Washington ESD unemployment benefit amount calculation - what determines weekly payment?

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

Base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be October 2023 through September 2024.

The 3.85% calculation can definitely feel low, especially if you had irregular income. But Washington's maximum benefit is actually pretty decent compared to most states.

i guess, just wish they explained it better on their website

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com. They actually got me through to a Washington ESD agent in like 20 minutes. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

That sounds too good to be true, does it actually work?

Yeah it really does work. I was skeptical too but I was desperate to talk to someone about my adjudication issue. They handle all the calling and waiting for you.

So if my highest quarter was $9,000, my weekly benefit would be around $346? That seems really low for full-time work.

That math looks right. $9,000 x 0.0385 = $346.50, rounded down to $346. It's not meant to replace your full wages, just provide temporary support while job searching.

wait is that before or after taxes? do they take taxes out of unemployment benefits?

I understand your frustration, but most benefit determinations go through pretty quickly unless there's an issue with your claim that needs adjudication.

Well mine is stuck somewhere and Washington ESD won't answer their phones. I'm about to lose my apartment over this.

Have you tried using Claimyr? I heard about it on another thread and it helped me get through to Washington ESD when I couldn't reach them any other way.

No, overtime wages are counted the same as regular wages. It's all just total wages earned in each quarter for the calculation.

Good to know, thanks! Should help my benefit amount then.

Yes, if you work part-time while collecting unemployment, Washington ESD reduces your weekly benefit. You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount minus $5 without any reduction. After that, they reduce your benefit dollar-for-dollar.

so if my benefit is $400 i can earn up to $395 without losing any benefits?

Exactly right. Anything over $395 in that example would reduce your unemployment benefit by the same amount.

They add all wages from all employers together for each quarter. So if you worked two jobs in Q1 and made $4000 at each, your Q1 wages would be $8000 total for the calculation.

That makes sense, thanks for clarifying!

You'd need to check your base period carefully. Filing in March 2025, your base period would be October 2023-September 2024. If you only started working in October 2024, that wouldn't be in your base period and you might not qualify for regular unemployment.

Oh no, so I might not get anything? That's terrifying.

You might qualify for the alternate base period which uses the most recent 4 quarters. Talk to Washington ESD about your options.

It's designed to provide benefits based on your attachment to the workforce while preventing abuse. Using the highest quarter rather than average helps people who had seasonal or irregular work patterns.

I guess that makes some sense, just seems needlessly complex.

Yes, Washington ESD adjusts the minimum and maximum benefit amounts each year based on the state's average annual wage. The percentages stay the same but the dollar amounts change.

Good to know, so the $1,015 maximum might be different next year?

Correct, it usually goes up slightly each year as wages increase statewide.

If your calculated benefit (3.85% of highest quarter) is below the minimum, you get the minimum amount which is $295 per week in 2025. But you still need to meet the basic eligibility requirements.

ok thats good at least, $295 isnt much but better than nothing

I had a similar issue and ended up using Claimyr to get through to them. It was actually pretty easy - they handle all the calling and waiting, then connect you directly to a Washington ESD agent when one becomes available.

Is that expensive? I'm already broke from being unemployed.

It's worth it to get your wage issues sorted out quickly rather than waiting weeks or months. Check out their website at claimyr.com for details.

Glad we could help! The unemployment system is confusing enough without having to figure out the calculations on your own.

Agreed, this thread has been super helpful. Now I just need to actually file my claim and see what happens.

Yes, bonuses and commissions count as wages for the quarter they were paid in. So if you got a big bonus in one quarter, that could significantly increase your weekly benefit amount.

Excellent, I had a decent commission quarter last year so that should help.

Yeah, way better than trying to navigate their confusing website alone!

Definitely saving this thread for future reference.