Washington ESD max unemployment benefit amount for 2025?

Thanks! That's way higher than I expected. Do you know if that includes the additional federal benefits or is that just the state portion?

That's just the Washington state portion. There aren't any additional federal programs running right now like during COVID.

Exactly, the average is probably closer to $400-500 per week for most people.

How much does that cost though? Seems like something that should be free to access.

It's worth it when you need to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD. Check out claimyr.com - they explain how it works better than I can.

What exactly is the base period? Is that the last 12 months I worked?

Base period is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So it's not exactly your last 12 months of work.

That sounds reasonable. Did you have any issues with your claim or did it go through smoothly?

It took about 3 weeks to get approved but no major issues. Had to do the job search stuff right away though.

Good point, I definitely meet those requirements though. Been working steady for years.

While the process can be frustrating, most claims that meet the requirements do get processed. It helps to have all your documentation ready when you file.

Maybe for some people but I've seen too many friends get jerked around by Washington ESD for months.

Oh right, I forgot about taxes. Do they withhold automatically or do you have to pay at the end of the year?

You can choose to have taxes withheld when you set up your claim, or handle it yourself at tax time.

Did they charge you for that service? I'm always skeptical of paying for something the government should provide for free.

I get the skepticism, but when you can't get through after days of trying, sometimes you need another option. They have good info on their site at claimyr.com about how it works.

26 weeks should be plenty of time to find something new hopefully. Thanks for all the info everyone!

Good luck with your job search when the time comes. The job market is pretty decent right now in most industries.

What does that involve exactly? Just applying to jobs or do you have to do other stuff too?

You need to do 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. Can be applications, networking, job fairs, etc.

And make sure you keep detailed records. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities at any time.

Still better than nothing if I end up needing it. Hopefully I won't but good to know what's available.

Actually Washington eliminated the waiting week a few years ago. Benefits can start with your first week of unemployment if you're eligible.

oh really? thats good news then

That makes sense. I've been at the same job for 5 years making around $55K so I should be in good shape if needed.

Processing times have improved significantly since the pandemic. Most straightforward claims are processed within 2-3 weeks now.

Maybe for simple cases but anything remotely complicated gets stuck in adjudication hell.

I'm curious about that. Do they actually guarantee you'll reach someone or is it just another way to wait on hold?

They have a system that monitors the phone lines and calls you back when an agent is available. Check out their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ to see how it works.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info. Hopefully I won't need to use any of this but it's good to understand how it works.

I'll check out that calculator. Sounds like that would give me a better idea than these general numbers.

Exactly. The calculator uses your actual reported wages to give you a pretty accurate estimate.

Absolutely. If I ever need it, it would just be a bridge until I find my next job. Thanks again everyone!

Exactly my thinking. Better to know and not need it than be caught off guard. Thanks!