Washington ESD unemployment how much will i get - confused about weekly benefit amount

So if I made around $38k last year, what would that work out to roughly? I'm terrible at math.

If you made $38k annually, your highest quarter was probably around $9,500-$10,000. Divide that by 13 weeks = roughly $730-770 weekly average. Your UI benefit would be about 60% of that, so maybe $440-460 per week before taxes.

How much less? I'm getting nervous about whether this will even cover my basic expenses.

I was making about $22/hour and only got $380 per week. It's definitely a struggle but better than nothing I guess.

Oh no, I just got a raise 3 months ago from $16 to $18.50. Does that mean they won't count the higher wage?

Depends on when exactly you filed and when the raise happened. Washington ESD will use whatever wages fall within your base year period. You can see your wage history in your eServices account once it's processed.

This is exactly why I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask about my benefit calculation. Spent hours on hold trying to get someone to explain it. Finally used claimyr.com to get connected faster - they have this system that calls you back when an agent is available. Made it so much easier to get my questions answered.

Yes, the minimum weekly benefit amount for 2025 is $295. But you still have to meet the earnings requirements to qualify in the first place.

That's good to know. At least there's a floor even if my calculation is low.

Wait, they automatically take taxes out? How much?

Federal taxes are 10% if you elect to have them withheld. You can choose not to have them taken out but then you'll owe at tax time. Washington doesn't have state income tax so that's not an issue.

I mentioned this earlier but claimyr.com really helped me get through to Washington ESD when I was stuck. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Basically saves you from sitting on hold forever.

I'll check that out, thanks. I'm getting desperate trying to reach someone about my claim status.

I should be fine there since I worked the full 2 years at the same place. Good to know about those requirements though.

That's actually really helpful. I was wondering if I could do some freelance work without losing my benefits completely.

Just make sure you report all earnings when you file your weekly claims. Even $20 from a side job needs to be reported.

How do I know if I'll get the full 26 weeks? I really hope I don't have to deal with a shorter benefit period.

It's based on your total base year wages. Generally if you worked full-time for most of the base year, you should get close to the full 26 weeks. The monetary determination will spell it out exactly.

There are some unofficial calculators online but they're not always accurate because they don't account for all the specific Washington rules and wage reporting quirks.

Yeah I tried one of those online calculators and got a completely different number than what my friend estimated for me.

Good point. I need to start looking for work anyway but I'll make sure to document everything properly.

WorkSourceWA website is where you can track your job searches. Makes it easier to keep the required records.

I hadn't thought about that. Hopefully my UI will be enough but good to know there are other options if needed.

Ugh, that's what I was afraid of. I'm already stressing about next month's rent.

Yeah it's tough. Try to contact local food banks or assistance programs to help bridge that gap if you need to.

How long does it usually take to get that letter after filing?

Usually within a week or two if there are no issues with your claim. If it goes to adjudication, it can take much longer.

I know, even if I get $400-500 per week, that's still way less than what I was making. Going to be a tough adjustment.

Same here. Looking at having to move back in with family if this drags on too long.

It was a layoff due to reduced orders, so hopefully that won't be an issue. But good point to keep in mind.

Thanks, I needed to hear that. It's been really overwhelming trying to figure everything out.

Hang in there. The financial stress is real but unemployment benefits do help bridge the gap while you find something new.

Good to know it actually works. I'll definitely keep that in mind if I run into issues getting through to them.

Yeah, much better than refreshing the website over and over hoping to find answers that aren't there.

You're right. I guess I'll just have to wait and see what they come up with. Thanks everyone for all the info, it's been really helpful.

Hope it works out well for you. Feel free to post back here once you get your determination if you have more questions about the amount.