What is the Washington ESD unemployment pay rate for 2025?

So if I made like $5,850 in my best quarter, that would be around $225 divided by 26? That seems really low.

Actually it's 3.85% of your total quarterly wages, not divided by 26. So $5,850 x 0.0385 = about $225 per week. Still not great but better than what you calculated.

Oh no, I didn't know about the 1.5 times requirement. My hours were pretty consistent so my quarters might be too similar.

Don't panic yet! Even if you don't qualify under the regular base period, Washington ESD has an alternate base period that uses more recent quarters. Worth applying anyway.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true. Washington ESD phone system is notoriously impossible to get through.

I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They somehow get you through the queue faster. Worth trying if you're stuck like I was.

I used Claimyr last month when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Got through to Washington ESD same day and got my issue resolved within a week. Really wish I'd found it sooner.

They adjust it every year based on the state average wage. It's been going up steadily. But remember, very few people actually get the maximum - you'd need to have made over $70,000 in your highest quarter.

wow ok that makes sense why i never got close to that amount lol

3 job searches per week doesn't sound too bad. Do they actually check that you're doing them?

Oh they definitely check! Washington ESD can audit your job search log anytime and if you can't prove you did the searches, they'll make you pay back benefits. Keep detailed records.

I got audited last year and had to provide screenshots, emails, everything. They don't mess around with the job search requirements.

I'm still employed but my hours got cut way back. Does that qualify for partial unemployment?

Yes! You can get partial benefits if your hours were reduced. You report your weekly earnings and they reduce your benefit amount accordingly. Better than nothing.

This is super helpful, thanks! So the base period isn't just the last 4 quarters, it's the first 4 of the last 5? That's confusing.

Right, they exclude the most recent quarter because wage data might not be available yet. So if you file in March 2025, your base period would be Oct 2023 - Sep 2024.

Ugh same here! Been waiting 2 months for adjudication to finish. No explanation, no timeline, just endless waiting.

Have you tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier? Might be worth trying to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD about your case.

At this point I'm willing to try anything. So frustrated with this whole process.

Good point, I didn't think about taxes. Is it better to have them withheld or pay at the end of the year?

Depends on your situation, but I'd recommend having them withheld. Last thing you want is a big tax bill next year when you're already dealing with unemployment.

That's a weird rule. So you could work a few hours and lose all your benefits for that week?

Exactly. It's designed to encourage full-time work but can be frustrating for people trying to supplement with part-time jobs.

Yeah I think I'll just go ahead and apply. Thanks everyone for all the helpful info!

Good luck! Make sure you have all your employment history ready - employer names, addresses, dates, and reason for separation. Makes the application go much smoother.

That's actually really good to know. I had a seasonal job last summer that I forgot about.

True, but once you get approved and start filing weekly claims it becomes routine. Just have to get through the initial hurdles.

What counts as 'available for work'? Like if you can only work certain hours because of childcare?

As long as you're available for substantial work (usually at least 20+ hours/week) and not limiting yourself too much, you should be fine. Childcare limitations are generally acceptable.

Did you have any issues with the application process either time?

First time was smooth, second time got hung up on some identity verification thing for weeks. Eventually got sorted out but was really stressful.

I'm getting desperate enough to try anything. The regular phone number is completely useless.

Thanks everyone! This has been super helpful. I'm going to apply this week and see what happens.