How much unemployment will I get if I make $800 a week in Washington?

Thanks! So it's roughly half of what I make now? That's better than I thought.

not exactly half, there's a formula they use based on your highest earning quarter

Wait that formula seems off? I thought it was divide the highest quarter by 26 then that's your weekly amount

No, you're thinking of a different calculation. Washington uses the 0.0385 multiplier after dividing by 26. It's more complex than just dividing by 26.

I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks to get my exact benefit calculation but their phone lines are impossible. Anyone have luck getting through?

What kind of adjudication issues did you have? I'm worried about delays if I need to file.

They needed to verify my reason for separation from my previous job. Took 6 weeks to resolve even though it was straightforward.

Never heard of that service. Is it legit or just another scam?

totally legit, i was skeptical too but it actually got me connected to a real washington esd agent who answered my questions

I might try this. I've been on hold for hours multiple times with no luck getting through to ESD.

I've been at this job for about 8 months. Before that I was making less, around $600/week. Will that hurt my benefit amount?

It could. Washington ESD looks at your earnings in the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters. So some of your base period might include the lower wage job.

8 weeks is crazy long, have you tried filing an appeal or contacting your legislators?

Adjudication delays are unfortunately common right now. The key is getting an actual person on the phone to explain what's holding up your claim.

I've tried calling hundreds of times! The system hangs up on you or puts you on hold forever.

That's really helpful, thanks! How long did it take from filing to getting your first payment?

About 3 weeks, but I had no complications. If there are any issues with your work history or reason for separation it can take much longer.

Good point. What counts as a job search activity?

applying for jobs, networking events, career counseling, stuff like that. just make sure you document everything

How much does that service cost? I'm already tight on money.

I think it's worth it when you consider how much time you save not calling ESD over and over. Plus you actually get answers instead of getting hung up on.

Oh I didn't think about taxes. Should I have them withheld or pay later?

I'd recommend having them withheld so you don't get hit with a big tax bill next year. You can set up withholding in your ESD account.

Same here, the online calculator worked fine for me but I never needed to call them thankfully

I wish I could use the online calculator but my situation is complicated with multiple jobs. Really need to talk to someone.

I tried calling at 8am sharp and still got disconnected after 2 hours on hold

Yeah it's still hit or miss but better than calling in the afternoon when everyone else is calling too

At this point I'm willing to try anything to get through to someone at ESD

Check out their demo video, it shows exactly how it works to connect you with an actual ESD agent

I had about 2 months where I was only working part-time. Will that significantly reduce my benefits?

It depends on which quarter that falls in and your total earnings. The good news is ESD uses your highest quarter, so if you have one really good quarter it helps offset lower quarters.

This is so important! I missed filing one week because I forgot and they wouldn't let me backdate it.

Good to know. What day of the week do you have to file the weekly claims?

You can file anytime Sunday through the following Saturday for the previous week. But don't wait - file as soon as the week is available.