Washington ESD regular unemployment amount - how much was covid unemployment compared to now?

Thanks! Do you know what the calculation is? I'm trying to estimate what I might get.

It's roughly 2.5% of your highest quarter earnings. With $52k annually, you're probably looking at around $500-600 per week, but Washington ESD will calculate the exact amount based on your wage history.

Oh wow, so people were getting like $1000+ per week back then? That's way more than I expected.

Yeah it was pretty crazy. Some people were making more on unemployment than their regular jobs. But that was emergency pandemic funding, not normal times.

Good point, I'll file today. Do I need any special documents or just my social security number?

You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment info for the past 18 months. Have your last employer's contact info and dates ready.

Is it legit? I'm always suspicious of third-party services for government stuff.

Yeah it's real. They just help you get through the phone system faster. I was able to talk to someone in like 15 minutes instead of calling all day.

I tried that too after seeing it mentioned here. Worked great for me when I had an adjudication issue that needed explanation.

That was intentional policy to keep people home during lockdowns. The extra money was meant to replace lost wages and stimulate the economy.

yeah i get it but still felt weird being essential and making less than unemployed people lol

What are the job search requirements? Do I need to apply to a certain number of jobs?

You need to make 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. This can include applying for jobs, networking, or attending job fairs. Keep detailed records in case Washington ESD asks for them.

Wow, no wonder people talk about it so much. That's more than I make working full time!

Exactly. It was designed to replace wages completely and keep people solvent during lockdowns. But those federal supplements ended permanently in September 2021.

Oh no, I didn't think about that. Should I have taxes taken out of my unemployment?

You can elect to have 10% federal taxes withheld when you file your claim. I'd recommend it to avoid a big tax bill later.

Good tip! I'll check that out. Is it on the main Washington ESD website?

Yes, it's under the 'Unemployment Benefits' section. You just enter your quarterly wages and it gives you an estimate.

That was the point though - to provide economic stability during an unprecedented crisis. It served its purpose.

Oh for sure, I'm not complaining. Just saying it was nice to not stress about money for once in my life.

Yes, Washington ESD did pay out LWA benefits for eligible weeks in August-September 2020. It was separate from the regular federal supplements.

Thanks! I was trying to remember all the different programs. There were so many during that time.

That's good to know! So I could do some gig work while collecting unemployment?

Yes, just make sure to report any earnings on your weekly claim. Washington ESD will adjust your benefit amount accordingly but you can still come out ahead.

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. Saved me so much frustration with the phone system.

Yeah I saw your comment about that. Wish I had known about it when I was dealing with my mess. Would have saved me a lot of headaches.

Wow, that's a huge difference! Makes me feel better about filing here.

Yeah Washington has one of the better unemployment systems in the country, both in terms of benefit amounts and duration.

That sounds reasonable. How long did you collect benefits?

About 4 months. Found a new job right before my benefits were about to run out. The pressure actually helped motivate my job search.

Good reminder. I'll make sure to document everything properly.

Yeah, keep screenshots of job applications and a detailed log. Washington ESD takes compliance seriously.

Makes sense. I'm just glad there's something available while I look for work.

Exactly the right attitude. Use it as a bridge to your next opportunity, not a long-term solution.

Thanks for all the advice everyone! I'm filing my claim right now.

Good luck! Hope your claim goes through smoothly. Most do if you have straightforward employment history.

And remember, if you need to reach Washington ESD quickly for any reason, that Claimyr service is there as an option. Much better than the endless phone runaround most people experience.