Washington ESD unemployment benefit calculation - making $1,500 weekly, what to expect?

Thanks! So it's not just a simple percentage of current wages? I need to look at quarterly earnings?

Exactly. They take your highest earning quarter from the base period, divide by 13, then calculate 3.85% of your total base period wages. The higher amount becomes your weekly benefit, up to the state maximum.

How long did it take you to get through when you filed? I'm worried about the phone system.

took me like 3 weeks of calling every morning. finally used this service called claimyr that got me through in like 10 minutes. cost some money but saved my sanity

Never heard of claimyr - is that legit? What exactly do they do?

This is super helpful! So if I had consistent $1,500 weekly earnings throughout 2024, I'd probably hit close to the maximum?

Yes, with consistent high earnings like that, you'd likely qualify for the maximum weekly benefit amount. Just make sure you have all your wage documentation ready when you file.

Good point. Is the online system reliable or should I expect technical issues?

Online filing usually works fine, it's getting through by phone for questions that's the real challenge. The phone lines are constantly jammed.

This is exactly why I used claimyr when I needed to talk to someone. They have some system that gets you connected to actual ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a video demo showing how it works.

Is that expensive? I'm already stressed about money with being unemployed.

It's way cheaper than missing weeks of benefits because you can't get through. Plus my time is worth something too. The video demo is at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ if you want to see how it works first.

What counts as a valid job contact? Is applying online enough or do you need to do more?

Online applications count, but you need to keep detailed records. Name of employer, position, date applied, method of contact. They can audit your job search log at any time.

What triggered your adjudication? I want to avoid any issues if I have to file.

They questioned my reason for leaving my previous job even though I was clearly laid off. Took forever to resolve because I couldn't reach anyone to explain the situation.

Adjudication delays are unfortunately common when there's any ambiguity about separation reasons. Always helpful to have documentation from your employer about layoffs or terminations.

Hope you don't need it either, but you're smart to research ahead of time. Many people wait until they're unemployed to figure this stuff out and that just adds stress.

Definitely keep that claimyr info handy just in case. When you're stressed about losing your job, the last thing you want is to waste weeks trying to get through to ESD.

Good point! I think we get 2 weeks severance. So I'd wait until after that ends to file?

Exactly. The severance period would postpone your unemployment benefits. File right after the severance period ends.

How would I know if wages were reported incorrectly?

When you file, ESD will show you the wage information they have on file. Compare it to your pay stubs and W-2s. If there's a discrepancy, you'll need to provide documentation to correct it.

Yeah, that's about a 40% income cut. Definitely something to plan for financially.

Exactly. And remember unemployment is taxable income, so factor that in too when budgeting.

Washington doesn't have any supplemental state programs beyond regular UI. There are federal extensions during economic downturns, but nothing permanent for high earners specifically.

Thanks for clarifying. So $929 is really the maximum anyone can get regardless of previous earnings.

Is that one week unpaid or just delayed?

It's unpaid. You serve one waiting week where you meet all requirements but don't get paid, then benefits start the following week.

Stock compensation that shows up on your W-2 as wages counts toward your benefit calculation. Options that haven't vested or been exercised typically don't count.

That makes sense. So if I had a big RSU vest that boosted one quarter's wages significantly, that would help my benefit amount?

Correct. Higher quarterly wages generally mean higher benefits, up to the state maximum.

How strictly do they monitor the job search activities?

Pretty strictly. They can request your job search log at any time and you need to have 3 valid job contacts per week with detailed documentation.

Interesting point. How long would be reasonable to wait before filing?

That's really personal depending on your savings and job prospects. Just remember you can't backdate benefits, so don't wait too long if you're not finding anything.

I tried using that but got confused about the quarters and base periods. Maybe I'll try again with the info from this thread.

Yeah it's not the most user-friendly tool. Having actual examples like yours helps understand how it works in practice.

Glad it helped! That was exactly my situation - hoping never to need it but wanting to understand the system.

It's always smart to understand these programs before you need them. Makes the process much less stressful if you ever have to use them.

Glad it worked for you too! I've recommended it to several people now who all had similar success.

Good to hear real feedback about it. I'll definitely keep that option in mind if I ever need to contact ESD.

That's good to know. Do they announce the new rates at the beginning of each year?

Usually announced in late fall for the following year. The adjustments are typically modest though, maybe $20-40 increases.