Washington ESD unemployment benefit amount 2024 - how much will I get?

Thanks! So if I made around $13,000 in my highest quarter, I'd get about $500 weekly?

That sounds about right. The exact formula is (highest quarter wages × 0.0385) but they round it to the nearest dollar.

It's actually $999 maximum for 2024. They increase it annually based on the state average wage.

I had the same problem last month! Spent weeks trying to get through. Then I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that handles the calling for you. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Basically they call Washington ESD repeatedly until they get through, then conference you in with an agent.

That sounds too good to be true. Does it actually work?

Yeah it worked for me. Got connected to an agent in about 2 hours instead of calling for weeks myself.

What if my wages were really low in the base year but I got a big raise recently?

Unfortunately, Washington ESD only looks at the base year wages, not your most recent salary. You might be able to use an alternate base year if it results in a higher benefit amount.

I feel your frustration but the system is designed to replace a percentage of your wages, not give everyone the same amount.

Still doesn't make it fair when you've paid more into the system through higher wages.

That's really helpful to know. Do you know how they handle the calculation if someone had multiple jobs?

They combine all wages from all employers during your base year, so multiple jobs actually help increase your benefit amount.

How long can you collect? I thought it was only 26 weeks.

yeah its 26 weeks in washington unless they extend it during bad economic times

The maximum is the same for everyone regardless of family size. Washington doesn't have dependent allowances like some other states do.

That's different from where I lived before. Other states give you extra for kids.

I was in the same situation last month. Used Claimyr to get through to an agent and found out my adjudication was just a routine identity verification. The agent was able to tell me my weekly benefit amount would be $567 once approved.

How long did Claimyr take to get you connected?

About 3 hours. Way better than the weeks I spent trying to call myself.

Good point! Always make sure to report ALL your employers when filing your initial claim.

They have to verify your wages with all your employers first. The calculation itself is straightforward once they have all the wage information.

I guess that makes sense but the waiting is stressful when you need to plan your budget.

Definitely do the tax withholding! I didn't do it last year and ended up owing a bunch at tax time.

You can also make quarterly estimated tax payments if you don't want it withheld.

Same calculation applies to standby. Your weekly benefit amount is based on your wages regardless of whether you're on regular UI or standby status.

You need to request a redetermination if you think there's an error. Call Washington ESD or file an appeal within 30 days.

Make sure all your employers are listed correctly on your claim. Missing wages from an employer is the most common reason for low benefit amounts.

Correct, the extra $300 federal boost ended in September 2021. Now it's just the regular state benefit amount.

Just for that week. Your weekly benefit amount stays the same, but they'll reduce your payment for any week you work based on how much you earn.

You can earn up to about $150 per week without any reduction in benefits, then they start deducting 75 cents for every dollar over that.

Try using Claimyr if you really need to talk to someone. I've recommended it to several people and they all got through much faster than calling directly.

The early morning calls work best if you want to try calling yourself. Like right at 8am when they open.

Good point about the taxes. A lot of people forget about that when planning their expenses.

It's adjusted once per year, usually taking effect in January. The 2024 rate of $999 will stay the same until January 2025.

No problem! This forum has been super helpful for navigating the unemployment system.