Washington ESD unemployment insurance how much can I expect weekly?

That actually sounds about right for my situation. My highest quarter was probably around $15,000-16,000. So I should expect somewhere in the $575-625 range weekly?

Yes, that math checks out. Just remember you'll need to file your weekly claims every week and meet the job search requirements to keep getting benefits.

Yeah I saw that calculator but couldn't figure out how to use it properly. Did your actual amount end up being close to what you expected?

It was a bit lower than I hoped but close to the estimates people gave me here. The hardest part was getting through to someone at Washington ESD to ask questions about the calculation.

Never heard of that service. How much does it cost? Is it legit?

It's totally legitimate - they just help you get connected to ESD agents efficiently. The cost is worth it when you need answers fast and can't spend all day calling.

Interesting, I might need to check that out if I run into issues with my claim processing.

Good point about taxes. Do most people have them withheld or just deal with it at tax time?

I'd recommend having them withheld. It's easier than coming up with a big chunk at tax time, especially if you're on unemployment for a while.

I'm not planning to work part-time right away but good to know for later. How much can you earn before it affects your benefits?

I think it's something like you can earn up to a certain amount (maybe 1/3 of your weekly benefit) before they start reducing it. But don't quote me on the exact formula.

You're close - it's actually based on your weekly benefit amount. They have a specific calculation but basically any earnings over a small threshold will reduce your weekly benefit dollar for dollar.

It was definitely a layoff due to lack of work, not misconduct. Should I be worried about them contesting it anyway?

Probably not if it was a clear layoff, but keep your layoff paperwork just in case. Washington ESD will contact you if there are any issues.

What exactly do you have to do for the job search requirements? Is it a certain number of applications per week?

You need to make 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. Can be applications, networking, job fairs, etc. Just document everything in case they audit you.

The job search requirement is no joke. They do random audits and if you can't prove your contacts, they'll make you pay back benefits.

Yikes, a month delay would be rough. How did you finally get it resolved?

Had to provide documentation about my last day worked and final paycheck. The hardest part was getting through to someone at ESD to explain what they needed.

This is exactly the kind of situation where Claimyr really helps. Instead of calling ESD dozens of times hoping to get through, you can actually reach an agent who can tell you exactly what documentation they need to resolve the adjudication.

Thanks, that helps put it in perspective. $600 a week should cover my basic expenses while I job hunt.

Just remember that's before taxes if you choose to have them withheld. So your take-home will be a bit less.

26 weeks should be plenty of time to find something new. Hopefully I won't need nearly that long.

That's the spirit! Most people find work before their benefits run out. Just use the time wisely to find the right opportunity, not just any job.

Wait, so I won't get paid for the first week even if I file immediately?

Exactly. The first week is unpaid - it's called the waiting week. You still need to file that weekly claim, but you won't get a payment for it.

That waiting week thing caught me off guard too. Make sure you have some savings to cover that first week gap.

How long does a redetermination take? And did they end up increasing your benefit amount?

Took about 3 weeks and yes, they increased my weekly benefit by about $75. It was worth the wait since I was still getting the original amount while they reviewed it.

Yeah I definitely need to research those job search requirements more. Don't want to lose benefits over a technicality.

Smart approach. Better to over-document your job search activities than under-document them.

Good to know. I assume once I start working again, I just stop filing weekly claims?

Yes, but make sure to file for your last week if you only worked part of that week. You might be eligible for partial benefits.

Definitely planning to do direct deposit. How long after approval does the first payment usually come?

If everything goes smoothly and there's no adjudication, usually about a week after you file your first weekly claim. But remember that first week is unpaid, so it's really the payment for your second week.

Seems like a few people here have used that service successfully. I'll keep it in mind if I hit any roadblocks.

Yeah, the regular ESD phone lines are pretty much useless during busy periods. Nice to know there are alternatives.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! This gives me a much better idea of what to expect. Time to get my claim filed.

Good luck with your claim! The job market is pretty good right now so hopefully you won't need benefits for too long.