How much will I get if I file for unemployment in Washington ESD?

Washington ESD uses your highest quarter earnings from the past 5 quarters to calculate your weekly benefit amount. For most people it ends up being around 50-60% of your average weekly wage, but there's a maximum cap. With your wage, you're probably looking at somewhere between $400-600 per week, but that's just a rough estimate.

You should definitely file! Even if it's not your full salary, it's money coming in while you job search. The process usually takes 2-3 weeks to get your first payment if everything goes smoothly with no adjudication issues.

I had a similar situation last year and ended up getting $487 per week. The calculation is based on your base year wages divided by 52, then they take a percentage of that. You'll need to file weekly claims every week to keep getting paid, and you have to actively search for work and log it in WorkSourceWA.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status or ask questions about your benefit amount, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach a human agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

Just wanted to add that you need to file your claim as soon as possible because there's usually a one-week waiting period before you can start receiving benefits. So even if you're not sure about the amount, get that application in ASAP!

The whole system is so confusing honestly. I've been trying to figure out my benefit calculation for weeks and the Washington ESD website doesn't make it clear at all. Why can't they just tell you upfront what you'll get??

One more thing - make sure you have all your employment information ready when you file. You'll need dates of employment, employer addresses, and your Social Security number. The more accurate info you provide upfront, the less likely you'll have delays.

Does anyone know if part-time work affects the benefit amount? I might be able to pick up some freelance hours while collecting unemployment.

I'm in the same boat as OP - just got laid off and trying to figure out if unemployment will cover my basic expenses. Anyone know how long benefits last?

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I'm definitely going to file today. Sounds like even if it's not my full salary, it'll help bridge the gap while I job hunt. Appreciate all the tips about documentation and the waiting period too.

One last thing - if your claim gets stuck in adjudication like mine did, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier actually helped me get through to an agent who could check on the status. Worth keeping in mind if you hit any roadblocks.

The benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website is pretty buried but if you can find it, it gives you a rough estimate based on your wages. Might be worth checking out before you file.

Just remember you'll owe taxes on unemployment benefits when you file next year. You can have them withhold taxes from your weekly payments or just set aside some money for tax time.

Been on unemployment for 2 months now and the weekly filing becomes routine after a while. Just make sure you file every week even if you haven't heard back about your claim yet, otherwise you might miss out on back pay.

Make sure your direct deposit info is correct when you file. Nothing worse than waiting for benefits and then having them go to the wrong account. Learned that the hard way!

The amount really depends on your work history. I was making similar wages to you and got about $450/week. It's not great but it beats nothing while you're looking for work.

Don't stress too much about the exact amount - just file and see what happens. The sooner you start the process, the sooner you'll know for sure and start getting payments.

Update on that Claimyr service I mentioned - I used it again this week to ask about extending benefits and actually got through to someone who was super helpful. Definitely recommend if anyone needs to talk to Washington ESD directly about their benefit amounts or any other questions.

Filed my claim 3 weeks ago and still haven't gotten my first payment. The waiting is the worst part honestly. At least I know roughly what I should be getting when it finally comes through.

Alright everyone, I'm convinced - about to start my application right now. Thanks for all the advice and realistic expectations about timing and amounts. This thread has been super helpful!