How much unemployment will I get from Washington ESD - calculation help needed

Thanks! How do I figure out what my highest quarter was? I started this job in March 2024 so I'm not sure which quarters count.

Your base period is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed. So if you filed in January 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through December 2024. You can see your quarterly wages on your Washington ESD account once you file.

Thanks! What's the base period exactly? I'm so confused by all these terms.

Base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed. So if you filed in January 2025, it would be January 2024 through September 2024.

I definitely worked more than 680 hours, been working full-time since March. Good point about gross vs net pay.

Wait, is it really 680 hours? I thought it was different wage requirements, not just hours.

You're right, there are multiple ways to qualify. You need either 680 hours OR earn 390 times the minimum wage in your base period. Most people qualify through the wage requirement.

That would actually be really helpful if I could get around $350-400. Better than I was expecting honestly.

Good to know about gross vs net wages. I would have definitely messed that up.

Wait, I've been trying to call Washington ESD for three days to ask about my benefit amount and can't get through. Is there a better way to reach them? The phone just rings forever or hangs up.

I actually found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. It basically handles the calling for you and connects you when an agent is available.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr that actually gets you through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. It's way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

It's worth checking out their site for details. I was skeptical too but after spending 20+ hours trying to reach someone myself, I gave it a shot and actually got through to an agent who answered all my questions about my claim.

26 weeks should hopefully be enough time to find something new. Thanks for the info!

Actually it might be less than 26 weeks depending on the unemployment rate. Right now I think it's around 24 weeks but I'm not 100% sure.

Good point, I hadn't thought about taxes. Do you know what percentage they withhold if you choose that option?

I think it's 10% federal withholding. Washington state doesn't have income tax so you don't need to worry about state withholding.

I get the frustration, but the calculation method is actually designed to be fair based on what you actually earned. It's just complex because everyone's work history is different.

fair point but still annoying when you just want a quick answer

That range makes sense based on what I was earning. Hopefully I'll be on the higher end since I was making decent money.

The calculation is the same for everyone - highest quarter divided by 26. If you made $58k annually, your quarterly average would be around $14,500, so you'd probably get close to $557/week.

Oh wow, I didn't even think about taxes. Should I have them withhold taxes from my benefits?

I'd recommend it unless you're good about setting money aside. The withholding is 10% for federal taxes.

That's encouraging! Did you have any issues with the initial claim process?

Pretty smooth actually. Just make sure you file your weekly claims on time and keep track of your job search activities.

I already filed yesterday, just waiting for them to process it. How long does it usually take to get the first payment?

Usually 2-3 weeks if there are no issues with your claim. You'll need to file weekly claims every week to get paid, even while your initial claim is processing.

And don't forget about the waiting week! Washington ESD has a one-week waiting period before benefits start, so your first payable week is actually your second week of unemployment.

That's helpful to know! Did you have any issues with your claim or was it pretty straightforward?

Mine went through without any problems. Just make sure you answer all the questions accurately when you file your weekly claims. The job search requirement is 3 contacts per week right now.

Adjudication means they're reviewing something about your claim - could be your separation reason, wages, or identity verification. You should get a letter explaining what they need.

I was stuck in adjudication for a month last year. Turned out they needed verification of my identity. Try calling them to see what's holding up your claim.

calling is impossible, their phone system is garbage. might try that claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier

Where do I find that letter in my account? I see a bunch of different sections but nothing that says monetary determination.

It should be under 'Correspondence' or 'Letters' section. Sometimes it takes a few days after filing to show up.

Yes! I used Claimyr last month when I couldn't get through about my adjudication issue. It actually worked - they called me back within a few hours and I got connected to an agent who helped me sort everything out.

Really? That's amazing. I'll check it out right now.

With my wages over 2 years I should definitely meet that requirement. Thanks for the heads up though!

Definitely! I'm already updating my resume and looking at online courses. This layoff might actually be a good opportunity to pivot my career.

WorkSource has some good free training programs too. Worth checking out if you want to add skills while you're looking.

Good to know! I was wondering about that since I heard conflicting information.

What counts as a job search contact? Just applying for jobs or other things too?

Applications, networking events, job fairs, contacting employers directly, working with recruiters - lots of things count. Just keep detailed records.

Yes, overtime counts! They use your total gross wages reported to Washington ESD, which includes overtime, bonuses, commissions, etc.

Great, that should help my benefit amount then. I put in probably 15-20 hours of overtime every week that quarter.

That's not very encouraging... Are there common issues I should watch out for?

just make sure all your information is accurate and consistent. any discrepancies can trigger an adjudication hold

Good to know. I wasn't planning to work but if I pick up some freelance work I'll make sure to report it.

They deduct your earnings from your benefit dollar for dollar after the first $5. So if you earn $100 in a week, they'll reduce your benefit by $95.

I feel your frustration but losing your temper won't help. The system is overwhelmed but most claims do get processed eventually.

Eventually isn't good enough when people have bills to pay! This is people's livelihoods we're talking about.

I get it, but getting angry at the workers who are trying to help doesn't solve anything. The underfunding and understaffing is a policy problem, not a front-line worker problem.

They include wages from ALL employers that reported to Washington ESD. So yes, your part-time job wages would be included in your quarterly totals.

Perfect, that should bump up my benefit amount a bit then. Thanks for the clarification!

How do you request that? Is there a form or do you have to call?

I think there's a form on the Washington ESD website, but calling might be faster if you can get through. That's where that Claimyr service might actually be useful.

Yeah, I'm already looking at what I can cut. Unemployment definitely won't cover all my expenses but hopefully it'll be enough to get by.

That's about right for $70k - sounds like your calculation worked out correctly. It's supposed to replace about 50% of your income, not 100%.

What exactly do I need to document? Just applications I submit or other activities too?

Applications, networking events, job fairs, informational interviews, etc. Keep detailed records with dates, company names, and contact information. They want to see you're making a genuine effort to find work.

What if the job pays way less than what I was making? Do I have to take it?

Early in your unemployment, you can be more selective. But after several weeks, you may be required to accept jobs that pay less than your previous position. The exact rules are complex so check with Washington ESD if you're unsure about a specific situation.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! This thread has been way more useful than the Washington ESD website.

Agreed! Real experiences from people who've been through it are always more valuable than official government explanations.

That's really helpful coming from someone who worked there! Any other insider tips?

File your weekly claims early in the week, keep detailed job search records, and respond to any requests for information immediately. Those are the biggest things.

What documentation did you need beyond the basic application?

Just make sure you have your Social Security card, ID, and employment history with dates and wages. Bank info for direct deposit too.

Good point! I might look for part-time work while I search for something full-time.

Thanks for the update! I tried it yesterday and got connected within 2 hours. Finally got my benefit calculation sorted out.

Yeah, I'm definitely not in the high wage category. Sounds like I should expect something in the middle range.

That's good to know for budgeting purposes. Thanks everyone for all the helpful information!

Thanks! I feel much more prepared now after reading everyone's advice.