What is the weekly benefit amount for unemployment in Washington ESD?

Thanks! So if my highest quarter was around $14,000, that would be about $538 per week?

Exactly right! That's a solid weekly benefit amount. Just make sure you have enough work history to qualify - you need to have earned at least $8,019 in your base period.

ugh the phone system is the worst! I tried calling for 3 days straight and kept getting disconnected after waiting on hold for hours

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr (claimyr.com). They actually get you through to a real Washington ESD agent. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration trying to get through on my own.

Good to know! I wasn't planning on working part-time but that's helpful information.

Yeah the partial benefit thing is tricky. I learned that the hard way when I picked up some gig work and it affected my weekly claim.

That makes sense. So once I file and they determine my WBA, that's what I'll get each week as long as I'm eligible?

Exactly, as long as you meet the weekly eligibility requirements like being able and available for work and doing your job search activities.

Should I have taxes withheld or just pay them at the end of the year?

I'd recommend having them withheld so you don't get hit with a big tax bill later. Unemployment benefits are taxable income at the federal level.

Definitely withhold! I made that mistake one year and owed like $2,000 in taxes on my unemployment benefits.

Hmm, I did get a raise about 6 months ago. Would that be included?

It depends on when you file your claim. The base period is usually the first four of the last five completed quarters. So if you file now in 2025, your base period would likely include quarters from 2024.

Good to know about the timing! How long does the whole process take from filing the initial claim to getting your first payment?

For me it was about 2-3 weeks, but I didn't have any issues with my claim. If you get stuck in adjudication it can take longer.

I've only had one employer during that time period, so that should be straightforward.

That's good! Single employer claims usually process faster than ones with multiple employers to verify.

26 weeks should hopefully be enough time to find something new. The job market in my field seems pretty decent right now.

Yeah 26 weeks is standard. In some economic conditions they extend it, but right now it's the regular 26 weeks maximum.

I'll keep that in mind if I run into issues. Hopefully the online system will be straightforward enough.

The online system is okay for basic stuff, but if you have any questions about your specific situation, talking to an actual person is really helpful.

I don't think I'll have any severance, but good to know about vacation pay. I do have some unused vacation days.

Vacation payout is usually considered wages for the period it covers, so it might create a waiting period before your benefits start. Best to report it accurately when you file.

Yeah, be honest about any payments you receive. Washington ESD will find out anyway when they verify with your employer, and it's better to report it upfront.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs?

Job applications, networking events, career fairs, informational interviews, some training activities. The Washington ESD website has a full list of approved activities.

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

Appeals can take a while but if you have documentation showing your wages were higher, it's worth it. I got an extra $150 per week after my appeal was approved.

I used it for a simple question about my weekly benefit calculation and it was totally worth it. Got through to an agent in about 15 minutes instead of spending hours trying to call. The agent was really helpful and patient with my questions.

I was skeptical at first but tried it when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD for days. Really glad I did - saved me so much time and frustration.

That's right, I forgot Washington doesn't have state income tax. That's one advantage of being here.

Yeah, that definitely helps. Some states tax unemployment benefits at the state level too, so we're lucky in that regard.