How to calculate unemployment compensation Washington ESD - confused about weekly benefit amount

Thanks! So if my highest quarter was around $17,700, that would be about $681 per week which matches what they gave me. I was trying to calculate it based on my annual salary instead.

Yeah the base period calculation trips up a lot of people. It's not based on your most recent pay or annual salary at all.

I've been trying to call for weeks about my calculation too! The phone system is impossible. I keep getting disconnected after waiting forever.

Have you tried using Claimyr? I discovered it last month when I was having the same problem getting through to Washington ESD. It's a service that helps you get connected to an actual agent without all the hold time and getting hung up on. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration!

Never heard of that before but sounds interesting. Did they actually help you get your calculation question answered?

I thought it seemed high too but that's what's on my determination letter. Maybe our base periods were different? When did you file your claim?

The timing of when you file makes a huge difference in which quarters count toward your base period. Two people with similar salaries can get very different benefit amounts depending on their base period earnings.

I filed in October so my base period was different quarters. That probably explains the difference.

Good point. My determination letter shows I have 26 weeks of benefits available, so I guess I qualified for the full amount.

Yeah 26 weeks is the standard maximum. You must have had good earnings spread across multiple quarters in your base period.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already struggling financially which is why I need unemployment in the first place.

It's worth it when you consider how much time you'd spend on hold otherwise. Plus if there's an error in your calculation, getting it fixed could mean hundreds more in benefits.

That makes sense. I got a raise about 3 months before I was laid off but my base period wouldn't include those higher wages yet.

So if you get laid off right after a big raise, you're stuck with the lower calculation? That seems unfair.

Unfortunately yes, that's how the system works. The base period is set to avoid using incomplete quarters, but it can work against people in that situation.

Wait, they subtract taxes? I thought unemployment was based on gross wages.

Sorry, I misspoke. You're right - it's based on gross wages. I was thinking of something else.

Correct, Washington ESD uses gross wages for the calculation, not net pay after taxes.

Yes, all wages reported on your W-2 count, including bonuses and commissions. If it was significant, it could definitely boost your weekly benefit amount.

Good to know! I should probably double-check my calculation then because that commission was substantial.

How do you appeal if the calculation is wrong? I think one of my employers didn't report all my wages correctly.

There should be appeal instructions on your determination letter. You'll need documentation to prove the correct wages, like pay stubs or W-2s.

I feel you! The whole unemployment system seems designed to confuse people. At least we have forums like this to help each other figure it out.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - the letters are impossible to understand and calling Washington ESD directly was hopeless. Having an actual person explain it made all the difference.

Great advice! I'm glad I kept all my documentation. Makes me feel more confident that my calculation is correct.

Yes! Documentation is everything when dealing with Washington ESD. I always tell people to keep records of everything unemployment-related.

That's a good perspective but if there's an error costing someone hundreds of dollars, they should definitely try to get it fixed.

You're absolutely right. I didn't mean people shouldn't pursue corrections if there are actual errors. Just meant not to stress over minor discrepancies.