How to estimate ESD weekly benefit amount and total benefit weeks before layoff?

Washington calculates your benefit based on your highest-paid quarters during your base year. It's usually about 60-65% of your weekly wage, up to the maximum (around $929 now I think). You can get a rough estimate by taking your annual salary, divide by 52 for weekly, then multiply by .6 - so for $65k that's about $750/week. Standard benefits last 26 weeks, but can be extended if unemployment is high statewide. Good luck, being laid off sucks!

ESD actually has an official benefit calculator on their website you can use for a more accurate estimate. Go to esd.wa.gov and look under "Unemployment Benefits" then "Calculate your benefit". You'll need your quarterly earnings information. The maximum WBA for 2025 is $972, and you can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks, assuming you meet all eligibility requirements including actively searching for work (3 documented job search activities weekly). I recommend applying immediately after your last day - benefits aren't retroactive to when you lost your job, only to when you apply.

I got laid off last year and my weekly amt was WAY less than I expected!!! They only look at your base year which is NOT the most recent year - its like 5 quarters back from when u apply or something weird. So if u made less money back then ur screwed. Also they take forever to approve u so make sure u have savings!!!

The Benefit Year is a critical concept to understand too. Once approved, your claim is good for 52 weeks (your "benefit year"), but you can only receive payment for a maximum of 26 weeks within that year. The rate won't change even if you work part-time and then need full benefits again later in your benefit year. Also important: When you start receiving benefits, you MUST complete three job search activities each week and document them. If you don't, ESD can deny your benefits. Keep detailed records of every application, networking event, resume submission, etc.

Career fairs, workshops, and networking events absolutely count as job search activities! Here's a quick list of qualifying activities: - Applying for jobs (online or in-person) - Attending job fairs or workshops - Creating or updating your resume - Registering with WorkSource - Taking skills assessments - Networking events - Job interviews Just make sure you document the date, activity type, company/organization name, and position applied for (if applicable) - ESD may audit your job search log at any time.

jsut wanted to say i got laid off in january and the whole process is a NIGHTMARE. Tried calling ESD like 50 times to ask questions and either got hung up on or waited for hours. Seriously.

I think everyones forgetting to mention that you can work part-time while on unemployment! If you find a temp gig or part-time work while job searching, you can still get partial benefits as long as you earn less than your weekly benefit amount. You just report your earnings each week when you file your weekly claim. Helped me stretch my benefits longer last year when I picked up some gig work.

Thank you all for the helpful information! I've checked out the calculator on the ESD website and it looks like I'll get around $780/week, which is lower than my current income but will definitely help. I appreciate all the tips about job search requirements and the part-time work option - that could really help stretch things if my job search takes longer than expected. I'll make sure to apply right after my last day and keep detailed records of all my job search activities from day one. This community has been incredibly helpful!