Washington ESD maximum unemployment benefit 2024 - need to understand weekly amount

Thanks! So with my salary I should be close to the maximum then. Do you know how long it takes for the first payment after filing?

Usually 2-3 weeks if there are no issues with your claim. Make sure you file your weekly claims every week even while waiting for approval.

Yes, Washington adjusts the maximum benefit amount annually based on the state's average weekly wage. The $999 maximum is definitely higher than previous years.

Have you tried calling early morning? I heard the lines are less busy around 7am when they first open.

I've tried everything - early morning, lunch time, different days. Either busy signal or I get disconnected after waiting on hold for hours. It's incredibly frustrating.

I was having the same problem reaching Washington ESD until someone mentioned Claimyr.com to me. It's a service that calls for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of trying to get through myself.

I'm filing regular UI since I was laid off completely. Good to know about standby though - didn't realize that was an option.

Standby is mainly for seasonal workers or when employers temporarily reduce hours. Since you were laid off, regular UI is the right choice.

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

Applying for jobs, networking events, career fairs, informational interviews, updating your resume with a professional, etc. Check the WorkSourceWA website for the full list of approved activities.

That sounds awful! Did you have to get a lawyer for the appeal or were you able to handle it yourself?

I did it myself but it was stressful. Had to gather all my employment records and write a detailed statement explaining why I qualified for benefits. The hearing was over the phone which was actually easier than I expected.

Good point about taxes. I'll probably have them withhold 10% federal to avoid a big tax bill next year.

You can set up the tax withholding when you file your initial claim or change it later through your SecureAccess Washington account.

I feel your pain. The phone system is definitely broken. Have you tried messaging them through the online portal?

Yes, sent multiple messages with no response. It's like they don't care about helping people.

This is exactly why I started using Claimyr - I was spending entire days trying to reach someone at Washington ESD. With Claimyr, I got connected to an agent in about 30 minutes and was able to resolve my benefit calculation question. Worth checking out if you're having trouble getting through.

That's helpful. I only had one employer for the past 3 years so should be straightforward. Do they automatically get wage info from employers or do I need to provide it?

Employers report wages quarterly to Washington ESD, so they should have your information automatically. But if there's missing wage data, you might need to provide pay stubs or W-2s to get the correct benefit amount.

What happens if you miss filing a weekly claim by accident? Can you still file it late?

You can sometimes file late weekly claims but there might be a delay in payment. It's better to set a reminder and file every week on time.

Yeah, it's definitely a pay cut from my previous salary but should cover my basic expenses. Already started updating my resume and reaching out to contacts.

Smart approach. The job market is competitive right now so the sooner you start looking, the better. Keep detailed records of your job search activities for Washington ESD.

The maximum weekly benefit amount of $999 applies to regular UI claims. Extended benefits, if available, would use the same weekly amount but Washington doesn't currently have extended benefits activated.

Standby claims use the same benefit calculation, but your weekly amount might be reduced if you're working partial hours while on standby status.

How long did it take to get the correction processed? And did they pay you the difference retroactively?

Took about 3 weeks once I provided the documentation. Yes, they paid the difference for all the weeks I had already claimed. But getting through to someone to start the correction process was the hardest part.

This is another situation where Claimyr really helps - when you need to speak to someone about benefit calculations or corrections. Much faster than trying to call Washington ESD directly.

What defines 'suitable work'? Is it just jobs in your field or any job that pays a certain amount?

Generally suitable work is jobs that match your skills and experience and pay at least a certain percentage of your previous wages. But the definition can vary depending on how long you've been unemployed.

I'll look for that calculator. Would be good to have a rough idea before I file my claim.

The calculator is helpful but remember it's just an estimate. Your actual benefit amount might be different depending on your specific wage history and base period.

I am getting 2 weeks severance. Should I report that when I file my claim?

Yes, definitely report the severance. Washington ESD will determine how it affects your claim eligibility and timing. Better to report it upfront than have issues later.

That's encouraging! How long did the initial filing take you? And did you run into any issues with the online system?

The initial filing took about 30 minutes. The Washington ESD website worked fine for me, no technical issues. Just make sure you have accurate information about your previous employers and wages.