What determines how much unemployment you get in Washington ESD?

So if I made $15,000 in my highest quarter, that would be about $22 per week? That seems really low.

No, you're calculating wrong. $15,000 divided by 26 = $576, then times 0.0385 = about $22. Wait, that is low. Let me double check the formula...

The formula is actually (highest quarter wages / 26) * 0.0385 = weekly benefit amount, but there's also a minimum of $295/week in Washington.

I definitely worked more than 680 hours and made way more than $7,000, so I should be good on that front.

Don't forget they also look at wages outside your highest quarter. You need earnings in your base period that are at least 1.25 times your highest quarter wages.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents - you can check it out at claimyr.com. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Is that legit? I'm skeptical of anything that charges money to help with unemployment.

I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Got through to an agent in about 45 minutes instead of calling for days.

I only worked in Washington, so that shouldn't be an issue for me.

Even if you only worked in Washington, make sure all your employers reported your wages correctly. I had an employer who didn't report mine and it screwed up my benefit amount.

So even if I qualify for $500/week, I might not get it for the full 26 weeks?

Exactly. If 30% of your base period wages is less than 26 x your weekly benefit, you'll exhaust your benefits earlier.

This is why it's important to work consistently throughout your base period, not just have one really good quarter.

They give you an estimate when you file, but it's not official until they process your monetary determination. That can take a few weeks.

A few weeks?? I need to know now so I can plan my budget!

You can try using the benefit calculator on Washington ESD's website, but you'll need your wage information from the last 5 quarters.

What if I only work a few hours and make less than my weekly benefit?

Then they'll reduce your weekly benefit by the amount you earned, minus the first $5. So if your benefit is $400 and you earn $100, you'd get $295 that week.

Actually, it's not dollar for dollar. Washington has a sliding scale for partial benefits, it's more complex than that.

Same here! First they said $450/week, then $380, now it's $420. I have no idea what's going on.

This is exactly why I used Claimyr to get through to an agent. I needed someone to explain all the changes to my claim and I couldn't wait on hold for hours.

How much does that service cost though?

I was laid off, not quit, so hopefully that won't be an issue.

Layoffs are usually fine, but make sure you have documentation just in case they ask questions during adjudication.

I filed in January, so my base period should be Q1 2023 through Q4 2023, right?

Not quite - if you filed in January 2025, your standard base period would be Q3 2023 through Q2 2024 (the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters).

You can also request an alternate base period if the standard one doesn't work in your favor, but you have to ask for it specifically.

Yes, all wages reported on your W-2 count, including overtime, bonuses, and commissions.

Good! That should bump up my highest quarter then.

It can take 2-4 weeks depending on how backed up they are. If there are any issues with your wage records, it takes longer.

Ugh, I really need to know my benefit amount to plan my finances. This waiting is killing me.

If you need to check on the status, Claimyr can help you get through to an agent who can look up your case. Way better than trying to call on your own.

Yes, you can appeal your monetary determination if you think there's an error. You have 30 days from the date of the determination to file an appeal.

What kind of errors would qualify for an appeal?

Missing wages, incorrect wage amounts, wrong base period, or if an employer's wages were excluded when they shouldn't have been.

That's good to hear! I'm still waiting for mine but hopefully it comes soon.

Hang in there, it'll come. Just make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even while you're waiting.

I was a W-2 employee so that shouldn't affect me.

Good, then you should be all set once you get your determination!