What is the amount for unemployment benefit in Washington - need help calculating my weekly payment

Thanks! So if I made around $9,360 in my highest quarter, that would be about $360 per week?

That sounds about right, but Washington ESD will calculate the exact amount when you file your claim.

Have you tried calling right at 8am when they open? That's usually the best time to get through.

Yes I've tried that multiple times! Still can't get through to a real person.

I had the same problem until I found claimyr.com - it's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Saved me so much time and stress. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Wait, so if I only worked part-time and made like $15,000 total last year, I might only get the minimum $295?

It depends on how your earnings were distributed across the quarters. Washington ESD looks at your highest earning quarter specifically.

I know it seems complicated, but the formula is designed to replace about 50% of your average weekly wages, up to the maximum limit.

ok that makes more sense thanks

Yes, overtime wages count as part of your total earnings for that quarter. It could actually help increase your weekly benefit amount.

That's good news then! I was working 50+ hours most weeks.

Wow that's a really good amount! Did you have any trouble getting your claim approved?

No issues with approval, but it took about 3 weeks to get my first payment because of some verification delays.

Oh man I didn't even think about taxes. Can I have them take taxes out automatically?

Yes, when you file your weekly claims there's an option to have 10% withheld for federal taxes.

I wish I had done that from the start. Now I owe like $2000 to the IRS from last year's benefits.

That's terrible! Have you tried reaching out to your state representative? Sometimes they can help push things along.

I didn't know that was an option. I'll try anything at this point.

Before you go that route, you should try Claimyr again. I mentioned it earlier but it really does work for getting through to Washington ESD agents quickly.

All my work was W-2 employment so I should be good there.

What about people who do gig work like DoorDash? Does that count?

Gig work income can count if it was reported properly, but it's more complicated. You'd need to check with Washington ESD directly.

That's reassuring to hear. I'm planning to file my claim this weekend.

Good luck! Make sure you have all your employment information handy before you start.

Thanks for the formula! That's actually really helpful.

Is that formula accurate for 2025? I thought they changed some of the calculations.

The basic formula is the same, but the maximum benefit amount gets adjusted each year.

Ugh employer contests are the worst. Did you have to provide documentation for your appeal?

Yeah I had to gather all my performance reviews and any written communications with my supervisor. It was a pain but worth it in the end.

This is exactly the kind of situation where Claimyr can be super helpful - they can connect you with Washington ESD agents who can explain the appeal process and check your claim status.

You can work part-time and still receive benefits, but your weekly benefit amount will be reduced. Generally, you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount before it starts affecting your payment.

Good to know! I wasn't sure if any work would disqualify me completely.

Just make sure you report any earnings when you file your weekly claim. Trying to hide income will get you in trouble.

Extended benefits depend on the state's unemployment rate. Right now Washington's rate doesn't trigger extended benefits, so standard claims max out at 26 weeks.

That's what I was afraid of. Time to get serious about job hunting I guess.

I tried using it but couldn't figure out which quarters to use. Is it the most recent four quarters?

It's the first four of the last five completed quarters before you filed. So if you file in January 2025, it would be Q1 2024 through Q4 2024.

Agreed! I feel much better about filing my claim now.

Same here. I was putting off filing because I was worried about the whole process.

So I should file as soon as possible after getting laid off?

Yes, definitely don't wait. You can't get benefits for weeks before you file your claim.

Wish someone had told me that earlier. I waited 3 weeks to file and lost out on those benefit payments.