How much unemployment do you get from Washington ESD?

Thanks! So if my highest quarter was like $6,500, I'd get around $250 per week?

That's right, but there's also a minimum and maximum. The max weekly benefit in 2025 is $999 and minimum is $295.

Did you have to wait long for your first payment after filing?

still waiting actually, they said it can take up to 2 weeks for the first payment if there's no issues with your claim

Never heard of this service before. Is it legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days about my benefit amount.

Yeah it's legitimate, I used it when my claim was stuck in adjudication. Way better than sitting on hold all day.

Sounds too good to be true but I'm desperate at this point. Washington ESD phone system is impossible.

How do you check if your wages were reported correctly?

You can see your wage history in your eServices account on the Washington ESD website. Compare it to your pay stubs to make sure everything matches.

6 weeks is definitely too long. Have you tried contacting them about the delay?

TRIED CALLING HUNDREDS OF TIMES. Never get through. This is ridiculous.

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. When I was stuck in adjudication hell, they got me connected to someone who could actually help.

Good point, I'll make sure to do that. Do you file online or by phone?

online is way easier, the phone system for weekly claims is always busy too

That's confusing. So even if my highest quarter qualifies me for benefits, I might not get approved?

Exactly. Both conditions have to be met. It's to make sure you had substantial work history, not just one good quarter.

This happened to my friend who worked seasonal jobs. Had one really good quarter but didn't meet the total earnings requirement.

Yes, you can appeal any determination within 30 days. Don't worry too much about the calculations - Washington ESD will do them automatically when you file.

Thanks, that makes me feel a bit better. Just scared of making a mistake and losing benefits.

What about 1099 work? Does that count toward your base period?

No, 1099 income doesn't count for regular unemployment benefits. Only W-2 wages from employers who pay into the UI system.

Totally agree. I spent hours trying to understand the benefit calculator on their site.

This is why services like Claimyr exist. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to get clear answers.

Good to know! How much do they typically withhold for taxes?

It's 10% federal withholding if you elect it. Washington state doesn't have income tax so no state withholding.

Yes, part-time work affects your weekly benefit. They have a partial benefit formula - you can earn up to a certain amount before it reduces your UI payment.

thanks, i'll look into the partial benefit rules before taking any shifts

EXACTLY! Its like they hope people will just give up and not apply.

I get the frustration but remember that unemployment insurance is there for people who qualify. Don't let the process discourage you from applying if you're eligible.

That's encouraging! Maybe I'm overthinking this whole thing.

Yeah, as long as your employment history is straightforward, it should be pretty automatic.

No, your weekly benefit amount stays the same throughout your benefit year. What changes is how many weeks you can collect - that's based on your total base period wages.

Good to know, thanks for clarifying that!

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

It's usually 3 job search activities per week, but check your specific requirements in your account.

Maximum is usually 26 weeks in Washington, but it depends on your base period wages. Lower earners might get fewer weeks.

thanks, i'll check my determination letter to see what my max is

Military service might qualify for Unemployment Compensation for Ex-servicemembers (UCX). It's similar to regular UI but has different rules.

I'll look into that, thanks for the info!

You're right, I think I've been overthinking this. Going to file my claim this weekend. Thanks everyone for all the helpful info!

Good luck with your claim! Hope it goes smoothly.