What do you get paid for unemployment in Washington ESD - weekly benefit amounts?

So if I made $13,000 in my highest quarter, I'd get $500 per week? That seems like a lot more than I expected.

Exactly! But remember you also need to meet the minimum earnings requirement - you need at least $7,500 in wages during your base year to qualify for benefits.

The adjudication process can take 2-4 weeks depending on your situation. If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check your status, I used a service called Claimyr that helped me reach an agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

It's $27 per dependent child for 2025. You have to provide documentation like birth certificates when you file your initial claim to get the dependency allowance.

Oh wow, I had no idea unemployment was taxable. That's going to make a big difference in planning my budget.

Yeah, it's treated as regular income by the IRS. You'll get a 1099-G form at the end of the year showing how much you received.

I feel your frustration. When I was stuck in adjudication hell, I ended up using Claimyr to get through to an actual person who could explain what was holding up my claim. Sometimes there are simple issues that just need clarification.

Six weeks is definitely longer than normal. Have you checked your account on the Washington ESD website to see if there are any outstanding issues that need to be resolved?

Good to know! I might have some freelance work coming up so I'll make sure to report that properly.

Yeah, they'll reduce your weekly benefit based on how much you earn, but it's better to be honest than risk getting hit with an overpayment later.

The job search requirements don't affect your benefit amount, but you need to meet them to keep receiving benefits. Right now it's 3 job search activities per week, which can include applications, networking, job fairs, etc.

That's possible if she was a high earner before unemployment. The maximum weekly benefit is $999, so if she made really good money in her base period, she could get close to that amount.

oh ok that makes sense. she was working in tech so probably made good money

26 weeks seems like it goes by fast when you're looking for work. Is there any way to extend benefits beyond that?

Extensions are rare and usually only happen during major economic downturns. Best to assume you have 26 weeks and plan accordingly.

Yes, standby status pays the same weekly benefit amount as regular unemployment. The main difference is you don't have to do job search activities while on standby, but you need to be available if your employer calls you back.

Try Claimyr - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents faster. I used it when I had questions about my benefit calculation and was able to speak with someone the same day instead of waiting on hold for hours.

That's frustrating! Did you ever figure out why there was a difference?

Something about which quarters they used for the calculation. The base period rules are confusing and I never got a clear explanation.

Yes, severance can affect when you can start collecting benefits. Washington ESD treats severance as wages, so you might have to wait until your severance period ends before you can collect unemployment.

Good reminder! I'll make sure to set up a reminder on my phone to file every week.

Yeah, I know people who lost several weeks of benefits because they thought they didn't need to file weekly claims until their initial claim was approved.

The base year is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in January 2025, your base year would be January 2024 through December 2024.

Generally true, but there are exceptions for 'good cause' reasons like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or significant changes to your job duties or pay. You'd need to provide documentation to support your case.

Absolutely. I'm already updating my resume and reaching out to contacts in my industry. Hopefully I won't need the full 26 weeks of benefits.

That's the right attitude! The job market is competitive but there are opportunities out there if you stay persistent.