Washington ESD unemployment payment amount - how much pay for unemployment benefits?

So they don't just take my last paycheck and calculate from that? This is confusing.

No, they look at all four quarters in your base period. The highest quarter determines your weekly benefit amount.

That sounds about right for what I was hoping to get. Did you have any issues getting your payments?

First few weeks were fine but then I had to deal with adjudication for like a month. Couldn't get through to anyone at Washington ESD by phone.

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

It's worth checking out their site for the details. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

I used Claimyr too when my benefits got messed up. Super easy to use and actually got me connected to someone who could help.

This is way more complex than I thought. Why can't they just make it simple?

I know it's confusing but once you understand the base period concept it makes more sense. The system is designed to be fair to people with varying work histories.

I feel you. Same thing happened to me. The waiting is the worst part.

Did you check your online account? Sometimes the benefit amount shows up there before you get the official letter.

Yeah I checked and it just says 'claim under review' or something like that. So frustrating!

That sounds about right for your wage level. Just remember you'll need to file your weekly claims on time to keep getting paid.

Good for you! Make sure you keep track of your job search activities too - Washington ESD requires 3 job contacts per week.

Yes, unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay them when you file your tax return.

oh man i didn't know that. thanks for the heads up

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

Yeah it's like an extra $25 per dependent child if you qualify. Not huge but every bit helps.

That's good to know. I might try to pick up some part-time work while I'm looking for full-time.

Just make sure you report all earnings when you file your weekly claim. Washington ESD will find out about unreported income eventually.

If you're still confused about your benefit calculation, you should call Washington ESD and ask them to explain it. They have to break it down for you.

Like I mentioned before, Claimyr really helped me when I needed to talk to someone at Washington ESD about my benefits. Might be worth trying if you can't get through the regular way.

Thanks, that gives me a good range to expect. My calculation seemed reasonable then.

26 weeks should be enough time to find something new. Hopefully I won't need it all.

yeah that's the idea. good luck with the job search

That's exactly what I'm worried about! I can't wait that long to get paid.

Processing times have gotten better but it still depends on your specific situation. Simple claims usually go faster.

I was skeptical about using a service like that but honestly after spending days trying to call Washington ESD myself, I gave Claimyr a try and it worked perfectly. Got connected to someone who could actually help me.

I only had one job during the base period so that makes it simpler for me.

Yeah that definitely makes the calculation more straightforward. Multiple employers can really complicate things.

You're welcome! That's what this community is for - helping each other navigate the Washington ESD system.

Good to know I have options if something doesn't look right. Thanks for all the help everyone!