What is the most you can get on Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

Thanks! That's higher than I expected. Do you know if that $999 includes taxes or is that before taxes?

That's before taxes. Washington ESD will withhold federal taxes if you request it, but they don't automatically take anything out.

Yeah I'm making about $85k annually and when I calculated it I think I'd only get around $650-700 per week. Still better than nothing though!

The formula is actually weekly benefit = (highest quarter wages ÷ 26) × 0.0385, subject to the maximum of $999. So if your highest quarter was $25,000, you'd get about $370 per week.

Interesting, I haven't heard of that service before. How much does it cost?

I focused more on the value than the cost since I was wasting so much time trying to call. Worth checking out their site for details.

I used Claimyr too when I had questions about my benefit calculation. Way better than sitting on hold for 3+ hours just to get disconnected.

Good point about the 26 week limit. I'm hoping to find something before then but it's good to know the full scope.

The 26 weeks can be extended in some cases during high unemployment periods, but that's not common. Better to plan for the standard 26 weeks.

Yeah I read about that. Do you know if applying through company websites counts as job search contacts?

Yes, applying through company websites definitely counts. Just make sure to keep good records of what you applied for and when.

I keep a spreadsheet with all my applications. Makes it easy when you have to report your job search activities.

Yeah Washington ESD benefits are pretty generous. Some states cap it at like $400-500 per week maximum.

Exactly! We're lucky to be in Washington for unemployment benefits. The cost of living is high but at least the benefits somewhat match that.

Good advice! I'm planning to file this week. How long does it usually take to get approved?

It varies, but if there are no issues with your claim it can be processed pretty quickly. If it goes into adjudication it can take several weeks though.

You can request a redetermination if you think your benefit amount is wrong. You'll need to provide wage documentation to support your case.

Thanks, I'll look into that. I have all my pay stubs saved so I can prove what I was making.

I had to do this too. Turned out they were using the wrong base period for my calculation. Got it fixed and received back pay for the difference.

Oh right, I forgot about that. Should I have them withhold taxes from each payment then?

That's up to you. You can request 10% federal withholding when you file your claim, or just set money aside and pay when you file taxes.

It's an additional $25 per week if you have a dependent child under 18 or a dependent spouse. You can only claim one dependent allowance regardless of how many dependents you have.

Thanks! So even if you have 3 kids it's still just $25 extra per week total?

Correct, it's a flat $25 per week regardless of the number of dependents.

I keep seeing Claimyr mentioned. Is it legit? I'm always skeptical of third-party services.

Yeah it's legitimate. They basically handle the calling and holding for you so you don't have to sit on the phone. Check out their demo video to see how it works.

That's good to know. So if I do some freelance work while collecting, how much can I earn before it affects my benefits?

In Washington, you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount plus $5 before your benefits are reduced. So if your weekly benefit is $500, you can earn up to $505 without any reduction.

Yeah they base it on average wages across the state. With inflation and wage growth, it'll probably keep going up.

Hopefully! The cost of living keeps going up so it's good that the benefits somewhat keep pace with that.

Yeah I read about that. I think they use the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file?

Exactly. So if you file in March 2025, they'd use quarters from April 2023 through March 2024. Recent pay increases might not be reflected.

The maximum weekly benefit amount is the same across different claim types. What differs is the eligibility requirements and duration of benefits.

Got it, thanks for clarifying that!

This is important! I was using my take-home pay at first and couldn't figure out why my calculation was wrong.

Yeah it's a common mistake. Always use the gross wages from your pay stubs or W-2.

I used it last month for a different issue but the agent was able to answer questions about benefit amounts too. Much easier than trying to call myself.

Thanks, I'll check it out. The phone system is so frustrating to deal with.

What are the minimum requirements? I've been working full-time for 3 years so I should be fine, but curious.

You need at least $3,850 in your base period and wages in at least two quarters. With 3 years of full-time work you should definitely qualify.

Agreed! The Washington ESD website could definitely explain the calculations more clearly.

At least this forum helps people figure it out. Thanks everyone for all the helpful info!