Washington ESD unemployment benefits - are they actually competitive compared to other states?

Yeah I was working full-time but only making about $42K annually. Guess that explains the lower amount.

The formula is roughly 3.85% of your highest quarter wages. So if you made $10,500 in your best quarter, that would put you around $485/week.

Wait, Washington doesn't tax unemployment benefits? I thought the federal government still taxes them though?

Correct - no state income tax on UI benefits in Washington, but you'll still owe federal taxes on them.

Is that legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks to ask about my job search requirements.

Yeah it's real. They basically call for you and get you connected to an actual person at Washington ESD. Worked for me when I needed to resolve an adjudication issue.

8 weeks?? That's insane. Have you tried the secure messaging system on the ESD website?

I've sent like 6 messages through the secure system and gotten zero responses. It's like they don't even read them.

Try Claimyr if you need to actually talk to someone. I used them last month when my claim got stuck and they got me through to an adjudicator who cleared everything up in 10 minutes.

Good to know we're not getting completely screwed then. Still wish it was higher with these rent prices though.

Keep in mind you also don't have to pay state taxes on it here. In states with income tax, you could lose another 5-10% of your benefits to state taxes.

That's the real issue. The system works fine if your claim is straightforward, but any complications and you're stuck in limbo.

THIS. I had to prove I was laid off and not fired, took 3 months to get my first payment while I was behind on everything.

The 3 job applications per week is pretty standard. At least Washington ESD accepts online applications, some states still require you to physically visit employers.

Wait, I thought it was 2 job searches per week? Did they change it recently?

It's 3 job search activities per week, which can include applications, networking events, or career counseling sessions.

Self-employed people still can't get regular UI benefits. The pandemic programs for gig workers (PUA) ended in 2021.

Yeah if you were self-employed you're basically out of luck unless you paid into the voluntary coverage program, which almost nobody does.

How much does something like that cost though? Seems like you shouldn't have to pay extra just to reach a government agency.

You're right it's ridiculous we need services like this, but when you're not getting benefits for weeks because you can't reach anyone, it's worth it to get connected.

OMG yes!! The website is SO bad on Sundays. I've learned to file my weekly claim on Tuesday mornings instead.

Pro tip: file your weekly claims between 6-8 AM on weekdays. The system is way more stable then.

Yeah I'm starting to realize we have it better than I thought, at least on paper. The access issues are real though.

Texas unemployment is terrible, you made the right move coming here. Even with all the ESD problems, at least you can survive on the benefits here.

That makes me feel a bit better about my $485. Still tight but could be worse I guess.

Exactly, and remember it's temporary. The point is to give you something while you find your next job, not replace your full income forever.

If you're on standby with a definite recall date within 8 weeks, you can file for standby benefits. Otherwise file regular UI and do your job searches.

they said 'maybe in 2-3 months' so probably not definite enough for standby then

Yeah that's too vague for standby status. File regular UI and start looking for other work.