What do unemployment benefits pay in Washington state - need to know amounts

So it's based on my highest quarter, not my annual salary? That's confusing. How do I figure out what my base period is?

Your base period is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, it would be October 2023 through September 2024. Washington ESD will calculate it automatically when you apply.

That's actually more than I expected for someone making 60k. Did you have any issues with your claim or did it go through smoothly?

took about 2 weeks to get approved, no major issues. just had to do the job search stuff every week

26 weeks seems reasonable. Are there any other benefits that come with unemployment, like health insurance help or anything?

You might be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, but you'd have to pay the full premium yourself. Some people qualify for subsidies through the state health exchange too.

Had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents - worked for me after trying their system for like 3 days. You can check it out at claimyr.com, they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Interesting, never heard of that. Is it legit? I'm desperate at this point.

Yeah it's real, they basically handle the calling and waiting for you. I was skeptical too but got connected to an actual Washington ESD person within like 30 minutes instead of wasting my whole day calling.

That's disappointing. I was hoping their calculator would at least be close. Did your actual benefits end up being significantly less?

Yeah, calculator said I'd get around $650/week but I only get $520. Still not sure why there was such a big difference.

The maximum benefit amount is there for higher earners, but you're right that most people don't reach it. The benefit formula is actually pretty fair - it's designed to replace about half your wages up to a certain point.

Fair? Tell that to someone trying to pay rent on half their income while spending 20 hours a week applying for jobs that don't exist.

Yes, unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have federal taxes withheld when you file your weekly claims, or you can pay when you file your tax return. Washington doesn't have state income tax so no worries there.

Good to know, thanks. I'll probably have them withhold since I don't want a big tax bill next year.

You can work part-time while on unemployment, but you have to report all earnings on your weekly claim. Washington ESD will reduce your benefits dollar-for-dollar for any earnings over a small threshold (I think it's around $5).

So basically any part-time work would just reduce my unemployment by the same amount? That doesn't seem worth it unless the part-time job could lead to full-time.

What kind of records do you need to keep? Just a list of where you applied or more detailed stuff?

company name, date, position, how you applied, contact info. they can audit you anytime so better keep good records

You file online through the Washington ESD website. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and bank info for direct deposit. The application takes about 30-45 minutes if you have all your information ready.

Thanks, that doesn't sound too bad. Do I need to wait until I'm actually laid off or can I apply beforehand?

You can only apply after your last day of work. Benefits start from the week you file, so don't wait too long after you lose your job.

That's great that you finally got answers. Was the Claimyr thing expensive?

I'd rather pay something to actually get help than waste more weeks trying to call on my own. At least now I understand what's going on with my claim.

What rules should I be most worried about? Anything that could get me in trouble?

Mainly the job search stuff and reporting any income accurately. Also make sure you're actually available for work - if you go on vacation or something you need to report it.

Good point about it being better than nothing. I guess I should just be grateful there's a safety net at all.

Wait, there's a whole week with no payment? That's going to make budgeting even tighter.

Yeah it sucks but that's how it works. Plan accordingly if you know a layoff is coming.

Absolutely, I'm definitely viewing it as a bridge to the next job, not a permanent thing.