Washington ESD max weekly benefit amount - what is the max you can make on unemployment?

Thanks! That's higher than I expected. Do you know what percentage of your wages they use to calculate the weekly amount?

It's roughly 2.5% of your highest quarter earnings, but there's a complex formula they use. The weekly benefit amount calculator on the Washington ESD website can give you a better estimate based on your actual wages.

Have you tried calling right when they open at 8am? That's usually the best time to get through to an agent.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to ESD agents.

I mean you're right, but when you need answers about your benefits and can't get through any other way, it's worth it. Much better than sitting on hold for hours or never getting through at all.

Good point about the taxes. Do most people choose to have taxes withheld or just pay at the end of the year?

I'd recommend having them withhold. Otherwise you might owe a big chunk come tax time, especially if you're collecting for several months.

Yes, but there's a formula. They allow you to earn up to your weekly benefit amount plus $5 before they start reducing your benefits. So if your weekly benefit is $400, you could earn up to $405 and still get your full $400 benefit.

thats actually not too bad then. thought they just cut you off completely if you worked at all

They use your base period which is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. So if you file in 2025, they'd look at your earnings from early 2024 through late 2024. The quarters with no earnings won't hurt you as long as you have enough total wages in the base period.

That's a relief. I had a good year overall, just those few months of unemployment in the middle.

That's pretty normal unfortunately. Initial claims can take 2-3 weeks to process, especially if they need to verify your wages with previous employers. Have you checked your account online for any pending issues?

Yeah I check every day but it just says 'claim under review'. Getting really anxious about it.

I might actually try that. This waiting around not knowing anything is driving me crazy.

I used claimyr too when my weekly claims got stuck. Super easy to use and way better than trying to call myself.

Good to know. Is there any way to extend benefits beyond 26 weeks if you still haven't found work?

There are sometimes extended benefit programs during high unemployment periods, but those depend on economic conditions and federal funding. Not available right now as far as I know.

What did they say caused the overpayment? That's scary that they can just decide you owe money back.

something about my employer disputing my reason for separation. had to go through a whole appeal process. was a mess

That's helpful to know. Was your claim pretty straightforward or did you run into any issues?

Pretty smooth actually. Filed online, got approved in about 10 days, first payment came through the following week after I did my first weekly claim.

What counts as a valid job search activity? Just applying for jobs or other stuff too?

Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, skills training, etc. You need to log 3 different activities each week and keep records in case they audit you.

Are you doing any gig work or side jobs to supplement? As long as you report the income you can still collect partial benefits.

yeah doing some uber driving on weekends. helps a little bit

You're generally required to accept suitable work, but there are guidelines about what's considered suitable based on your skills, experience, and local wage levels. A significant pay cut from your previous job might not be considered suitable work, especially early in your benefit period.

Good to know. I'll definitely check with ESD before turning down any offers just to be safe.

Same here. I was worried about doing any part-time work but sounds like you can actually make decent money and still get benefits.

Definitely learned a lot from everyone's responses. Thanks for all the info!

I'll have to bookmark that for when I inevitably need to call them about something. The phone system is honestly the worst part of dealing with ESD.

Totally agree. Having an actual way to reach an agent without sitting on hold for hours makes such a difference.