How much will I get for unemployment in Washington - WBA calculation help?

So they don't look at my most recent pay? That seems weird. What if I got a raise recently?

Nope, they use completed quarters only. So if you got a raise in the last few months it probably won't count toward your benefit calculation unfortunately.

That would actually help a lot! Did you have any trouble getting through to them when you applied?

Yeah the phone system is brutal. Took me forever to get someone on the line to ask questions about my claim.

Is that legit? Never heard of paying someone to make phone calls for me.

Yeah it's real. I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Way better than sitting on hold for 3+ hours just to get disconnected.

Good point! I haven't even applied yet. Should I do that today or wait until Monday?

File as soon as you can. You can apply online 24/7 but your benefit year starts the week you file, so don't delay.

It's not 60% of your recent pay, it's based on your highest earning quarter divided by 26. Totally different calculation method.

Why can't they just make it simple? Every other state seems to do it differently too.

3 per week doesn't sound too bad. Is WorkSourceWA different from the regular ESD website?

Yeah WorkSourceWA is separate. You'll need accounts on both systems unfortunately. The job search requirements are pretty strict so don't skip it.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr. They handle all the calling and waiting for you. Worth every penny to avoid that phone hell.

might have to check that out because this is ridiculous. I need answers about my benefit amount but can't reach anyone.

That seems low compared to what the other person said. My hours varied a lot between busy and slow seasons.

If you had a really good quarter during busy season you could get more. The variation in retail hours actually helps some people because one high quarter boosts the whole calculation.

Good thinking. I'd rather have less each week than owe money later.

Wait they tax unemployment benefits? That's so messed up, you're already struggling financially.

What causes adjudication? I'm worried my claim will get delayed.

Could be anything - they might want to verify your reason for separation, check your work history, or investigate if there were any issues with your last job. Most resolve within a few weeks but some take longer.

Yeah the online tools aren't great. The monetary determination letter will show you exactly how they calculated your WBA and what quarters they used.

Took like 2 weeks to get that letter though. Wish they could just tell you upfront when you apply.

Ok you've convinced me to try it. The regular phone system is just impossible.

Does it work for any type of question or just certain issues?

Pretty much any reason you'd need to talk to Washington ESD. They just get you connected faster than calling yourself.

Good luck! Remember to file your weekly claims on time and keep up with the job search requirements.

Yeah don't let anything slide with the weekly claims. They're strict about deadlines.

Don't wait too long to apply. Every week you delay is potentially money you're missing out on.

You're right. I'm going to do it this weekend.

Is there a waiting period before I have to start the job searches?

I think you have to start right away but double check that. The requirements can be confusing and they change sometimes.

Exactly. And if you do need to appeal, that's definitely when you'll want to talk to someone at Washington ESD to understand the process.

Another good reason to have Claimyr handy - appeals can be time sensitive and you don't want to waste days trying to get through on the phone.

Seriously! The official info is so hard to understand. This forum is great.

We've all been through the confusion so we try to help each other out. Good luck with your claims everyone!