How much will I get unemployment benefits in Washington - confused about payment amounts

Thanks! How do I find out what my highest quarter was? Is that something I can see on my Washington ESD account?

Yes, once you file your initial claim, Washington ESD will show you your base period wages and quarterly breakdown. You can also check your employment history on your account.

Wait I thought the max was lower than that? When did it go up to $999?

They adjust it annually based on the state average wage. It's been going up each year.

I actually found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD agents much faster. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really saved me hours of calling.

Interesting, I'll have to look into that. I've been trying to call for weeks to get clarification on my benefit amount.

I don't have any dependents, just me. So it would just be the base amount then?

yeah just the regular weekly benefit amount for you then. makes the calculation easier

Adjudication can take a while, especially if there are any questions about your separation from work or if you had multiple employers. Have you checked if there are any pending issues in your account?

I've checked and it just says 'adjudication in progress' with no other details. So frustrating!

This is exactly the kind of situation where Claimyr really helps. When you're stuck in adjudication, talking to an actual Washington ESD agent can clear things up much faster than waiting.

You're right, there are different scenarios. They use your base period which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed. If you don't qualify, they can look at an alternate base period.

Yeah that's what I thought. It's not as simple as just one calculation.

Washington ESD looks at your total wages regardless of whether you worked part-time or full-time. It's based on your actual earnings, not hours worked.

That's good to know, thanks! I was worried my part-time status would hurt my benefit amount.

That sounds about right based on your highest quarter. Remember you'll also need to file weekly claims and meet the job search requirements to keep getting benefits.

Yes, I saw that I need to do job searches. How many per week is required?

It's typically 3 job search activities per week, but check your specific requirements in your account as it can vary based on your situation.

I'll have to try that calculator. I couldn't find it when I was looking earlier.

It's kind of buried in their resources section. Search for 'benefit calculator' on their site.

Oh wow, I didn't think about taxes. How much do they typically withhold?

I think it's 10% federal tax withholding if you elect it. You can change this setting in your Washington ESD account.

I know it's frustrating but they have to verify everything to prevent fraud. Have you tried calling to see what specific documents they need?

I've tried calling dozens of times but can never get through!

This is another situation where Claimyr really helps - when you need to get specific information about required documents or verification issues. Much easier than trying to get through on your own.

That's encouraging! I hope mine goes as smoothly as yours did.

You're lucky! Mine has been stuck for weeks with no clear timeline.

Yes, Washington ESD counts wages from all covered employers during your base period. They'll look at your total quarterly wages regardless of how many jobs you had.

Good to know, that should help my benefit amount then since I had two part-time jobs.

When do you typically get that letter? I filed my claim yesterday.

Usually within a week if there are no issues with your claim. Check your online account too, sometimes it shows up there first.

Yes, working part-time affects your weekly claim. Washington ESD has an earnings deduction formula - you can earn up to a certain amount before it reduces your benefits, then it's reduced dollar for dollar after that.

That's complicated. Is there a way to calculate that ahead of time?

There are worksheets on the Washington ESD website that show how part-time earnings affect your weekly benefits.

Wow $445 is pretty good! You must have had higher wages than me. Glad it's working out for you.

yeah i was making decent money before getting laid off. the unemployment is about 50% of what i was making which is the goal of the program

How do you appeal the benefit amount? Is there a deadline for that?

You have to appeal within 30 days of getting your monetary determination. There's an appeal form you can file online or by mail.

I think it's more about preventing errors and fraud than making it deliberately difficult. The calculations are complex because everyone's work history is different.

Maybe, but they could make it more user-friendly for sure.

Great news! Now make sure to file your weekly claims on time and keep track of your job search activities.

Congrats! The weekly filing process is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it.

Thanks again everyone! This forum was more helpful than the Washington ESD website honestly.