What is the max unemployment pay in Washington state right now?

Thanks! So if I made $30k in my highest quarter, I'd get about $1,155 per week but it would be capped at $999?

Good point, I definitely meet those minimums though. Been working full time for years.

what if you worked part time? do you still get the same calculation?

How much did that cost? I'm already stressed about money.

It's worth checking out their site for the details, but honestly getting through to ESD is nearly impossible without help. I tried calling for 3 weeks straight.

Right, and I'd be looking for work the whole time anyway. Hopefully wouldn't need the full 26 weeks.

26 weeks goes by faster than you think, especially in this job market

Correct, it's based on your highest earning quarter in your base period. The base period is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file.

that seems weird but ok. so if i made $20k in my best quarter i'd get like $770 a week?

That's exactly the situation I was in. Adjudication can take forever and they won't tell you anything while it's pending. Claimyr helped me get through to find out what was holding up my claim.

I might have to try that. This waiting is killing me financially.

What's standby status? Is that different from regular unemployment?

Standby is when you're temporarily laid off but expect to return to the same job within a specific timeframe. The benefit calculation is the same but the job search requirements are different.

Your benefit amount depends on your actual earnings history. If you're getting $847, that's probably correct based on your highest quarter. Not everyone gets the full $999 max.

Oh I see, so the $999 is just the ceiling. Makes sense now.

Yes, Washington adjusts the maximum benefit amounts annually based on average wage data. It's been increasing gradually over the past few years.

That's good to know. At least it keeps up with inflation somewhat.

Yes, bonuses are included in your gross wages for the quarter they were paid, not when they were earned. So if you got a 2024 bonus paid in Q1 of 2025, it would count toward that quarter.

Perfect, that should help my benefit amount then. Thanks!

Good reminder. I need to make sure I understand all the job search requirements before I file.

Yeah, you need to do at least 3 job search activities per week and keep detailed records. WorkSource has good resources for this.

Same here! I've been calling every day for two weeks. Someone mentioned Claimyr earlier - I'm seriously considering it just to get some answers.

I looked up that Claimyr service after seeing it mentioned. Their website shows they specialize in getting through to ESD agents. Might be worth a shot.

That's helpful! So if my highest quarter was $25,000, I'd get about $962 per week?

Exactly right! And since that's under $999, you'd get the full calculated amount.

So if I get $900 per week in benefits, I could earn up to $895 in part-time work without affecting my unemployment?

Yes, but you still have to report ALL earnings. After that threshold, they reduce your benefits dollar for dollar.

Good luck with your claim! Make sure to file your weekly claims on time even if your initial claim is still processing.

Will do! Hopefully the whole process goes smoothly.

Good to know there's an appeal process if something goes wrong.

Yeah, but make sure you have documentation to support your appeal. They'll want proof of your earnings.

Tell me about it. I've been navigating this for months and still learn new things every day.

Well, at least we're all figuring it out together!