Washington ESD when will unemployment increase start - any updates on benefit amounts?

So if my benefit year started in September 2024, I wouldn't see any increase until I file a new claim next September?

That's correct. Your benefit amount is locked in for your entire benefit year based on wages from when you initially qualified.

I had the same problem until I found claimyr.com - it's a service that handles the calling for you and gets you connected to an actual Washington ESD agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of frustration.

Really? How does that even work? Seems too good to be true.

They basically do all the waiting and calling for you, then connect you when they get an agent on the line. I was skeptical too but it actually worked.

Wait, so someone filing today would get up to $999 but I'm stuck at the old rate until my benefit year ends? That seems unfair.

Yeah it's frustrating but that's how the system works. Your benefit calculation is based on the wage base period when you first filed, not current rates.

I feel you on that. The cost of living keeps going up but our benefits stay the same. Have you looked into any assistance programs while you're job searching?

I've applied for a few things but everything has waiting lists. Just trying to stretch what I have until I find something.

Standby claims follow the same benefit year structure as regular UI claims. Your increase timing would depend on when your original claim was established, not your current standby status.

Thanks, that makes sense. Guess I'll be waiting until next year then.

How did you actually get through to talk to someone? I've been trying for days.

Honestly I used one of those calling services after getting frustrated. claimyr.com got me connected in like 20 minutes instead of wasting my whole day calling.

Each state has its own schedule for benefit calculations. Washington uses the July adjustment period because that's when they have complete wage data from the previous year to calculate new maximums.

Correct. Your current claim is locked at 2024 rates. When you file your new claim in March, it will be calculated using current wage base periods and the new $999 maximum.

That's so frustrating but good to know. At least I can plan for it.

No exceptions for benefit amount increases during an active claim period. However, if you return to work and then become unemployed again, you might be able to file a new claim if you've earned enough wages in the interim.

Makes sense I guess. The rules are pretty rigid but at least they're consistent.

I get the frustration but imagine the computer system chaos if they tried to recalculate every active claim every time rates changed. The current system at least keeps things predictable.

Is it legit though? I'm always suspicious of third-party services for government stuff.

Yeah it's real. They just handle the calling part and connect you to an actual Washington ESD agent. You still talk to the real person yourself.

That's the bottom line, yes. Existing claims keep their original benefit calculation until the benefit year expires.

Well that sucks but thanks for clarifying. At least I know what to expect now.

Reopening an existing claim doesn't create a new benefit year. You'd still be on your original benefit calculation from when you first filed.

Ugh, figured that was too good to be true. Thanks for the info though.

Same boat here. At least we know what's going on now instead of wondering.

Yeah this thread was super helpful. Washington ESD really should explain this stuff better on their website.

Good point. I should start gathering that paperwork now instead of scrambling later.