What was unemployment rate in Washington 2019 - trying to understand my claim timing

Washington's unemployment rate in 2019 was around 4.1% which was pretty low historically. But that doesn't directly affect your current claim calculation. Washington ESD uses your wages from your base period (typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed) to determine your weekly benefit amount, not the unemployment rate when you worked or filed.

The unemployment rate was definitely lower in 2019 before everything went crazy. Washington hit historic lows around 3.8-4.2% that year if I remember right. But like the other person said, that's just a statistic about how many people were unemployed, not something that changes your individual benefit amount.

I had such a hard time getting through to Washington ESD when I filed my claim last year. Spent hours on hold trying to get someone to explain how my benefits were calculated. Finally found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made such a difference to actually talk to someone who could look at my specific situation.

Your benefit amount is based on your highest earning quarter during your base period, then they use a formula to calculate your weekly benefit amount (WBA). The timing of when you file doesn't change that calculation, but it does determine which quarters count as your base period.

doesnt matter what the rate was in 2019 for your claim now. they look at YOUR wages not the economy. i filed in 2019 when rates were low and again in 2021 when they were high and got different amounts both times because my wages were different

The 2019 unemployment rate in Washington was around 4% give or take. Pretty good times compared to what happened in 2020-2021. But that's ancient history for your current claim purposes.

One thing to keep in mind - if you're having trouble understanding your benefit calculation or need to discuss your specific claim details, it's worth trying to reach a Washington ESD agent directly. The automated system can only tell you so much.

Washington's unemployment rate hit some pretty low points in 2019, around 3.8% in some months. But honestly, individual benefit calculations are completely separate from those macro statistics. Your weekly benefit amount depends on your quarterly wages during your base period, not on how many other people were unemployed at any given time.

If you're really worried about whether you filed at the right time or missed out on something, you could try to get your claim reviewed by an Washington ESD agent. Sometimes there are special circumstances that might affect your base period calculation.

just to be clear - 2019 unemployment rate was low which meant jobs were easier to find. but that has ZERO impact on your 2024 claim amount. its all about your wages in your base period quarters

I remember 2019 being a pretty good year for employment in Washington. Lots of hiring, low unemployment rates. Made me feel more secure in my job at the time. But yeah, that's not connected to how they calculate your benefits now.

One more thing to consider - if you worked consistently during your base period (those 4 quarters they're looking at), then the timing of your filing shouldn't have hurt your benefit amount. The delay just cost you those weeks between when you became unemployed and when you actually filed.

For what it's worth, I tried using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and it actually worked. Got connected to a Washington ESD agent within an hour instead of spending all day hitting redial. Worth checking out if you need to talk to someone about your specific claim details.

Just want to reiterate for anyone else reading this - historical unemployment rates don't affect individual benefit calculations. Washington ESD uses a specific formula based on your personal wage history during your base period. The 2019 rate being around 4% is interesting from an economic perspective but irrelevant to your 2024 claim amount.

been thru this whole mess multiple times over the years. 2019 rates dont matter for your benefits. only thing that matters is what you earned in those 4 quarters they look at. period.

The main takeaway here is that Washington ESD benefit calculations are individualized based on your specific work and wage history, not on broader economic indicators like unemployment rates from previous years. If you need clarification on your specific case, definitely try to speak with an agent who can review your actual claim details.

Good luck getting your claim sorted out. The system can be confusing but once you understand that it's all about your personal wage history during specific quarters, it makes more sense.

washington unemployment rate 2019 was def low, like 3.8-4.2% range. good times for job seekers. but totally separate from how they calc your benefits now

Glad this thread helped clear things up for you. The Washington ESD system has a lot of moving parts but the benefit calculation is actually pretty straightforward once you understand it's based on your historical wages, not economic conditions at the time of filing.

Hope you get your claim resolved quickly. And don't beat yourself up about waiting to file - lots of people do that thinking they'll find work faster than they do.