How to maximize unemployment benefits in Washington - tips needed

Thanks! So they look at quarterly earnings, not annual? That's good to know. I had a really strong Q4 last year with bonuses.

Make sure you have your 1099s for that freelance work ready when you file. Washington ESD will want documentation.

How do I request an alternate base year? Is that something I do when filing or after?

You can request it during the initial filing process on the Washington ESD website. There's a section that asks if you want to use an alternate base year.

I found this service called Claimyr that actually gets you through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Is that legit? I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point.

Yeah it's real, they basically keep calling until they get you connected. Worth it when you need answers about your benefits.

Do volunteer activities count toward the job search requirement?

No, volunteer work doesn't count as job search activities. You need actual job applications, networking events, or training programs approved by WorkSourceWA.

It's based on what you paid into the system through your previous wages. Higher earners get higher benefits, but there's a cap so it's not unlimited.

i guess that makes sense but man its a lot to figure out when youre already stressed about losing your job

Yes! Washington has the Training Benefits program where you can get extended benefits while in approved training. Also look into Trade Adjustment Assistance if your job loss was due to international trade.

How do I find out what training programs are approved?

Check with WorkSourceWA - they have a list of approved training providers and can help you apply for Training Benefits.

What day of the week is best to file?

Sunday or Monday usually work well. The system is less busy then and you're less likely to have technical issues.

1099 income counts if you paid into the unemployment system on those earnings. Most contractors don't, but some do if they elect coverage. Check your records to see if UI taxes were deducted.

I don't think I paid UI taxes on my contract work. Does that mean I can't get benefits?

You might still qualify based on any W2 employment you had. Washington ESD will review all your earnings in the base period.

What happens if you get an overpayment notice?

You have to pay it back, sometimes with penalties. You can appeal if you think it's wrong, but it's better to just report everything upfront.

What's the threshold for partial benefits?

It's complicated but generally if you earn less than 1.5 times your weekly benefit amount, you can still get partial benefits. Washington ESD has a calculator on their website.

This is exactly when Claimyr helps - you can actually get through to ask about your adjudication status instead of waiting weeks for a callback.

I might have to try that. This waiting is killing me financially.

What kind of documentation should I keep for job search activities?

Company names, contact info, dates you applied, method of contact (online, email, in-person), and any responses you got. WorkSourceWA has a good tracking system for this.

It's because unemployment is insurance that you pay into based on your wages. Higher earners pay more in UI taxes, so they get higher benefits when they need them.

i guess but it still feels wrong that people get different amounts

Are there extended benefits available right now in Washington?

It depends on the state unemployment rate. Check the Washington ESD website for current extended benefit availability.

That's exactly why I use Claimyr now. Life's too short to spend all day on hold with Washington ESD.

I'll check it out, thanks for the recommendation.

What are common reasons for disqualification?

Not meeting job search requirements, being fired for misconduct, quitting without good cause, or not being able and available for work.

Glad it helped! This community is great for navigating the unemployment system.

Good luck with your claim filing! Remember to gather all your documentation before you start the application.

Definitely learned a lot from this discussion. The base year calculation thing was news to me.

Yeah, most people don't realize they might be able to use an alternate base year for higher benefits.