What is the minimum unemployment benefit amount in Washington ESD?

Thanks! So if I made more than $3,850 last year I should at least get $295 per week?

Yes, as long as you meet all the other requirements like being able and available for work and actively job searching.

No, $295 is still the current minimum. The maximum went up but not the minimum.

Oh ok, thanks for clarifying that.

What counts as a job search activity? I've never used WorkSourceWA before.

Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or taking career development classes. The WorkSourceWA site has a full list of what qualifies.

How much does that cost? Seems like you shouldn't have to pay to talk to Washington ESD.

I hear you, but after spending 3 days trying to get through I was willing to try anything. It actually worked and I got my questions answered in one call.

What do you mean? How do they calculate it differently for part-time workers?

It's based on your highest quarter of earnings in your base year. Part-time doesn't matter as long as you earned enough total.

Yeah I'm definitely planning to look for full-time work. Did you have any issues with the job search requirements?

Not really, just make sure you keep good records of everything you do for job searching. Washington ESD can audit your activities.

When are weekly claims due? Is there a specific day?

You can file them Sunday through Saturday for the previous week, but don't wait until the last minute. File as early in the week as possible.

Same here! The website is not user-friendly at all.

It's gotten better over the years but there's definitely still room for improvement.

Do they automatically take taxes out or do I need to request that?

You can request to have 10% withheld for federal taxes when you file your initial claim or during your weekly claims.

What is adjudication exactly? I keep seeing people mention it but don't understand what it means.

It's when Washington ESD needs to investigate something about your claim before they can approve it. Could be work history, reason for separation, or eligibility issues.

True, but cost of living here is also higher than a lot of other places.

Fair point. Everything is relative I guess.

What's the difference? I thought you always had to be looking for work.

On standby you don't have to do job search activities because you're expected to return to your job within a certain timeframe.

How long has it been? Mine took about 10 days to get approved.

It's been 6 days so far. Hopefully soon!

What's the earnings threshold? How much can you make before they cut off benefits?

It's complicated but generally you can earn up to 1.5 times your weekly benefit amount before they start reducing it significantly.

How do I find out which quarters they're using for my base year?

It's usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters when you file. So if you file in January 2025, they'd look at January-September 2024.

Any tips for stretching the money further?

Look into food assistance programs and utility bill help. There are resources out there to supplement unemployment benefits.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. The online messaging is so slow and half the time they don't even answer your actual question.

Yeah, getting a real person on the phone is definitely better when you need specific answers.

How long do you have to file an appeal?

30 days from the date of the determination letter. Don't wait until the last minute though.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much more prepared to apply now.

No problem! Come back and ask if you run into any issues during the process.