What is Washington ESD unemployment pay rate calculation for 2025?

Thanks! So if I made around $15,000 in my highest quarter, that would be about $577 per week?

That sounds about right. The calculation is pretty straightforward once you know your highest quarter earnings.

Good point, I definitely meet those requirements since I worked there for over two years.

Same here! I've been calling every morning at 8am and either get busy signals or disconnected after waiting on hold forever.

I had the same frustration until I found claimyr.com - they actually got me through to an agent in under 10 minutes. They have this system that calls for you and transfers you when an agent picks up. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Interesting, I'll check that out. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get through to someone!

I tried that but couldn't find all my quarterly wage info. Is there a way to look that up online?

You can see some wage info in your eServices account, but sometimes employers are slow to report wages so it might not be complete.

Oh wow, I hadn't thought about that. Can you have them withhold federal taxes automatically?

Yes, they can withhold 10% for federal taxes. You set it up when you file your claim or change it later in your account.

Good reminder! A lot of people forget about the tax implications until it's too late.

Adjudication delays are really frustrating. If you need to speak with someone about your specific case, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier might help. They specialize in getting people connected to Washington ESD agents who can actually look at your account.

I might have to try that. This waiting around is driving me crazy and I need to know what to expect financially.

That's good to know. So if I find some freelance work while collecting, it won't mess up my base benefit calculation?

Exactly. Your weekly benefit amount is locked in when your claim is established. Part-time earnings just reduce that week's payment.

That's really helpful to know! How long did it take from filing to getting your first payment?

About 2 weeks since my claim was straightforward. Some people with more complex situations take longer.

Good point, I was looking at some older information online. Thanks for the reminder!

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - the regular calling process was eating up my entire days. Worth every penny to actually get connected to someone who could help with my wage verification issue.

I'm definitely going to look into that. This is ridiculous how hard it is to get basic information about your own claim.

I only had one employer so that shouldn't be an issue for me, but good to know for others!

Yes, commission income counts the same as regular wages as long as it was properly reported by your employer. It all goes into the quarterly wage calculation.

Perfect, thanks! I had some big commission months that should help my benefit amount.

I'll try the calculator to get a rough estimate while I wait for my claim to process.

Yeah I saw that on the website. Three job search activities per week minimum right?

That's right, and they're pretty picky about what activities qualify. Make sure to keep good records in your job search log.

Exactly! I'm trying to figure out if I need to find part-time work right away or if the benefits will cover my basic expenses.

Based on your salary, you should be able to cover basic expenses with unemployment. But definitely file as soon as possible since there's a waiting week.

Wait, really? So even if I'm approved I won't get paid for the first week I file?

That's right, the first week is unpaid. It's called the waiting week. You still need to file the weekly claim but you won't get a payment for it.

That sounds complicated. I've been steadily employed for the past two years so hopefully my situation is more straightforward.

Good to know there's an appeal option if something looks wrong. Hopefully I won't need it but it's reassuring.

The appeals process is pretty straightforward if you have documentation to back up your case. Most people don't need to appeal though.

Agreed! I feel much more prepared now for when my determination comes through.