Washington ESD unemployment benefit calculation - how much of your salary do you actually get?

So they look at my best quarter, not my current salary? That's confusing. What if I just got a raise recently?

Right, they use your base period which is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. Recent raises might not count if they're too recent.

50 times?? That's insane. How did you finally get through?

I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual Washington ESD agent. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Thanks, this is really helpful. So if my highest quarter was like $13,000, I'd get $500 per week?

Exactly, $13,000 ÷ 26 = $500/week. But remember you also have to meet the job search requirements and file your weekly claims on time.

Don't forget about taxes! UI benefits are taxable income so you'll owe on it next year unless you have them withhold.

Tell me about it! I've been trying to reach them about my adjudication for weeks. The hold times are ridiculous.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr - it automatically calls Washington ESD for you until you get through to a real person. Worth every penny when you're dealing with benefit issues.

It depends on how your earnings were distributed throughout the year. If you made $12,500 in your highest quarter, that would be about $480/week in benefits.

Ok that helps, thank you. I'm just worried about making ends meet if I lose my job.

You can also look into other assistance programs while on unemployment. Don't suffer in silence!

I don't think it's malicious, just underfunded and overwhelmed. The pandemic made everything worse.

Maybe, but when you can't even get basic information about your benefit amount without calling 100 times, something's wrong.

Oh really? I didn't know they had a calculator. I'll check that out.

The calculator is ok but it doesn't account for all the weird edge cases. I thought I'd get $600/week but only got $480.

That's actually not as bad as I thought it would be. Still a big cut but manageable maybe.

yeah its not great but better than nothing. just make sure you file your weekly claims every week or you lose benefits

Interesting point, but if you're laid off you can't really control the timing of when you file.

True, but if you quit or have some control over the timing, it's worth considering.

Yes, overtime counts as part of your total wages for that quarter. Washington ESD looks at all wages reported by your employer.

Great, that should help boost my benefit amount then. Thanks!

Mine took about 2 weeks to get the monetary determination. Are you checking your online account regularly?

Yeah, I check every day. Still just says 'processing'. Getting really anxious about it.

If it's taking that long, you might want to call them to check on the status. I used Claimyr to get through - saved me from sitting on hold for hours.

Good point. I'm hoping I won't need it at all but want to be prepared just in case.

26 weeks goes by faster than you think, especially if you're being picky about jobs.

What's standby benefits? Never heard of that.

It's for seasonal workers who have a definite return-to-work date. You don't have to do job searches but the benefit calculation is the same.

What are the job search requirements exactly? I keep hearing about this but haven't looked into the details.

You need to make 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. Washington ESD can audit you at any time so keep good records.

Do you get paid the same week you file or is there a delay?

Usually takes 2-3 business days after filing your weekly claim. I file Sunday night and get paid Wednesday typically.