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

So if I was making $720 a week, I'd get around $432? That would actually help a lot with my rent.

That's the general idea, but they look at your entire base period which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed. So it depends on your full work history during that time.

Wait, there's a calculator on their website? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days to ask about this but keep getting busy signals.

Yeah, there's a benefit calculator tool on their site. But if you need to talk to someone about your specific situation, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual Washington ESD agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Yes, the base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January-December 2024.

That makes sense. I worked at two different jobs during that time period - do they combine the wages from both?

Absolutely! They'll look at all your covered employment during your base period. Just make sure both employers reported your wages correctly to Washington ESD.

Thanks for breaking down the math! So if my two highest quarters were $9,360 each, that would be $18,720 divided by 2 = $9,360, then divided by 13 = $720 per week?

That sounds right, but remember the maximum weekly benefit is $999, so you'd get the full $720 in that example.

Wait, that seems really high. Are you sure about that calculation? I thought the benefit rate was lower.

How long did it take for Washington ESD to determine your benefit amount after you filed?

It took about 2 weeks for them to calculate everything and send me the monetary determination letter. But I had to wait longer for my first payment because of some verification issues.

I'm getting the minimum because I was only working part-time. It's better than nothing but barely covers my basic expenses.

Same here. I was working part-time at two different jobs but still qualified for the minimum benefit amount.

You can appeal the monetary determination if you think it's incorrect. You have 30 days from the date of the letter to file an appeal.

I had the same problem - thought my benefit amount was calculated wrong. I ended up using Claimyr to get through to a Washington ESD representative who walked me through how they calculated it. Turned out it was correct, but it was good to get clarification.

Thanks! I'll look into that service. I've been calling for weeks with no luck.

Good point! I learned that the hard way last year. Make sure to either have the 10% federal tax withheld or set aside money for taxes.

Washington doesn't have state income tax, so you only need to worry about federal taxes on your unemployment benefits.

If you don't have enough earnings in your regular base period, Washington ESD can use an alternate base period which looks at the most recent four completed quarters.

That's helpful to know! I was worried I wouldn't qualify at all.

You might also want to include any military service or federal employment in your application - those can count toward your base period wages too.

Washington doesn't pay dependents allowances for regular unemployment benefits. That might be a different state you're thinking of.

Oh, you're right! I was confusing it with another state's program. Thanks for the correction.

I filed my claim three days after getting laid off. Should be okay, right?

Yeah, that's perfect timing. The sooner you file, the sooner you can start receiving benefits.

I waited two weeks to file because I thought I might get my job back. Big mistake - lost out on two weeks of benefits.

Yes, overtime pay is included in your total wages for benefit calculation purposes. It's all part of your reported earnings.

Great! That should help boost my weekly benefit amount then.

I know exactly what you mean! I finally got through using Claimyr - it's a service that helps you reach Washington ESD agents. Worth every penny to actually talk to someone who could answer my questions.

I'll have to check that out. This is so frustrating when you just need basic information about your claim.

Same experience here. The phone system is a nightmare, especially when you have time-sensitive questions about your benefits.

That sounds like a reasonable amount for your wage level. How long did the whole process take from filing to getting your determination?

About 10 days total. Pretty quick actually, though I know some people have had longer waits.

I used that calculator and it was pretty accurate. My actual benefit amount was within $20 of the estimate.

Good to know it's reliable! I'll try that before I file my claim next week.

How do they calculate the number of weeks? Is it just automatic that you get 26 weeks?

It's based on your total base period wages. The more you earned during your base period, the more weeks of benefits you're entitled to, up to the maximum of 26 weeks.

I only qualified for 18 weeks because my base period earnings were lower. But 18 weeks is still helpful while job searching.

How many job search activities do you need to do each week in Washington?

You need to complete at least 3 job search activities per week, and they have to be documented in your job search log.

I keep track of mine in a spreadsheet. Makes it easy to report when I file my weekly claim.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I feel like I have a much better understanding now of how the benefit amount is calculated.

You're welcome! Good luck with your claim and your job search.