How much unemployment pay can I get from Washington ESD in 2025?

Thanks! So if I made $52k last year, what would that work out to roughly?

Around $385-$400 per week probably, but it depends on how your earnings were distributed across the quarters.

Wait I thought it was based on your total earnings for the whole base year?

No, it's specifically your highest earning quarter divided by 13. The total base year wages determine your maximum benefit duration though.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com - they basically call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to an agent. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true honestly.

Yeah I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Got through in like 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own.

So if I file in January 2025, my base year would be Q1 2023 through Q4 2023?

Actually if you file in January 2025, your base year would likely be Q3 2023 through Q2 2024, since they need completed quarters.

It's designed to capture a longer period of your work history rather than just your most recent job, which theoretically gives a more stable picture of your earnings.

I guess that makes sense but it's still annoying when you're trying to budget

Good to know - so I could do some gig work without it affecting my benefits as long as I stay under that threshold?

Exactly, but you have to report ALL earnings when you file your weekly claim, even if it's just $10.

The $999 is the standard maximum for regular unemployment benefits. There might be different amounts for things like standby benefits for union workers, but regular UI caps at $999.

Yeah I'm on standby and my amount is different, calculated based on my union scale wages.

Where is that calculator? I couldn't find it when I was looking around their site.

It's under the 'Before You Apply' section I think, but honestly their website navigation is terrible.

26 weeks seems like not very long if you're having trouble finding work in your field.

Yeah it goes by fast. That's why it's important to start your job search right away and keep good records for your weekly claims.

That helps give me a ballpark - sounds like I might get somewhere in the low $400s too.

Did you have any issues with your claim or did it go through smoothly?

Pretty smooth, though it took about 2 weeks to get my first payment after filing.

What counts as a job search contact? Just applying online or do you need to do other stuff too?

Online applications count, but you can also do things like attend job fairs, networking events, or contact employers directly about potential openings.

How do you find out if they contested it?

Washington ESD will send you a notice if there's a dispute. Then you might have to go through adjudication or even a hearing.

This is where services like Claimyr really help - when you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about adjudication issues or contested claims. Much easier than trying to get through on your own.

Good point - I didn't think about that. Do they automatically withhold or do you have to request it?

you have to request it, they'll take out 10% for federal taxes if you want

Yeah I had wages from Oregon too and it took like 6 weeks to sort everything out.

Interstate claims are always more complicated. At least Washington ESD has agreements with most other states to share wage information.

The formula is confusing but basically if you earn more than 1/4 of your weekly benefit amount, they start reducing your benefits.

Right, and if you earn more than your weekly benefit amount plus $5, you get nothing for that week.

You can request a redetermination if you think there's an error. You'll need to provide documentation of your wages though.

I tried using Claimyr to get through to someone about a calculation issue and they were able to connect me to an agent who could review my case. Definitely worth trying.

Thanks, I'll check that out. Getting through on the phone has been impossible.

That's good to know. So once they determine my $400 or whatever, that's what I'll get each week?

Exactly, as long as you meet all the other requirements for that week (job search, reporting earnings, etc.

Perfect, that gives me a realistic expectation. Thanks everyone for all the helpful info!

No problem! The Washington ESD system is confusing but once you understand the basics it makes more sense.