How much unemployment do you get in Washington state weekly?

That's helpful but I'm not sure what my highest quarter was. Do they tell you that when you file your claim?

Yes, when you complete your initial claim on the Washington ESD website, they'll show you your wage history and calculate your weekly benefit amount automatically.

How long did the adjudication take? I'm worried about filing because I heard it can take weeks to get approved.

mine took like 5 weeks but i think thats because i had some issues with my work separation. most people probably get approved faster

So if I only worked part time for most of last year, I might not qualify at all?

Not necessarily. As long as you earned at least $5,265 total in your base year and meet the other requirements, you should qualify. The amount just might be lower than someone who worked full time.

I was part time too and got $298 a week so you might still qualify for something

Never heard of that before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It worked for me. I was trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about my adjudication status and couldn't get through. Used Claimyr and got connected to an agent within a few hours. Worth it when you need answers.

I might try that if I can't figure out my benefit amount online. The Washington ESD calculator is confusing.

Under review usually means they're verifying your work history and separation reason. It's normal but frustrating when you need the money.

I just wish they would give some kind of timeline. I don't know if I should look for work or wait for this to go through.

That's correct. Washington provides dependency allowances of $25 per week for each dependent child under 18, up to 5 dependents maximum.

I don't have any kids so I guess I won't get that extra money.

I didn't quit, my hours just got cut to like 8 hours a week. Is that considered being laid off?

Significant reduction in hours can qualify you for partial unemployment benefits. You'd need to report any wages you earn each week when you file your weekly claim.

What counts as a job contact? Does applying online count or do you have to actually talk to someone?

online applications count but you need to keep detailed records. employer name, date, position, contact info. i use the worksourcewa website to track mine

The WorkSourceWA job log is the best way to track your job search activities. Washington ESD integrates with that system for verification.

How much does that service cost? I'm already broke which is why I need unemployment.

I don't want to discuss pricing here but for me it was worth it to get accurate information instead of guessing and potentially messing up my claim.

I didn't know that! So if I get $400 a week, I should have them take out $40 for taxes?

The 10% is just for federal taxes. You might still owe state taxes depending on your total income for the year.

I understand the frustration. The system is complex but once you get through the initial filing and approval process, the weekly claims are pretty straightforward.

hang in there, it gets easier once you figure out the routine

I tried the calculator but it asked for information I don't have. Guess I'll just have to file and see what happens.

That's probably your best bet. The automated system will pull your wage information from employer reports and calculate everything for you.

Wait, you have to file every week? I thought you just filed once and then they send you money.

no you have to certify every week that youre still unemployed and looking for work. its called filing your weekly claim

Weekly claims are due by 6 PM on the day shown in your eServices account. Usually it's the same day each week based on the last digit of your SSN.

I've only worked in Washington so that shouldn't be an issue for me.

I might need to look into that. I've been trying to call for days and can't get through.

same here, the phone system is terrible

So I have to wait two weeks before getting any money at all?

If everything goes smoothly, yes. But if your claim goes into adjudication it could be much longer.

The waiting week is waived in certain circumstances like mass layoffs, but for most individual claims you'll have the one-week waiting period.

Good luck! Make sure you have all your employer information ready when you file - company names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation.

hope it goes smoothly for you! file early in the week if you can, seems like the system is less busy then

Let us know how it goes. I'm still waiting to hear back on my claim.

That's a good point. I should probably use this time productively instead of just sitting around waiting for benefits.

Good to know. I definitely want to get paid as fast as possible once I'm approved.

yeah i had to pay back money because i didnt report some odd jobs i did. they eventually find out everything

I'll make sure to report everything. The last thing I need is to owe them money back.