How much will I get paid for unemployment - Washington ESD benefit calculation?

So if I made $13,000 in my highest quarter, I'd get $500 per week? That seems right based on what you're saying.

Exactly! And remember you can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks in most cases, though it depends on your total base period wages.

It's not exactly 60% - that's a common misconception. Washington ESD uses the base period calculation method mentioned above, so it varies depending on when you worked and how much you earned in each quarter.

I had the same problem! I actually found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual person at Washington ESD. They have some kind of system that calls for you and gets you connected. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me so much frustration.

Really? That actually sounds helpful. I'm so tired of wasting hours trying to get through their phone lines.

Never heard of that service but anything has to be better than the current system. Washington ESD's phone system is absolutely terrible.

I don't have any dependents so that wouldn't apply to me, but good to know for others reading this.

That's possible depending on when you filed. The base period uses completed quarters, so recent wages might not count if the quarter isn't finished yet. You might want to check if you qualify for an alternate base period which uses more recent wages.

This is so complicated. I wish there was an easier way to understand all these rules.

That's really helpful to know! Did you have any issues with the calculation or did it seem accurate to you?

It looked right to me. They show all the quarters and wages on the determination letter so you can see exactly how they calculated it.

Good point! Can you have taxes withheld automatically or do you have to pay quarterly?

You can elect to have 10% withheld for federal taxes when you file your weekly claims. I'd recommend it unless you want to deal with a big tax bill later.

Have you tried calling them? I know the wait times are horrible but sometimes you can get answers about what's holding up your claim.

I've tried calling dozens of times. Either busy signal or hours on hold just to get disconnected. It's impossible.

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. They specialize in getting people through to Washington ESD when you can't reach them yourself. Might be worth looking into if you're stuck in adjudication limbo.

Yes, if you work part-time you need to report those earnings on your weekly claim. Washington ESD will reduce your benefits based on how much you earn, but you can usually still receive partial benefits as long as you earn less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5.

That's good to know. I might have a chance to pick up some freelance work so I wanted to make sure I understood the rules.

There actually is a benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website, but it's buried pretty deep in their resources section. Not the most user-friendly though.

Yeah I've heard about that. You have to apply to like 3 jobs per week right? And keep records of everything?

Something like that. She said it was a lot of paperwork and phone calls to keep up with.

That's really helpful, thanks! Sounds like I should expect somewhere around $450-500 based on my salary.

How did you finally get it resolved? I'm dealing with something similar right now.

I had to submit wage records from my employer and keep calling until I got someone who actually looked at my case. Super frustrating process.

I used Claimyr to get through to someone at Washington ESD about a similar wage calculation issue. Way easier than trying to navigate their phone system on my own. The agent was able to see exactly what needed to be corrected.

I didn't know that! So you can't file a new claim if you get laid off again within that year?

Right, you'd reopen your existing claim. Only after the benefit year ends can you file a completely new claim with updated wage information.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much more prepared now for what to expect.