Washington ESD unemployment benefit amounts 2024 - how much can I expect?

Thanks! So with my salary that should put me close to the maximum then. Do you know if that $999 max includes the additional federal benefits or is that just the state portion?

That's just the state maximum. There aren't any additional federal supplements right now like there were during COVID. The $999 is what you'd get from Washington ESD directly.

So if I made $75k last year, what would that translate to roughly? I don't have any dependents.

Take your highest quarter earnings, divide by 26, then that's roughly 60-65% of your weekly average. So if your highest quarter was around $19k, you'd be looking at maybe $450-500 per week.

That's actually more than I was expecting! I was working full time so 40 hours most weeks. How long does it usually take to get approved?

If there are no issues with your claim, you should start receiving benefits within 2-3 weeks after filing. Make sure you file your weekly claims every week even while waiting for approval.

That's because they need completed quarters for calculation. If you filed today, they'd use quarters from early 2023 through late 2023 typically.

yeah but what if you got a big raise recently? seems unfair

Thanks! So if I made around $14k in my highest quarter, that would put me at about $539 per week?

That sounds about right. You can get a more precise estimate by logging into your Washington ESD account once you file your claim.

Did you have any trouble getting through to confirm your benefit amount? I've heard calling Washington ESD is nearly impossible.

Yeah, I tried calling for weeks with no luck. Eventually found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made a huge difference for me.

Wait so it's not just a percentage of what you were making weekly? I thought it would be like 60% of my regular pay or something simple like that.

Nope, it's way more complicated than that. Washington uses this quarterly system that's supposed to make it more fair but honestly it's confusing as hell to calculate yourself.

Wow that's a pretty significant increase! Do you know what drove that change?

i think its tied to average wages in the state but not 100% sure

Have you tried using Claimyr? I was in the same boat - couldn't get through to Washington ESD for weeks. Found out about claimyr.com and they actually got me connected to an agent the same day. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

Never heard of that before. Is it legit? Seems too good to be true with how backed up Washington ESD is.

Yeah it's real. They basically handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent picks up. Way better than sitting on hold for hours just to get disconnected.

Good point! Can you set up tax withholding when you file the initial claim?

Yes, there's an option during the application process. They'll withhold 10% for federal taxes if you elect it.

That's helpful to know a real example. Did Washington ESD calculate it correctly the first time or did you have to appeal anything?

They got it right initially, but it took about 3 weeks for my claim to get approved due to adjudication. Had to verify my identity and work history.

This is confusing - so if I file in December 2024, what quarters would they look at?

For a December 2024 filing, they'd look at July 2023 through June 2024 (Q3 2023, Q4 2023, Q1 2024, Q2 2024). The most recent completed quarter (Q3 2024) gets excluded.

That makes sense, thanks for breaking it down!

What happens if you don't meet the regular base period requirements? Are you just out of luck?

They can use an alternate base period which looks at the most recent four quarters instead. This helps people who recently started working or had gaps in employment.

Thanks! So if I was making $4,200 monthly, that's about $50k annually. Does that mean I'd get close to the maximum?

Not necessarily - it depends on your earnings pattern over the base period. Washington ESD looks at your highest quarter specifically, not your annual total.

Yes, Washington increased the maximum benefit amount for 2024. It was $929 in 2023.

Good to know, thanks for clarifying!

Interesting, I hadn't heard of that before. Did you have to give them personal information or was it just to help with the calling?

No personal info needed - they just handle the calling part and get you through to a live agent at Washington ESD. Check out claimyr.com if you end up needing to talk to someone about your claim.

I had the same problem last month but found this service called Claimyr that actually got me connected to a Washington ESD agent. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

Is that legit? I'm getting desperate here but I don't want to get scammed or anything.

Yeah it's real, I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They don't ask for any personal info, just help you get through to the right department.

You're right that it increases annually. The 2024 maximum is $999, up from $969 in 2023. It's tied to the state average weekly wage calculations.

thanks for the exact numbers! I knew it went up but couldn't remember how much

That's helpful to know there's a minimum. At least I know I'll get something even if my calculation is off.

$295 minimum isn't much when rent alone is like $1500+ in most of Washington state these days

True, but it's better than some states where the max is only like $400 total. Washington ESD at least tries to make the benefits somewhat livable.

That's still not enough to live on in Seattle

Agreed, but it's better than nothing I guess

Tell me about it! I've been trying to call for weeks to get my benefit amount clarified.

I actually found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Agreed! Though you still have to do the weekly job search requirements. How many job contacts do you need to log each week?

I think it's 3 job search activities per week minimum, but check your individual requirements because it can vary.

Good point, I always forget about the tax implications. Can you have taxes withheld automatically or do you have to pay quarterly?

You can elect to have 10% federal tax withheld when you file your weekly claims. I'd recommend it to avoid a big tax bill next year.

That's helpful to know! So around 60% is typical then?

It varies a lot depending on your work history. Some people get way less than 60% if their earnings were inconsistent.

How do I access those wage records? Is it through the same login where you file weekly claims?

Yeah, once you create your account on SecureAccess Washington (SAW) you can see your wage and benefit information under the unemployment services section.

Oh wow, I worked in Oregon for part of 2023. Should I mention that when I file?

Definitely include ALL your work history. Washington ESD will request wage records from other states if needed. Better to be upfront about it.

Good point, I hadn't thought about that. Can you have taxes withheld automatically?

Yes, you can elect to have 10% federal tax withheld when you file your weekly claims through the Washington ESD website.

The dependency allowance is $24 per child under 18, up to 5 kids maximum. So that could add $120 per week if you qualify.

I don't have kids but good to know the calculation method. Sounds like I need to dig up my wage statements to figure this out properly.

Oh crap I didn't even think about taxes. Should I have them withhold or just pay at the end of the year?

I'd recommend having them withhold 10% just to be safe. Better than owing a big chunk next April.

Actually it's 10% federal withholding since Washington has no state income tax. But yeah definitely worth doing unless you want a surprise tax bill.

I'll definitely look for that calculator. Is it on the main Washington ESD homepage or buried somewhere in the site?

It's under the 'File a Claim' section if I remember right. You input your quarterly wages and it gives you an estimate of your weekly benefit amount.

What kind of job search requirements? I haven't filed yet so I don't know what to expect.

You have to do at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log of everything. It's not too bad once you get used to it but they're pretty strict about it.

The job search requirement is actually really important - I know someone who got disqualified because they weren't keeping proper records of their applications.

Can you extend benefits beyond 26 weeks if you still haven't found work?

Only if there's an extended benefits program active, which depends on the state's unemployment rate. Right now I don't think Washington has extended benefits available.

There might be federal extensions during recessions but nothing automatic beyond the base 26 weeks.

26 weeks should be plenty of time hopefully. I'm not too picky about finding something similar right away.

Don't sell yourself short though - taking the first low-paying job you find might hurt you in the long run. UI benefits give you time to find something decent.

Yes, overtime wages count as regular wages for benefit calculation purposes. It's all part of your quarterly earnings.

sweet, that might bump up my benefit amount then

The delay is usually because they have to verify your work history with employers and make sure all your wage information is accurate. It's frustrating but they're trying to prevent fraud.

I get that but it shouldn't take 3-4 weeks when you have all your pay stubs and tax documents ready to go

Same here! My claim is stuck in adjudication and I can't get anyone on the phone to explain what's happening.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr - they actually got me connected to a Washington ESD agent who could explain my adjudication delay. Worth checking out if you're stuck.

Never heard of that service but might be worth trying. I'm desperate at this point.

That's smart thinking. Unfortunately I already got laid off so too late for that.

Good to know! How do you file the weekly claims - is it online?

Yes, through your Washington ESD online account. You can also do it by phone but online is much easier.

Yeah I tried a few of those calculators and got wildly different numbers. Guess I'll just have to wait and see what they actually approve.

The Washington ESD website has their own benefit calculator but honestly it's pretty confusing to use. Easier to just file and let them do the math.

Good tip! I'll double check everything before I submit. The last thing I need is delays when I'm already stressed about money.

Also make sure you have your social security card and ID ready when you file. They might ask you to upload documents for identity verification.

Yes! And if you worked for multiple employers in the past 18 months, have all their info ready - company names, addresses, dates you worked there, etc.

Thanks, that gives me a good idea of what to expect! I'm planning to file tomorrow morning so hopefully I can get the process started.

File early in the week if possible - I've heard their system gets bogged down on Sundays when everyone's trying to do their weekly claims.

Seriously try Claimyr - that's how I finally got through. Worth every penny to avoid the endless busy signals.

I'll check it out, thanks for the recommendation

I worked for 2 years at my last job so I should be fine on that requirement.

You'll also need 680 hours of work during your base period, or earnings in at least two quarters. Sounds like you meet both requirements easily.

That's good to know. Do they automatically search for additional wages or do you have to report them yourself?

They cross-reference with employer records, but if you had jobs in other states or unusual employment situations, you might need to provide additional documentation.

That's assuming you can find work within 26 weeks. The job search requirements are pretty strict too.

What are the job search requirements exactly? I want to make sure I understand everything upfront.

Overpayment issues are really common unfortunately. If you're still trying to resolve it, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier might help you get through to someone who can explain what happened.

thanks ill check it out. tried calling washington esd like 50 times and keep getting hung up on

The amounts people are mentioning are typically the base benefit. You add $25 per week if you have qualifying dependents.

How do you know which base period would be better? Is there a way to calculate both options?

The standard base period uses the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. The alternate uses the last 4 completed quarters. If you got raises or promotions recently, the alternate might be higher.

How much does Claimyr cost? If Washington ESD phone lines weren't so terrible I wouldn't need to pay extra for basic customer service.

I get the frustration with having to use a third party service, but honestly it was worth it to finally get my issue resolved. The alternative was weeks more of trying to get through on my own.

They're really strict about this now. I know someone who got disqualified for not having enough job search activities documented.

The WorkSourceWA website has good resources for tracking your job search activities. I'd recommend setting up an account there.

Yes, overtime wages count the same as regular wages for benefit calculation purposes. All reported wages during your base period are included in the calculation.

Perfect, that should bump up my weekly amount then since I was working 60+ hour weeks for most of last year.

Good point! How much can you earn before it affects your benefits?

You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount plus $5 before it starts reducing your UI payment. So if your benefit is $600, you can earn up to $605 without any reduction.

Someone else mentioned Claimyr too. Seems like getting through to Washington ESD is a real problem. Might be worth trying if I run into issues.

I used Claimyr last month when I had questions about my adjudication status. Worked exactly like they said it would - got connected to an actual person at Washington ESD within 10 minutes instead of calling all day.

If you worked in other states during your base period, you might need to file an interstate claim or combine wages. It gets complicated - definitely worth calling Washington ESD to discuss your specific situation.

The waiting is the worst part. Try to keep track of all your expenses during this time in case you need to appeal anything later.

Good advice. I'm keeping receipts for everything and trying to cut expenses where I can just in case.

This is so important! I had an overpayment issue last year and having my records saved me from having to repay benefits I legitimately received.

What kind of overpayment issues happen? That sounds scary.

Sometimes Washington ESD miscalculates something or there's an error in wage reporting. Usually gets sorted out if you have good records but can be stressful.

yeah i learned this the hard way. owed like $3000 in taxes because i didnt have anything withheld

Yikes! Good reminder to think about the tax implications. I'll definitely have them withhold taxes if I qualify.

Do they reduce your weekly benefit dollar for dollar if you earn something, or is there a threshold?

There's usually a small earnings disregard, but anything over that reduces your benefit. The exact calculation depends on how much you earn that week.

That's pretty quick! Did your claim go through without any issues or adjudication?

No issues - straightforward layoff situation with clear documentation from my employer. I think that helped speed things up.

Adjudication is the worst! What was causing the delay in your case?

They needed additional verification about my separation from my previous employer. Once I submitted the right paperwork, it got resolved within a few days.

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

If you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your benefit calculation, Claimyr really helps get through their phone system. Much better than sitting on hold for hours.

I was laid off last Friday so I should file this week then. Thanks for all the helpful info everyone!

Definitely file ASAP. And make sure you have all your employment information ready - employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation.

My layoff is permanent so I'll need to do the job search requirements. But good to know about standby status.

Standby status has specific requirements though - your employer has to provide a return-to-work date within 4 weeks, and it has to be approved by Washington ESD.

This is so true! I had to resubmit my ID verification documents twice because they said they never received them.

Always take screenshots of confirmation pages too. That saved me when they claimed I missed filing a weekly claim.

I'll definitely bookmark that. Is that where I file my weekly claims too?

Yes, you file your weekly claims through the SAW portal every week. You can usually file starting Sunday for the previous week.

That's really helpful context. I started my last job in early 2023 so most of my earnings should be in that base period.

If you have questions about which base period Washington ESD used for your claim, calling them directly is the best way to get clarification. Claimyr makes that process much easier than trying to get through on your own.

Glad it helped! This stuff is confusing but once you understand the basics it gets easier.

Agreed! I feel much more prepared to file my claim now. Really appreciate everyone sharing their knowledge.

I wasn't planning on working part-time but good to know. What's the limit?

You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount minus $5 before they start reducing your unemployment payment. So if you qualify for $400/week, you could earn up to $395 in wages without losing benefits.

Actually I think it's more complicated than that - they reduce your benefits dollar for dollar after a certain threshold. Best to check with Washington ESD directly about the current rules.

It's designed that way to ensure they have complete, verified wage data from employers. Recent pay stubs might not capture the full picture of your earnings history.

That's higher than I expected! Did you have any gaps in employment during your base period?

Nope, worked consistently. Also had some bonus income that quarter which helped.

How many job searches do you need to do per week?

Three job search activities per week minimum. They can audit your search log so keep good records.

Good to know, I'll file soon and see what happens. Thanks everyone for the helpful info!

True, but make sure you have documentation to support your appeal. Washington ESD will want proof of any wage discrepancies.

Glad it helped! Feel free to ask if you have other questions.

Excellent point. The benefit amounts and formulas do get updated annually based on state wage data.

How quickly did they get you through? I'm still debating whether to try it.

Same day! Way better than the weeks I spent trying to call on my own.

Good reminder. Hopefully I'll find something before then!

I'll check that out too. Thanks for all the comprehensive advice everyone!

That's about right. To get the maximum benefit, you'd need quarterly wages of around $25,950 or higher in your highest quarter. That works out to roughly $104k annually.

OK so at $85k I probably won't hit the max but should be pretty close. Thanks for doing the math on that!

Yeah I'm already looking at what I can cut. Thankfully I have some savings to bridge the gap between unemployment and my full salary.

Smart thinking. The job market is tough right now so it might take longer than expected to find something new.

You can definitely appeal benefit calculations if you think they're wrong. I had to do this last year through Claimyr actually - they helped me get connected to someone who could review my case and fix the calculation error.

I'll look into that. I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks but can never get through to a human.

That's encouraging to hear the rates went up. Every little bit helps when you're dealing with a job loss.

Absolutely. The cost of living keeps going up so it's good they adjust the benefit amounts annually.

Good reminder. I know you have to log job search activities but wasn't sure how many per week they require.

It's 3 job search activities per week minimum. Can be applications, networking, job fairs, etc. Keep good records!

I understand the frustration, but the requirements are there to ensure benefits go to people who are genuinely unemployed through no fault of their own and actively seeking work.

Maybe but the red tape and waiting periods seem excessive. Other states process claims much faster.

How did you get them to add the missing employer? Did you have to provide documentation?

Yeah I had to submit pay stubs and my tax return. Took about 2 weeks for them to recalculate but it was worth it for the extra $200/week.

I'll definitely read everything carefully when I get it. Sounds like the calculation is more complex than I initially thought.

It really is. The base period stuff, quarter calculations, and wage reporting all factor in. But once you understand it the first time, it makes more sense.