What is the most you can get for unemployment benefits in Washington?

Thanks! So if I made $21,000 in my highest quarter, I'd get around $807 per week?

That's correct - $21,000 divided by 26 equals about $807, which is under the $999 max so you'd get the full calculated amount.

This is confusing - so if I file in January 2025, which quarters do they look at?

If you file in January 2025, they'd typically look at Q1 2024 through Q4 2024. But sometimes they use an alternate base period if you don't qualify with the standard one.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

That sounds too good to be true. How does it actually work?

It basically handles the calling process for you and connects you when an agent becomes available. I was skeptical too but it actually worked - got connected in about 45 minutes instead of spending all day redialing.

Actually that's not correct. The $999 maximum is the same whether you have dependents or not. Dependents add a separate allowance on top of your weekly benefit amount.

oh ok my bad, thought it was different

Good to know! I have two kids so that would be an extra $66 per week.

Wait, do stepchildren count as dependents for Washington ESD purposes?

Yes, stepchildren count as long as they live with you and you provide more than half their support.

I feel you on that. The maximum hasn't kept up with housing costs at all. At least it's better than most states though.

Have you looked into any side work you can do while collecting? There are limits but you can earn some money without losing benefits.

Yeah I'm doing some consulting work but you have to be careful not to go over the earnings threshold or they reduce your benefits.

That's a good point. A lot of people get confused thinking it's based on take-home pay.

Does overtime count towards the calculation too?

Yes, all gross wages including overtime, bonuses, commissions, etc. count toward your benefit calculation.

Severance can affect when you can start collecting benefits, but it typically doesn't change your weekly benefit amount calculation. You might have a waiting period though.

How long of a waiting period are we talking about?

It depends on how much severance you got and how it's paid out. If it's a lump sum, they calculate how many weeks it would have covered at your regular salary.

Adjudication can take forever unfortunately. Did they send you any paperwork explaining what they're reviewing?

No communication at all! I've tried calling but can never get through to find out what's happening.

This is exactly why I used Claimyr when my claim got stuck. The service helped me get through to an actual person who could explain what was holding up my claim. Definitely worth checking out their website.

What happens if you don't use all 26 weeks? Like if you find a job after 15 weeks?

You lose the remaining weeks. You can't save them for later or anything like that.

That seems unfair but I guess it makes sense from their perspective.

Yes, Washington adjusts the maximum benefit amount annually based on the state's average weekly wage. It's been increasing pretty steadily over the past few years.

Good thing because inflation has been crazy. At least the benefits are keeping up somewhat.

How much can you earn before it affects your benefits?

You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount plus $5 before they start reducing your benefits. So if you get $600/week, you can earn up to $605 without any reduction.

That's actually pretty generous. I didn't know about the +$5 part.

How many job contacts do you need to report each week?

Currently it's 3 job search activities per week. Can be applications, networking events, interviews, etc. Just keep good records.

Wow $275 is nothing! How is anyone supposed to live on that?

They're not. That's why I moved here. Washington actually takes care of its unemployed workers.

I always have them withhold 10% for federal taxes. Better to be safe than owe a big chunk at tax time.

Good point. I forgot about that my first time collecting and got hit with a big tax bill.

Thanks for saying that. I've been feeling guilty about being unemployed for 3 months but you're right that finding a good job takes time.

I had trouble reaching Washington ESD to ask about suitable work requirements until I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. The agent explained that I don't have to take just any job - it has to be suitable work given my experience and pay history.

They look at your total earnings regardless of how many employers you had. So if your combined wages from both part-time jobs were high enough, you could qualify for the maximum benefit.

That's great news! I was worried they'd calculate each job separately.

Where do you find that information in the system?

Log into your account and look under 'Benefit Information' or 'Claim Summary' - it breaks down your quarterly wages and the calculation.

How long did the appeal process take?

About 6 weeks from start to finish. They corrected the error and gave me back pay for the difference. Don't be afraid to challenge them if something looks wrong.

That's really helpful context. I was hoping for closer to $800 but $650-700 is still substantial.

The exact amount depends on your highest quarter. If you got a big bonus or worked lots of overtime in one quarter, that could bump you up significantly.