How much unemployment money will I get from Washington ESD - need to know weekly benefit amount

That's helpful! How do I know what my highest quarter was? I started this job in March 2024 so I'm not sure if I have enough work history.

You need earnings in at least 2 quarters of your base period. Since you worked 8 months, you should qualify. Check your wage statement when you file your claim to see your quarterly earnings.

What's the difference between standard and alternate base period? This is all so confusing.

Standard uses quarters 2-5 before you file. Alternate uses quarters 1-4 before you file. So it includes more recent work if you just started a job recently like you did.

Never heard of that service. How does it work exactly? I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for days.

Basically they handle the calling for you and get you connected to an agent. Way better than sitting on hold for hours just to get disconnected.

Sounds sketchy to me. Why would you need a service to make a phone call?

Yeah I'm worried it won't be enough. Was hoping it would be closer to what I was making at work.

UI is only meant to replace part of your income, not all of it. That's why they encourage you to keep looking for work actively.

Ugh that's awful. What kind of job separation issues are they claiming?

They think I quit instead of getting laid off even though I have the layoff letter. Washington ESD is just looking for reasons to deny claims.

You should definitely appeal if you have documentation. Don't let them get away with that.

That would actually be pretty decent! Hopefully you're right about that estimate.

Don't count on it being that high. Washington ESD always finds ways to pay less than you expect.

How much does that service cost? I might try it if it's not too expensive.

It's worth it just to avoid the headache of trying to get through on your own. Check out their demo video to see how it works.

What counts as job search activities? Just applying for jobs online?

Job applications, networking events, job fairs, informational interviews. Keep detailed records because Washington ESD audits job search logs randomly.

And make sure you register with WorkSource! That's required too and a lot of people forget about it.

So true! The application process alone is intimidating enough to scare people away.

That's why services like Claimyr exist - to help people navigate the bureaucracy and actually get the help they're entitled to.

2-3 weeks?! I was hoping to get money sooner than that. I have bills due next week.

Unfortunately that's normal processing time. You might want to look into emergency assistance programs while you wait.

And remember you won't get paid for the first week anyway due to the waiting week requirement.

Yeah their website is terrible. Half the links don't work and it crashes constantly.

Which is another reason why talking to an actual agent is so important. Too bad they make it nearly impossible to reach them by phone.

Oh great, another thing to worry about. How much do they typically withhold for taxes?

I think it's 10% federal withholding. Washington doesn't have state income tax so that's not an issue here.

What's the minimum you can get? I only worked part-time so I'm worried I won't qualify for much.

Minimum is $295 per week for 2025. As long as you meet the earnings requirements you'll get at least that much.

I've tried calling at all hours and still can't get through. Going to check out that Claimyr thing.

Same here. Spent 4 hours yesterday trying to reach them with no luck.