What does unemployment pay in Washington - trying to figure out weekly benefit amount

Thanks! So if my highest quarter was around $15,000, I'd get about $577 per week?

That sounds about right, though Washington ESD has specific tables they use. You can get an estimate on their website before filing.

Where can I find this benefit table? I want to calculate it myself before filing.

It's on the Washington ESD website under benefit calculator tools. Just search for 'unemployment benefit calculator Washington.

I tried that calculator last month and it was pretty accurate compared to what I actually got approved for.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents by phone. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. I finally got my benefit questions answered after weeks of trying on my own.

Is that legit? I'm so desperate at this point I'll try anything to talk to someone at Washington ESD.

Yeah it worked for me. They basically handle the calling and waiting so you don't have to sit on hold for hours or keep redialing.

Really? I didn't know you could work and still get benefits. How does that calculation work?

If you earn less than your weekly benefit amount, they reduce your UI payment by 75% of your earnings. So some benefit is better than none if you can only find part-time work.

Overpayment notices are usually due to reporting errors or changes in your claim. Did you report all your work and earnings correctly on your weekly claims?

yeah i reported everything. they just screwed up somewhere and now want me to pay back $2800

You can appeal overpayment determinations. Don't ignore it - file an appeal within 30 days and request a hearing to review their decision.

How do you prove dependency for the extra $25? Do they need birth certificates or something?

Yeah you'll need documentation like birth certificates for kids or marriage certificates for spouses. They verify it when processing your claim.

Good point! I didn't think about taxes. Is it better to have them withhold or pay quarterly?

Depends on your situation but having them withhold 10% is usually easier than dealing with quarterly payments or a big tax bill next year.

Correct - Washington ESD will send you a 1099-G form for federal tax purposes but no state taxes since Washington doesn't have state income tax.

Exactly. Just wanted to clarify that since some people think no state income tax means no taxes at all on unemployment.

So even if I qualify for $600 a week, I can only get it for 26 weeks total?

Right. Your total benefit amount is your weekly benefit times 26, or your total base year wages divided by 4, whichever is less.

That's the standard duration. Some people qualify for fewer weeks if their base year wages were low or if they've already used some benefits in the past year.

The base year is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in March 2025, your base year would be October 2023 through September 2024.

That's confusing. What if I didn't work much during that period but worked more recently?

You might qualify for an alternate base year which uses the most recent 4 quarters. Washington ESD will automatically check this if you don't qualify under the regular base year.

Yes, Washington has the Training Benefits program that allows you to attend approved training while receiving benefits. You have to get pre-approval from WorkSource though.

How do I find out what training programs are approved? I'd love to get some new skills while collecting benefits.

Check with your local WorkSource office. They have lists of approved training providers and can help you apply for the Training Benefits program.

Same here! I mentioned earlier that I found Claimyr which helps you get through to agents. It's been a lifesaver since I was getting nowhere calling on my own.

Is it expensive? I'm already stressed about money and don't want to pay a lot just to talk to someone.

It's worth it compared to the time and frustration of trying to call yourself. Plus you actually get to talk to a real Washington ESD agent who can answer your specific questions.

Yes, all wages you report to IRS count including tips. Washington ESD uses the same wage information that goes to Social Security Administration.

Good to know! I was worried my benefits would be low because my base wage is only minimum but with tips I make decent money.

That's helpful! My situation is similar so that gives me a good estimate.

Remember that's before taxes if you choose to have them withheld. The actual amount you receive could be 10% less.

Good point. Social Security retirement benefits don't affect UI but other pensions might depending on how they're funded.

Exactly. It's complicated but Washington ESD will ask about any retirement income when you file your claim.

What counts as a job search contact? Is applying online enough or do you need to do more?

Applying online counts but you can also do things like attending job fairs, networking events, or contacting employers directly. Keep detailed records of everything.

The job search log in your eServices account makes it easy to track your contacts. Make sure to log them every week when you file your weekly claim.

What's considered 'good cause' for quitting? I'm thinking about leaving my current job but don't want to lose unemployment eligibility.

Things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or significant changes to your job terms. But it's risky - you'd have to prove good cause to Washington ESD.

If you're considering quitting, try to get Washington ESD guidance first. Each situation is different and the good cause standards are pretty strict.