How much unemployment will I get if I make $600 a week - Washington ESD calculation help

Thanks! So it's based on quarterly earnings not just weekly pay. That makes more sense now.

Wait, I thought it was 4% of your highest quarter? Or is that the old rate?

Wait, $790 seems really high for making $600/week? That would be more than I make working.

You're right to question that - I may have miscalculated. Let me double check the Washington ESD formula.

That's still pretty good! I was worried it would be way less than that.

Don't forget you have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits too, so budget for that.

Thanks! So it's based on quarters not just my current wage? I wasn't sure how that worked.

Yeah the base period calculation can be confusing. You need at least $1,000 in your highest quarter to qualify at all.

How does that work exactly? Do they just keep calling for you?

Yeah basically they handle the calling and waiting, then connect you when they get through to a real person. Saved me hours of frustration.

Half pay is about what I expected. Better than nothing for sure.

The key is to file as soon as possible after losing your job to avoid delays in getting payments.

That makes way more sense! So it's about half of what I currently make weekly.

Yeah that sounds about right. I was making around $650/week and got $310 in benefits when I was laid off last year.

Good to know about the part-time work reduction. I might pick up some gig work if I get laid off.

Just make sure to report ALL earnings when you file your weekly claims, even small amounts. Washington ESD will find out anyway and overpayments are a nightmare to deal with.

I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and actually got me connected.

Interesting, I'll check that out. Getting real answers about benefit amounts would be helpful before I actually need to file.

That's pretty close to what the other person estimated. Did you have any issues with the application process?

Not really, just took a few days to get approved. Make sure you have all your employer info ready when you file.

I had the same problem until I found claimyr.com - they help you get through to Washington ESD agents. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. It was a lifesaver for me.

Really? I've never heard of that. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

No it's legit, they basically call for you and navigate the phone system. I was able to talk to someone within a few hours instead of spending days trying.

Good point, I'll start gathering those documents now before I need them.

Also remember you need to be able and available for work, and actively seeking employment to maintain eligibility.

Good point. I've been pretty consistent with 40 hours/week for the past year and a half.

Also remember you'll have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits. They don't automatically withhold federal taxes unless you request it.

I tried that but got confused about which quarters to use. Do I use the most recent four quarters?

No, it's your 'base period' which is the first four of the last five completed quarters before you file. So there's usually a lag quarter that doesn't count.

Yeah their online tools aren't the most user-friendly. That's why talking to an actual person is often better for getting accurate estimates.

agreed, their website is terrible. everything takes forever to load and half the links dont work

Oh wow, I didn't know that. How much should I expect to pay in taxes on the benefits?

Depends on your total income for the year and tax bracket, but plan for at least 10-15% to be safe.

I don't have kids but good to know for future reference.

The dependent allowance is $25 per child up to 5 children, so maximum $125 extra per week if you qualify.

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

Job applications, networking contacts, career fairs, even some training activities. Check the WorkSourceWA website for the full list.

I learned this the hard way - they audited me after 6 months and I had to scramble to recreate my job search log from memory. Keep detailed records!

Yeah I've heard about that. Seems like a lot of hoops to jump through.

It's not too bad once you get into a routine. The job search log is online and you can submit it weekly with your claim.

The WorkSource registration is easy, just do it online. But make sure you keep good records of your job search activities.

There's no waiting week currently in Washington. You can receive benefits for the first week you're unemployed if you're otherwise eligible.

Thanks for clarifying! That's good news at least.

Adjudication can take forever, especially if there's any question about why you left your job. I waited 5 weeks for mine to clear.

This is ridiculous though. People need money to live and they're just sitting on claims for weeks.

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier when my claim was stuck in adjudication. The agent I talked to was able to explain exactly what was holding it up and what I needed to do.

What's standby exactly? Is that different from regular UI benefits?

Standby is when you're temporarily laid off but expected to return to the same job. You still file weekly claims but don't have to actively search for work.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr when I had adjudication issues. Finally got through to someone who could actually explain what was holding up my claim.

Maybe I should try that. This waiting around for months is killing me financially.

I'm hoping it won't come to that, but if I did need to file it would be due to layoffs, not quitting.

Layoffs are usually straightforward for eligibility. Just make sure you file as soon as possible after your last day of work.

That sounds really helpful. I might try that if I can't get through on my own.

How long did it take them to connect you with someone?

I was unemployed for about 6 months before this job, so I might not have enough earnings in my base period?

You need at least $1,000 in your highest quarter and total wages of at least 1.25 times your highest quarter to qualify. If you don't meet that you'll get denied.

If you don't qualify with the standard base period, Washington ESD can use an alternate base period which looks at more recent quarters. Worth asking about if you get denied.

You might be thinking of a different state's formula. Washington uses the highest quarter divided by 26 method I mentioned earlier.

Each state has different formulas. Washington's is definitely the quarterly method, not a percentage of weekly wages.

Good to know. Hopefully I won't need to find out, but it's helpful to understand all the implications.

That's a good point. I should check our employee handbook about severance policies.

Yeah, severance can delay your benefits in Washington. They consider it wages for the period it covers.

Good reminder to check for current rates. I'll make sure I'm looking at 2025 information.

The maximum benefit amount definitely went up this year compared to last year.

Interesting strategy. Though if I actually lose my job I probably can't afford to wait around for a better base period.

True, but Washington does allow you to request an alternate base period in some cases if it would result in higher benefits.

Oh wow, I didn't know about that. So even if approved, there's no payment for the first week?

Exactly. It's called a waiting week and you have to serve it before benefits start, even if you're approved immediately.

Thanks for the tip. I'll start gathering those documents just in case.

It's not about total earnings, it's about how they're distributed across quarters. You need specific minimum amounts in specific quarters.

This is so confusing! Why can't they just base it on your last few months of work like normal people would expect?

The quarterly system is designed to ensure you have substantial work history before collecting benefits. It prevents people from working just a few weeks and then collecting unemployment.

Yeah, that's exactly why I'm asking. Better to know ahead of time than scramble to figure it out if something happens.

Smart thinking. Hope you don't need to use the info, but good to be prepared.

Oh wow I didn't think about taxes. So if I get $230/week I won't actually get that much?

you get the full amount but you'll owe taxes on it next year. washington has no state income tax but you'll still owe federal taxes

When do you have to file the weekly claims? Is there a specific day?

You can file starting Sunday for the previous week and you have until the following Saturday. But don't wait - file as early as possible in case there are technical issues with the website.

The Washington ESD website crashes a lot on Sunday mornings when everyone tries to file at once. I always wait until Sunday afternoon or Monday.

The calculator is just an estimate anyway. Your actual benefit amount gets calculated when you file your claim based on your complete wage history.

I guess that makes sense but it's still frustrating when you're trying to plan your budget.

They use ALL your wages from the base period, not just your current job. So if you made less before, that could lower your overall benefit amount.

That seems unfair. Why shouldn't it be based on your most recent earnings?

The idea is to base benefits on your overall earnings pattern, not just a short period. Otherwise people could work a high-paying job for a few weeks and get benefits based on that.

26 weeks seems like a long time but I guess it goes by fast when you're job hunting.

It goes by faster than you think, especially if you're picky about jobs. Take whatever you can get even if it's not perfect.

Sometimes they extend benefits during recessions but don't count on it. The 26 weeks is all you're guaranteed.

I've only worked in Washington so that shouldn't apply to me.

Good, that makes it simpler. Multi-state claims can be a real headache to sort out.

True, I was just trying to get a rough idea for budgeting purposes in case I lose my job.

that makes sense. just remember to apply as soon as you lose your job since there's a waiting week before benefits start

Actually Washington eliminated the waiting week a few years ago. Benefits start with your first week of unemployment now.

Getting through to Washington ESD is definitely the worst part. I tried calling for 2 weeks straight before giving up and using that Claimyr service. Worth every penny to actually talk to someone.

Seems like a lot of people have had success with that service. I'll keep it in mind if I need to file a claim.

It's good to have options when the regular system doesn't work. The important thing is to get your issues resolved quickly so you don't miss out on benefits.

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

applying for jobs, networking events, job fairs, updating your resume, stuff like that. they have a list on their website

What kind of things cause adjudication delays?

Usually discrepancies in employment dates, unclear reason for separation, or if they need to verify wages with employers who are slow to respond.

Fortunately that doesn't apply to me, but good to know for others reading this.

Student loan garnishments can also affect unemployment benefits in some cases.

I've been at my current job for 8 months, so hopefully that's long enough to be included.

8 months should definitely be included in your base period calculation.

I'm not planning to quit, just trying to be prepared in case of layoffs. But good to know about the voluntary quit rules.

Smart to plan ahead! Layoffs definitely qualify you for benefits assuming you meet the other requirements.

That's reassuring to hear. I remember hearing horror stories about delays during COVID.

Yeah it's definitely improved, though calling them can still be challenging during busy times.

I'll definitely keep that in mind if I need to contact them. Thanks for the recommendation!

Anything that makes dealing with government agencies easier is worth looking into.

I've been pretty consistent with my hours, so hopefully that works in my favor.

Consistent earnings definitely help with getting the maximum benefit amount you're eligible for.

That's gross pay, so the estimates people gave should be pretty accurate for my situation.

Got it, then you should be looking at around $280-320 per week like others mentioned.

Good reminder! I'll make sure to file immediately if I end up needing benefits.

Exactly right. Even if you're not sure about your eligibility, it's better to file and let Washington ESD make the determination.

Glad we could help! Just remember that the $280-320 estimate assumes you've been working consistently at that wage for your entire base period. If you had any gaps in employment or lower wages in previous quarters, your actual benefit could be different. But you're definitely on the right track with gathering documents and planning ahead. Hope you don't need to use any of this info, but it's smart to be prepared!