How much will I get with Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

That's actually pretty close to what I was hoping for! Do you know what the maximum is right now?

I think the max is around $999 per week for 2025, but most people don't hit that unless they were making really good money. Your amount sounds about right for your wages.

How long did it take for your first payment to come through?

took about 3 weeks but that was because they had to verify my employment. if everything goes smooth maybe 2 weeks

That's confusing. So they don't just use one quarter? I thought the other person said they divide the highest quarter by 25.

You're right to be confused - there are actually two different calculations depending on which one gives you more money. They do both calculations and give you whichever amount is higher. The single quarter method (divide by 25) and the two quarter method I mentioned.

Yeah I should have mentioned that. They do both calculations automatically and give you the better amount. Most people get the single quarter calculation but sometimes the two quarter method works out better.

Is that legit? I've never heard of using a service to call for you.

Yeah it's legitimate. I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They call Washington ESD, wait on hold for you, and then conference you in when they get someone on the line. Much better than spending all day redialing.

I've used Claimyr too and it's worth it just for the time savings. The Washington ESD phone lines are impossible to get through on your own.

Good point. I might pick up some shifts at my old place if they'll let me while I look for full time work.

Just make sure you report it correctly on your weekly claim. Washington ESD is really strict about unreported wages and they will find out eventually through wage matching.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs?

Applying for jobs, networking events, job fairs, updating your resume, setting up job alerts, even some online training courses. Check the WorkSourceWA website for the full list of acceptable activities.

What were your quarterly wages? The calculation should be pretty straightforward if you know your base period earnings.

I don't have the exact numbers but I was making like $25/hour full time. Should be getting way more than $425.

At $25/hour full time you'd be making around $13,000 per quarter. That would put you at about $520 per week using the single quarter method. You might want to call Washington ESD to check if they calculated it correctly.

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

They withhold 10% for federal taxes if you elect to have it taken out. You might also owe state taxes depending on your total income for the year.

How do they determine how many weeks you get? I worked for 2 years so hopefully I qualify for the full 26 weeks.

If you worked consistently for 2 years you should qualify for the full 26 weeks. They look at your base period wages and work history to determine your duration.

When do the weekly claims open? Is it the same day every week?

Weekly claims open on Sunday for the previous week. You have until the following Saturday to file it, but I always do mine on Sunday so I don't forget.

This is exactly why I recommend using Claimyr. When you finally get through to someone at Washington ESD who knows what they're talking about, you get accurate information. The front-line staff sometimes give wrong info because they're not fully trained.

I might try that service you mentioned. I'm getting frustrated with the runaround.

That's usually correct, but Washington ESD does use the two-quarter calculation method for some people when it results in a higher benefit amount. Most people get the single quarter calculation though.

never heard of that but maybe they changed it since I last used it

That's helpful. I'll make sure to check that once I file my claim.

Yeah, the monetary determination shows your base period wages, which calculation method they used, your weekly benefit amount, and your maximum benefit amount. It's the official document you need to understand your benefits.

Good point. I don't have any garnishments but I'll probably have taxes withheld.

Yeah, it's definitely better than nothing. I'm already applying to other restaurant jobs and looking at retail positions too.

Smart approach. The job market is getting better but it still takes time to find something good. Use the time to maybe learn new skills or get certifications that could help you get a better job.

I tried using that calculator but it asked for information I don't have readily available. I think I'll just wait to see what they calculate for me.

That's a good idea. I have some savings but it won't last long with rent and car payments.

DSHS has a website where you can apply for multiple assistance programs at once. It's worth checking out even if you think you might not qualify.

I have most of that information. My manager said they would confirm my employment if Washington ESD calls to verify.

That's good. Sometimes the verification process can delay benefits if employers don't respond quickly, so having cooperative former employers helps.

How much does it cost? I'm trying to save money obviously.

It's not free but it's way cheaper than losing days of work trying to get through to Washington ESD on your own. The time savings alone made it worth it for me.

I agree with this. I spent literally 8 hours over 3 days trying to get through to Washington ESD. Used Claimyr and got connected in under an hour. Sometimes you have to spend a little to save a lot of time and stress.