when I had an overpayment issue. Much easier than the traditional calling nightmare.

Glad it worked for you! I've used Claimyr a few times now when I needed to reach Washington ESD quickly. Much better than sitting on hold for hours.

might have to try that myself, still can't get through on the regular number

Yes, you can work part-time while collecting unemployment but you must report all earnings on your weekly claim. Washington ESD will reduce your benefit amount based on how much you earn.

Do you know the threshold? Like how much can I earn before it affects my benefits?

There's no threshold - any earnings get reported and they'll reduce your benefits accordingly. It's not dollar-for-dollar though, so you can still come out ahead.

Good to know! I'll make sure to pick a consistent day and stick to it.

Speaking of weekly claims, if you ever have issues with the online system, that's another situation where Claimyr helped me get through to someone who could process my claim over the phone.

How do I check if my wages were reported correctly?

When you file your claim, Washington ESD will send you a monetary determination that shows all the wages they have on file. Compare that to your pay stubs to make sure everything matches.

Good to know there's a total cap too. Hopefully I won't need anywhere near 26 weeks to find something.

Job market is tough right now though. Better to know what you're entitled to just in case.

Thanks everyone for all the help! This has been super informative. I'm going to file my claim online tonight and see what happens.

Good luck! And remember if you run into any issues reaching Washington ESD by phone, there are services like Claimyr that can help you get through to an actual person instead of wasting hours on hold.

I'll definitely keep that in mind. Hopefully I won't need to call them but it's good to know there are options if I get stuck.

That's close to what I'm hoping for! Did you have any issues with the initial calculation?

nope, it was automatic. took about a week to get my first determination letter

That's good to know they increase the amounts. Helps with cost of living.

Yes, all wages reported to Washington ESD count including overtime, bonuses, and commissions. As long as your employer reported it and paid unemployment taxes on it.

awesome, that should boost my benefit amount then since I had tons of OT in Q3

Washington has one of the higher maximum benefit amounts in the country. The calculation method ensures higher earners get adequate replacement income.

You're welcome! Just remember to file as soon as possible if you do lose your job - benefits start from the week you file, not when you lost your job.

and don't wait to file thinking you might find work quickly. you can always stop claiming if you get a job right away

I'll keep that in mind. Better to get accurate info than guess about something this important.

What happens if you get an overpayment notice? Can you appeal those?

Yes you can appeal, but it's better to just report everything upfront. They'll reduce your weekly benefit by the amount you earned over $5.

Quality review can take weeks unfortunately. Have you tried contacting your local WorkSource office? Sometimes they can help expedite things.

I had the same issue and ended up using Claimyr to get through to an actual person at Washington ESD. They were able to explain what was holding up my payments and got it resolved within a few days.

You can get partial unemployment if your hours were reduced. Washington ESD has specific rules about how much you can earn and still receive partial benefits.

That's good to know. I wasn't sure if it was all or nothing.

They actually do have a benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website, but it's not always easy to find. Look under 'Estimate Your Benefits' in the unemployment section.

Found it, thanks! Though it's asking for quarterly wage information that I don't have memorized.

That's really helpful data point, thanks! Did you have any issues with the weekly claims or was it pretty straightforward?

Weekly claims are easy once you get the hang of it. Just answer the same questions every week about your job search and any income.

How do you request a redetermination? Is there a specific form?

You can do it online through your eServices account or call Washington ESD. Just explain that you think your wages weren't calculated correctly and provide documentation.

Glad you got it sorted out! How long did it take to get through on the phone?

About 2 hours of calling. I got lucky and got through around 2pm on a Wednesday.

Congrats on getting through! For anyone else still struggling with the phone lines, definitely check out that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. Would have saved you those 2 hours of calling.

Job search activities include more than just applications. You can count networking events, job fairs, interviews, skills training, etc. Keep detailed records in your job search log.

That's reassuring. I was thinking it was just applications which seemed excessive.

Thanks everyone for all the info! This thread has been super helpful. I'm definitely going to file my claim this week.

Good luck! Just be patient with the process and keep all your documentation organized.