What is unemployment pay exactly? Washington ESD benefits explained

Unemployment pay (also called UI benefits) is money the state gives you when you lose your job through no fault of your own. In Washington, you can get up to 26 weeks of benefits. The amount depends on how much you earned at your previous job - it's usually about 60-70% of your weekly wages up to a maximum amount. You don't have to pay it back as long as you qualify and follow all the rules.

The technical term is 'unemployment insurance' or UI. It's funded by taxes your employer paid, so you already earned this benefit. In Washington, the weekly benefit amount ranges from $295 to $999 depending on your previous earnings. You'll need to file weekly claims and actively search for work to keep receiving benefits.

I was so confused about this too when I first got laid off! The good news is you can file your initial claim online through the Washington ESD website. Just be prepared - it might take a few weeks to get your first payment while they process everything. They call it 'adjudication' when they're reviewing your claim to make sure you qualify.

Here's what I wish someone had told me when I first filed - if you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD by phone to ask questions, there's actually a service called Claimyr that can help you reach an agent. I found out about it at claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call!

ugh the whole system is so complicated! like why cant they just send you money automatically when you get fired?? all these hoops to jump through when people are already stressed about losing their job

Just wanted to add that there are also job search requirements you need to meet to keep getting benefits. In Washington, you typically need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. This includes applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking, etc.

One thing that confused me was the difference between regular unemployment and other types of benefits. Regular UI is what most people get when they're laid off. But there used to be pandemic benefits like PUA and PEUC that ended in 2021. Now it's mostly just regular unemployment insurance.

Been through this process twice now unfortunately. One thing to keep in mind is that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your weekly payments or pay them when you file your tax return. I learned this the hard way my first time!

The waiting week thing used to be confusing too but Washington eliminated that in 2021. You used to have to wait one week before benefits started, but now you can get paid for your first week of unemployment if you qualify.

Something important to mention - if you work part-time while collecting unemployment, you need to report those earnings on your weekly claim. They'll reduce your benefit amount based on how much you earned, but you might still get partial benefits.

If your claim gets stuck in adjudication like mine did, don't panic! It just means they need to review something about your case. Common reasons include having multiple employers, being fired vs laid off, or questions about your availability for work. Mine took 3 weeks but eventually got approved.

Make sure you understand the difference between 'able and available' vs 'standby' status. Most people are 'able and available' which means you're ready to work and actively looking. Standby is for specific situations like temporary layoffs where you expect to return to the same job.

been unemployed before and let me tell you the system is designed to make you jump through hoops. but the money helps when you need it. just file asap and deal with the bureaucracy

One more tip - keep copies of everything! Your layoff notice, pay stubs, any communication with Washington ESD. If there are ever any issues with your claim, having documentation makes everything easier.

The maximum benefit amount in Washington is actually pretty decent compared to other states. If you were making good money, you could get close to $999 per week. But it's based on your earnings history over the past year.

Also worth mentioning that if you disagree with any decision Washington ESD makes about your claim, you have the right to appeal. You get 30 days from the date of their decision to file an appeal if you think they made a mistake.

The whole thing seems overwhelming at first but it's really not that bad once you get started. I was terrified to file my first claim but the online system walks you through everything step by step.

Just remember that unemployment is a safety net that you and your employer paid into through payroll taxes. Don't feel bad about using it - that's exactly what it's there for!

Good luck with your claim! The most important thing is to file as soon as possible since benefits don't backdate to before you filed. Even if you're not sure about something, it's better to file and figure it out later than to wait.