Washington ESD unemployment amount - is it based on your salary?

What exactly is the base period? Is it the last 4 quarters I worked?

The base period is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in January 2025, it would be January-December 2024, not including the current quarter.

Did you have any trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check your benefit amount? I keep hearing the phone lines are always busy.

Oh man, yes. I spent weeks trying to get through. Finally found this service called Claimyr that helps you reach Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much time and frustration.

No, it's based on your total wages during the entire base period, not just your most recent job. If you had multiple jobs or varying income, they look at all of it during those 4 quarters.

ok that makes more sense. i had a really good quarter with overtime so maybe that will help my benefit amount

Good to know. With my salary I should definitely meet those minimums. Is there anything else I need to know about how they calculate it?

The other thing is that your weekly benefit amount is capped at 63% of the state's average weekly wage. So even if your calculation comes out higher, you'll be limited to the maximum weekly benefit amount.

That's helpful, thanks. Did you have any issues with the online application process?

The online application was fine, but I had questions about my benefit amount that I couldn't get answered. The phone system is a nightmare. I eventually used Claimyr to get through to someone at Washington ESD who could explain my specific situation.

I'm just hoping it's enough to cover my basic bills while I look for another job. The job market is tough right now.

Yeah, it's better than nothing but don't expect it to replace your full salary. The maximum is less than $1000 a week which is nothing if you were making good money.

That's good to know. So I should make sure I understand the calculation before I file my claim?

Exactly. And if you think there's an error in your wage information, you need to address it early. Washington ESD uses data from employers, but sometimes there are mistakes or missing wages.

I didn't think about the tax implications. Should I have them withhold taxes from each payment?

I would recommend it. It's easier than getting hit with a big tax bill later. You can change the withholding election anytime through your online account.

The system is designed to be fair based on how much you paid into it, but I agree it's unnecessarily complicated. The benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website helps, but it's still confusing.

i tried that calculator but it asks for so much information that i dont have handy

Usually 2-3 weeks if there are no issues with your claim. But there's always a one-week waiting period before you can start receiving benefits, so factor that in.

And make sure you're filing your weekly claims every week even during the waiting period. If you miss a week, you can't go back and claim it later.

A couple people have mentioned Claimyr now. Is it free to use?

There's a cost but it was worth it for me. Way less frustrating than calling Washington ESD directly and getting busy signals or being hung up on.

Yeah, I'm already looking at my budget to see what I can cut back on. Hopefully it won't be for too long.

Smart thinking. And don't forget you have to be actively looking for work and reporting your job search activities. They're pretty strict about that requirement.

Good point. I'll start keeping track of all my applications and interviews. Is there a specific format they want?

They have a work search log you can download from their website, or you can use your own system as long as it includes the required information like employer name, contact method, and date.