Washington ESD unemployment how much weekly benefit amount calculation?

So if my highest quarter was around $15,000, that would be about $577 per week? That would actually cover most of my expenses.

Yes that sounds about right, but Washington ESD will calculate the exact amount when you file your claim.

Thanks! So if my highest quarter was around $15,000, that would be about $22 per week? That seems really low...

Wait, let me recalculate that. $15,000 divided by 26 is $577, times 0.0385 is only $22. That can't be right - there must be a minimum benefit amount.

Ok so if my two highest quarters were $15,000 and $14,000, that's $29,000 divided by 52 = $558, times 0.0385 = $21.48? Still seems way too low.

Something's not adding up with these calculations. I was making similar money and my weekly benefit is $487.

I couldn't find the calculator on their site. Do you have a direct link?

It's under the 'file a claim' section somewhere. The site navigation is terrible honestly.

I had the same problem trying to reach Washington ESD! Spent hours on hold just to get disconnected. Finally used Claimyr.com and got through to an agent in like 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

Never heard of that service. Does it actually work for reaching Washington ESD?

Yeah it worked great for me. They handle the calling so you don't have to sit on hold. Worth checking out if you need to talk to someone.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service 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.

Never heard of that before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - they basically call on your behalf and connect you when they get through. Saved me hours of redialing.

I filed my claim in January 2025, so what would my base period be?

For January 2025 filing, your base period would be October 2023 through September 2024. But you might qualify for alternate base period which uses more recent quarters.

That's not how Washington state calculates it at all. It's based on quarterly earnings from your base period, not annual salary.

Well that's stupid. How are people supposed to survive on these tiny amounts?

The system is designed to replace about 50% of your average weekly wage, but it's capped at the maximum benefit amount.

Here's the correct formula: Take your highest quarter earnings from base period, divide by 26, multiply by 0.0385. That gives you your weekly benefit amount, subject to minimum and maximum limits.

But what if your highest quarter was really low due to being unemployed part of that time?

Then you might qualify for alternate base period which uses more recent quarters, or you might get the minimum benefit if you're eligible.

This is correct. Also need to meet the monetary eligibility - must have earned at least $7,744 in base year and earned wages in at least 680 hours.

Good to know about the hour requirement. I definitely worked more than 680 hours so I should be fine there.

Right, it's the first 4 quarters of the last 5 completed quarters. So if you file in February 2025, your base year would be October 2023 through September 2024.

yeah exactly! i thought they'd use my recent high paying job but nope, used older lower wages

That's good to know. I might pick up some freelance work while job hunting.

Just make sure to report all earnings on your weekly claims. Washington ESD is strict about that.

I agree, the whole unemployment system needs to be more transparent about benefit amounts.

Mine just says 'pending' still. My claim has been in adjudication for 2 weeks now.

Ugh adjudication is the worst. That's when you really need to get through to someone at Washington ESD to find out what's holding it up.

That's really helpful for budgeting. I was worried it would be much less than that.

Just remember you'll need to file weekly claims and meet job search requirements to keep getting benefits.

Right, I need to do 3 job search activities per week. Already started applying to positions.

So with my salary of $52k, I'd probably get somewhere around $400-500 per week?

Probably in that range, yes. The exact amount depends on how your earnings were distributed across the quarters in your base period.

How long does it usually take to get that determination letter?

Usually within a week or two of filing your initial claim, assuming no issues with verification.

You can request a detailed breakdown of your benefit calculation from Washington ESD. They should be able to explain exactly which quarters they used and how they arrived at your weekly amount.

yeah tried calling but gave up after being on hold for 3 hours

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - got through to someone in 20 minutes instead of waiting hours.

Wait, unemployment is taxable? I thought it was like welfare or something.

Nope, it's taxable income. You can have 10% withheld automatically or pay quarterly estimated taxes.

I don't have kids so that doesn't apply to me, but good to know for others.

Yeah it's not much but every little bit helps when you're trying to make ends meet on unemployment.

How much does that service cost? I'm already tight on money being unemployed.

It's worth checking their site for current pricing. For me it was worth it to actually get through and get answers instead of wasting whole days trying to call.

How do you check if wages were reported correctly?

You can see it in your eServices account on the Washington ESD website once you file. If something's missing you can submit wage corrections.

Their online tools are pretty glitchy. I've had better luck calling or using the SecureAccess Washington portal.

SecureAccess is what I meant - that's where you access your Washington ESD account through.

Good to know! Every week of benefits helps when you're between jobs.

So if I get a part-time job while collecting, I still report those earnings on my weekly claim?

Yes, you have to report ALL earnings. They'll reduce your weekly benefit dollar for dollar after the first $5 you earn.

Actually it's not dollar for dollar - there's a formula for partial unemployment too. But yes, you must report all work and earnings.

Thanks for the reminder. I'll set up tax withholding when I file my claim.

Smart move. It's 10% federal withholding if you choose that option.

So it might be worth waiting to file if I'm right at the edge of a quarter?

possibly but you lose out on benefits for the weeks you wait. usually better to file right away

Glad you got answers! I think I'll use that service too if I have questions after filing.

Definitely recommend it. So much easier than trying to call directly.

Hopefully I won't need the full 26 weeks but good to know it's there as a safety net.

Yeah $999 is livable for a while. Should give me time to find something comparable to my old job.

I'm keeping a spreadsheet of all my applications and networking. Don't want any issues with compliance.

good idea. washington esd is pretty strict about documentation if they audit you

I had some bonuses that were paid in different quarters than earned. Hope that doesn't complicate things.

It might help actually if the bonuses were paid in your highest quarter. The monetary determination will show exactly what they used.

You're right, I should just file instead of overthinking it. Thanks everyone for all the helpful information!

Good luck with your claim and job search!

I've been trying but their phone system is impossible. Maybe I'll look into that Claimyr thing someone mentioned.

Yeah I've heard good things about services like that. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to get answers.

That's helpful context, thanks. Hopefully I'll know my exact amount once my claim gets approved.

yeah the waiting is the worst part. took almost a month for mine to get approved

I'll check that out. Do you remember what section of their website it's in?

I think it's under the claimant handbook or maybe the employer section. Search for 'benefit calculation' and it should come up.

I was laid off due to company downsizing so that shouldn't be an issue for me.

Good, layoffs are usually straightforward for eligibility. Your main concern is just getting the right benefit amount calculated.

Will do! Hopefully my adjudication finishes soon and I can see the actual numbers.

Good luck! And seriously consider that Claimyr service if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD. Made a huge difference for me.

Thanks everyone for all the help. I'll definitely look into Claimyr if I need to call them.