How much would I make on Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

Thanks! That's more than I expected. How do they determine which quarters count as the base period?

Base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, they'd look at Q3 2023 through Q2 2024.

Thanks! So if my highest quarter was around $15,000, that would be about $577 weekly? That's actually better than I expected.

Yeah that sounds about right. Just remember you'll have taxes taken out unless you opt out, so your actual deposit will be less.

I tried looking for that calculator but couldn't find it on their site. Do you have a direct link?

hmm it might be buried somewhere in their forms section. i remember it being hard to find too

How much does something like that cost? I'm trying to be careful with money while I'm unemployed.

It's worth checking their site for current pricing. For me it was worth it just to get a human on the phone who could explain my specific situation instead of guessing.

Never heard of this service but honestly might be worth it. I've been trying to call Washington ESD for two weeks about my claim and can never get through.

ugh the phone situation is ridiculous!! I tried calling Washington ESD for days and kept getting hung up on or getting busy signals

Have you tried using Claimyr? I found out about it when I was dealing with my adjudication issues. They help you get through to actual Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Never heard of that but might be worth trying if the phone lines are still terrible

So if my highest quarter was around $14k, that would be about $540 per week?

Yeah that sounds about right. Just remember you'll also get the additional $10 per week if you have dependents.

I get the frustration but the base year system actually helps some people who had a good year before their most recent job.

Maybe but for most people it just means getting less money when they need it most.

Wait really? I thought unemployment was tax-free

Nope, it's taxable income. You can have them withhold 10% for federal taxes when you file your weekly claims.

Learned that the hard way last year. Definitely have them withhold taxes if you can afford the lower payment.

Good point! Do they automatically take out taxes or do you have to request it?

You have to request it when you file your initial claim. They'll take out 10% federal if you choose that option.

Washington doesn't have state income tax so you only need to worry about federal taxes on UI benefits.

That's exactly the kind of situation where Claimyr really helps. When you're stuck in adjudication limbo, you need to actually talk to someone to find out what's holding up your claim.

I'm getting desperate enough to try anything at this point

What counts as a job contact? Just applying online or do you need to actually talk to someone?

online applications count but you need to keep detailed records. they can audit your job search log anytime

How many jobs do you have to apply for each week?

You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. This includes applying for jobs, networking, attending job fairs, etc.

Three weeks seems like a long time. Did you have any issues or was that normal processing time?

It was normal back then but I think they've gotten faster. My friend filed recently and got approved in about 10 days.

Same here. The uncertainty is the worst part, especially when you have bills to pay.

That's why it's so important to file as soon as you're eligible. There's a waiting week, but the sooner you file, the sooner the clock starts ticking.

Wow I had no idea the max was that high now. Good to know there's room to grow if I get a better paying job next time.

yeah the max keeps going up but most people don't qualify for it anyway

Thanks for the heads up. I've been putting it off but sounds like I should file this week.

Definitely file now. Even if you're not sure about all the details, you can always call to clarify later.

And if you need to call Washington ESD for clarification, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does help you get through their phone system.

I was permanently laid off so I think I'd qualify for regular benefits. Is the application process the same either way?

Yeah same application process. Washington ESD will determine your benefit type based on your separation reason.

Why would they contest it if it was a legitimate layoff? Seems like that would just waste everyone's time.

some employers contest every claim automatically to try to keep their unemployment tax rates low. it's annoying but you can appeal if it happens

What counts as good cause for quitting?

Things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, significant changes to your job duties or pay, health issues, domestic violence situations. But you need documentation.

How long did it take to get your first payment?

about 3 weeks after filing, but that was because my claim went through without any issues

How long do benefits typically last? I'm hoping to find something within a few months.

Regular unemployment is up to 26 weeks in Washington, but the exact number depends on your work history and earnings.

And if the unemployment rate is high enough, extended benefits might be available beyond the regular 26 weeks.

I tried using that but couldn't figure out which quarters to use

Look at your pay stubs or W-2s to figure out your quarterly earnings. The base period quarters are specific calendar quarters, not when you worked.

How much can you work before they cut your benefits?

In Washington, you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount minus $5 before they start reducing your benefits dollar for dollar.

This is another situation where having Claimyr really comes in handy. When you need to reach Washington ESD for backdating or other issues, their service can save you hours of trying to get through.

Wish I'd known about that when I missed filing one week and spent two days trying to call

Good point, I hadn't thought about that

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I think I have a much better understanding now.

No problem! Just remember to keep good records of everything - job searches, any income, communications with Washington ESD.

Yeah, and if you disagree with Washington ESD's decision, you can appeal within 30 days. The appeal process is actually pretty straightforward.

That's reassuring to hear. The whole thing seems overwhelming right now.

it really is overwhelming at first but you'll get the hang of it. just take it one step at a time

How long should I keep all that stuff?

I'd keep everything until at least a year after your claim ends, just to be safe in case of any audits or questions.

Thanks, that's exactly what I needed to hear. I'll start gathering my paperwork and file this week.

Yeah I figured it wouldn't be close to my full salary. At least it's something while I job hunt though.

Exactly. It's meant to be temporary assistance, not full income replacement. The job search requirements help ensure people are actively looking for work.

Good to know. I was thinking about doing some consulting work if I can find any.

Yeah just make sure to report any earnings when you file your weekly claim. Being honest about it protects you from overpayment issues later.

So true! I've been trying to call for days about an issue with my claim.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - it cuts through all that phone system frustration and connects you with an actual agent who can help.

Might have to look into that if I can't get through this week.

Perfect summary, thanks! I'm going to file tomorrow morning and see what happens.

Good luck! The process is pretty straightforward once you get started.