What is Washington ESD unemployment based on - confused about benefit calculation

So if I file in January 2025, they'd look at wages from October 2023 through September 2024?

Exactly! And if you don't qualify using the standard base period, they can use an alternate base period which would be the last 4 completed quarters.

This is partially correct but not the full picture. The weekly benefit amount is calculated using the highest quarter, but it's divided by 25, not 26. Plus you need to meet the total wage requirements across all quarters.

Thanks for the correction! I knew there was something about 25 vs 26 weeks but couldn't remember which.

Never heard of Claimyr but might check it out. The Washington ESD phone lines are absolutely impossible.

How does that service work exactly? Do they actually get you through to Washington ESD?

Yeah, they handle the calling and waiting for you. Saved me probably 20+ hours of being on hold and getting disconnected.

Wow that's way more complicated than I thought. So they average the two highest quarters, not just use the single highest?

Correct. And you also need at least $5,265 in total base period wages and wages in at least two quarters to qualify at all.

I think the percentages might have changed recently? My calculation seemed off when I filed last month.

I totally understand the frustration. The Washington ESD benefit calculator exists but it's buried in their website and not very user-friendly.

same here!! been trying to plan my budget and have no idea what to expect

Right, I know about the job search requirements. I'm mainly trying to understand the money part first.

Makes sense. Just wanted to mention it since some people think it's only about past wages.

How many job contacts do you need per week now? I heard it changed.

That's encouraging! My situation is similar with different job types and varying pay.

Yeah, don't let the uneven wages discourage you from applying. They look at the total picture.

Wait, so even if I qualify for $400/week, I might not get the full 26 weeks?

Exactly. If your total base period wages were $20,000, you could only collect $5,000 total ($20,000 ÷ 4), which might be less than 26 weeks at your weekly rate.

This is getting so complicated. No wonder people get confused about unemployment.

Good advice! Should I include tip income from my restaurant job?

Yes, include all reported income. Tips that were reported to the IRS count toward your base period wages.

Was it worth the cost? I'm debating whether to try calling myself first.

For me it was. I spent weeks trying to get through on my own and getting nowhere. Sometimes it's worth paying for peace of mind.

I don't have any dependents, but good to know for others reading this.

How much is the dependent allowance? I have two kids under 18.

It varies based on your weekly benefit amount, but it can add a significant amount to your payment.

Good point! I definitely don't want to get hit with a huge tax bill later.

You can elect to have 10% withheld for federal taxes when you file your weekly claims.

I don't think it's intentionally confusing, just bureaucratic. But the result is the same - way too complicated for regular people.

Either way, it shouldn't be this hard to understand your own benefits.

Thanks, this thread has been really helpful even though it's more complicated than I expected.

Agreed. At least now I understand why the Washington ESD website was so confusing - there really are a lot of variables.

Fortunately I only worked in Washington, but good to know.

Interstate claims are a whole different beast. Been there, not fun.

You're probably right. I was just trying to plan my budget, but I should just file and see what happens.

That's what I did. The determination letter was actually pretty clear once I had it in front of me.

Plus if you disagree with their calculation, you can always appeal and request a hearing.