How to calculate what my Washington ESD unemployment benefits would be?

So if my highest quarter was like $13,500, that would be around $519 per week? That seems pretty good actually.

Yes, that sounds about right. Just remember you also need to meet the total earnings requirement - at least $3,850 in your base period and earnings in at least two quarters.

Did your actual amount match what you expected? I'm worried I'm calculating this wrong.

yeah it was pretty close to what i thought. took forever to get approved though, like 3 weeks of adjudication

I've been at the same job for 2 years with small raises. Should be pretty straightforward then.

Don't forget about taxes! The benefit amount they calculate is before taxes, so you'll get less if you choose to have taxes withheld.

How much does that cost? I'm trying to avoid spending money before I even know if I'll get benefits.

It's worth it to get accurate info instead of guessing. They can also help you understand if you have enough work history to qualify, which is just as important as the benefit amount.

Never heard of Claimyr but if it helps get through to ESD that could be useful. I've been trying to call them for weeks about my claim.

I'll dig around their website more. Thanks for the tip!

The calculator is helpful but it's pretty basic. Doesn't account for things like partial unemployment or special circumstances.

That's what I'm worried about. Don't want to go through the whole process and find out I don't qualify or get way less than expected.

That's why it's worth doing some research first. Better to know roughly what to expect than be surprised later.

Wait, they don't count your most recent quarter? That seems weird.

Right? They use a lag period. So if you file in January 2025, they might use quarters from like April 2023 to March 2024 or something like that.

The base period is designed to use complete quarters with reported wages. That's why there's a lag - they need time for employers to report earnings.

Good to know! I did get a raise about 8 months ago so maybe that would help.

Exactly. The alternate base period uses more recent quarters, so if you've had income increases it could result in higher benefits.

I get that, but I want to have some idea before I start the process. Helps me plan my finances better.

Smart approach. Better to know roughly what to expect than be completely in the dark.

Yeah, I definitely won't be getting the max. Just want to know what's realistic for my income level.

With your salary you're probably looking at somewhere in the $400-600 range per week, depending on your exact quarterly breakdown.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. They specialize in getting through to ESD agents when the regular phone lines are jammed. Saved me so much time and frustration.

I might have to check that out. These phone waits are ridiculous.

Right, I know about the job search requirements. Just trying to figure out the financial part first.

Makes sense. The job search log is pretty detailed too - they want 3 work search activities per week documented online.

That's a good idea. I should gather up my pay stubs and add up the quarterly totals.

Yeah, just remember the base period might not be what you think. Check the Washington ESD website for the exact quarters they use based on when you file.

I'm planning to file due to a layoff, so that shouldn't be an issue for me.

Good, layoffs are usually straightforward. Just make sure you have your separation paperwork ready when you file.

Yikes, that's a long time to wait. I better make sure I have some savings to cover that gap.

Yeah, don't count on getting benefits right away. The system is pretty backed up most of the time.

Thanks, I'll check that out too. Good point about needing to register there anyway.

Yeah, might as well get familiar with both systems since they're connected for unemployment purposes.

True, I figure any amount is better than nothing. Thanks everyone for all the info!

Good luck with your claim! Hope the process goes smoothly for you.