How much unemployment will I get if I make $350 a week in Washington?

I've been working this job for about 8 months now, so I should have enough quarters. Just wasn't sure how they calculate the actual amount.

The minimum weekly benefit in Washington is $295 if you qualify. Your current weekly pay doesn't directly determine your UI amount - it's based on your earnings history.

So if I made about $4,550 in my highest quarter (13 weeks x $350), I'd get around $175 per week? That seems really low.

Actually, since that would be below the minimum, you'd get the minimum of $295 per week if you qualify. Washington ESD has that floor to help low-wage workers.

Wait, that doesn't sound right. If their highest quarter earnings don't support the minimum benefit amount, they might not qualify at all.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already worried about money if I lose my job.

It was worth it for me to avoid the endless busy signals and getting hung up on. Much easier than trying to call Washington ESD yourself during peak hours.

Never heard of that service but honestly anything that helps with the Washington ESD phone nightmare sounds helpful. Their call system is terrible.

The benefit amounts are based on what you and your employer paid into the system through unemployment taxes. It's not meant to fully replace your income.

Well it's not even close to replacing anything meaningful. And good luck actually getting through to them to file your weekly claims or ask questions.

I feel you on the phone issues. The system is overwhelmed and understaffed.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying to jobs or other stuff too?

Applications, networking events, job fairs, informational interviews, skills assessments. Check the WorkSource website for the full list of approved activities.

Make sure you're logging everything properly. I got dinged for not having enough detail in my job search records during an audit.

I worked full-time before this job though. Does that count toward my base year?

Yes, Washington ESD looks at your earnings from the last 5 quarters. Your base year includes your best 4 quarters of earnings, so previous jobs definitely count.

That's the key point - it's not just about your current job. They look at your entire earnings history within the base year period.

No waiting week in Washington anymore. That was eliminated several years ago. You can get benefits starting with your first week of unemployment if you're eligible.

oh good thats one less thing to worry about

Did you have any issues with the weekly claim filing? I keep hearing horror stories about the website crashing.

The website worked fine for me but I always filed on Tuesday mornings. Weekends and Monday mornings seem to be when it gets overloaded.

Pro tip - file your weekly claims early in the week and early in the day. The system is much more stable then.

I doubt I'll get severance from a part-time retail job, but good to know.

Even vacation payout can sometimes affect your claim. Just something to be aware of when you file.

That makes sense. I'll file right away and see what happens. Thanks everyone for the help!

Yeah don't wait. Even if the amount is low, something is better than nothing while you're job hunting.

Good to know there are options if I run into problems. The whole process seems pretty complicated.

It's not too bad once you get started. The hardest part is usually just getting answers when you have questions.

Yeah I'm getting laid off, not fired or quitting. Should be fine on that front.

Perfect. Layoffs are usually straightforward for eligibility. Just make sure you have your employer info ready when you file.

How detailed do the records need to be? Like what specific information?

Company name, position applied for, date, method of contact, any follow-up. I keep a spreadsheet with everything.

I got audited last year and they wanted to see everything. Screenshots of applications, emails, contact info. They're thorough.

When did they increase it? I thought it had been $295 for a while now.

might be thinking of a different change, not sure on the exact dates

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind if I run into issues. Hopefully the online filing process goes smoothly.

The online filing is usually pretty straightforward. It's when you need to talk to someone that things get difficult.

That's about what I figured based on everyone's responses. Better than zero I guess.

Exactly. And don't forget you might be eligible for other assistance programs too while you're unemployed. Food assistance, utility help, etc.