Washington ESD unemployment benefit amounts 2024 - how much is unemployment?

Washington ESD calculates your weekly benefit amount based on your highest earning quarter from your base period. For 2024, the maximum weekly benefit is $999. Your benefit is roughly 3.85% of your total wages from your highest quarter, but it can't exceed that $999 cap. You'll need to look at your wages from the last 5 quarters to see which was your highest.

Washington ESD calculates your weekly benefit amount using your highest quarter earnings from your base year. For 2024, the maximum weekly benefit is $999 and minimum is $295. They take your highest quarter wages, divide by 26, then that's roughly your weekly amount (can't exceed the max though).

Just remember you have to file your weekly claims every week to get paid. Miss a week and you lose that week's benefits completely. Also the job search requirements are pretty strict now.

I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks to ask about my benefit calculation but can never get through. Their phone system is completely useless - just hangs up on you after waiting forever.

The 2024 benefit amounts also depend on if you're getting regular UI or if you qualify for any additional programs. Washington ESD has different calculation methods for different benefit types. Regular unemployment insurance uses the quarter method mentioned above.

The weekly benefit amount formula is: (highest quarter wages ÷ 26) × 0.0385. But there's also a minimum of $295 per week for 2024. You can use the benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website to get an exact estimate before you file your claim.

honestly trying to get through to washington esd to ask about benefit amounts is impossible. been calling for weeks just to verify my calculation and cant get past the busy signal. anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there?

dont forget about taxes!! they dont automatically take taxes out so you either need to request it or you'll owe money next year. learned that the hard way

Just to clarify the calculation - Washington ESD looks at the 4 quarters before you filed (your base year). They find your highest earning quarter, divide by 26, and that's your weekly benefit amount. But it can't be more than $999 or less than $295 for 2024.

Update: I managed to file my claim online and it shows my estimated weekly benefit as $338. Seems like the calculation was pretty close to what you all said. Now I just have to wait for them to process everything.

The benefit amounts in Washington are actually pretty decent compared to other states. I moved here from a state where the max was only $400/week. $999 max here is much better.

Just remember the $999 max is for regular UI benefits. If you're on standby or have other circumstances, your calculation might be different. Also, you can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks typically, though that can vary based on the unemployment rate.

Does anyone know if the 2024 amounts are staying the same all year or do they adjust them? I heard some states change their rates mid-year.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you understand the waiting week situation. Washington ESD doesn't have a waiting week anymore (they eliminated it during COVID and kept it that way) so you can get paid for your first week if you're eligible.

The 2024 benefit amounts are definitely higher than last year. I was getting $847 weekly when I filed in late 2023, but my coworker who got laid off in February is getting $912 for similar wages. The rates get adjusted annually.

For 2024, Washington also has some of the highest unemployment benefits in the country. The $999 max is really good compared to other states. Just make sure you file your weekly claims on time every week or you'll lose those benefits.

My claim got stuck in adjudication for over a month and I couldn't reach anyone at Washington ESD to find out why. Finally used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and got through immediately. Agent explained my employer had contested my claim and walked me through the next steps.

if you worked multiple jobs the calculation gets more complicated. they look at ALL your wages from all employers during your base period. i had 2 part time jobs and my benefit amount was based on the combined wages from both.

Washington ESD benefit rates for 2024: - Maximum weekly: $999 - Minimum weekly: $295 - Duration: Up to 26 weeks - Calculation: 3.85% of highest quarter wages You can also check your estimated benefit amount by logging into your SecureAccess Washington account before filing.

Just be aware that if you work any hours during a week, it affects your benefit amount. They don't just cut you off completely but they reduce your weekly payment based on how much you earned that week.

PSA: make sure you understand the job search requirements too. You need to do 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. The benefit amount is great but you have to meet all the ongoing requirements to keep getting paid.

The online system actually shows you exactly how they calculated your benefit amount if you look in the right section. It breaks down your quarterly wages and shows the math.

Don't forget that unemployment benefits are taxable income federally and in Washington state (well, Washington doesn't have income tax but for federal). Plan accordingly for tax season.

One thing to watch out for - if you have any issues with your claim or need to talk to Washington ESD about your benefit calculation, the phone lines are swamped. I used Claimyr to get through when I had questions about my benefit amount. Worth checking out if you need to reach an agent.

Has anyone had issues with their benefit amount being calculated incorrectly? Mine seems way lower than it should be based on my wages but I can't get through to anyone to ask about it.

The maximum $999 per week sounds great but remember that's gross, not net. After they take out taxes (if you elect to), your actual deposit will be less.

For anyone wondering, you can see all the 2024 benefit amounts and requirements on the Washington ESD website under the 'Unemployment Benefits' section. They update it annually with current rates.

Quick question - does the $999 maximum apply to everyone or are there different maximums for different situations? I'm in a union and wasn't sure if that changes anything.

Just wanted to add that if you're confused about any of this stuff, the WorkSource offices can sometimes help explain the benefit calculations in person. Might be easier than trying to call.

Bottom line for anyone still reading - the 2024 weekly amounts range from $295 minimum to $999 maximum based on your wage history. File your claim, see what you get calculated, and if something seems wrong that's when you need to contact Washington ESD for clarification.

Just filed my claim last week and got my benefit determination letter. The calculation was exactly what the online calculator predicted - $743 per week based on my wages from last year. The process was pretty straightforward once I got started.

the benefit amounts are decent but remember its temporary. dont get too comfortable and keep applying for jobs aggressively. the 26 weeks goes by faster than you think especially if you have a family to support

For anyone doing the math on their own benefits, remember that Washington ESD looks at your base period which is the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. So if you file in March 2024, they're looking at wages from April 2023 through December 2023.

IF YOU NEED TO REACH WASHINGTON ESD about benefit amounts or anything else, try calling right at 8am when they open or use that Claimyr service someone mentioned. I wasted so many hours calling before I figured out the timing.

Another thing about the 2024 rates - they're tied to the state's average weekly wage, so they can change year to year. The $999 maximum is actually pretty generous compared to most states. Just make sure you file accurately and honestly about your work history.