What's the Washington ESD disaster unemployment assistance payment amount for 2025?

Thanks! So if I was making about $4200 a month before the disaster, what would that work out to roughly?

With that income level you'd probably qualify for somewhere around $650-700 per week, but Washington ESD will calculate the exact amount based on your highest quarter earnings during the base period.

Wait really? I'm a freelance contractor and thought I couldn't get any unemployment benefits at all. How do I apply for this disaster thing?

yeah you have to apply through washington esd within 30 days of the disaster declaration. they have a separate application process for DUA

How does that work exactly? I'm already dreading having to call Washington ESD about this.

It's on claimyr.com - basically they handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when they get an agent on the line. Way better than sitting on hold all day.

Sounds too good to be true. What's the catch with this service?

Good point. My workplace is literally flooded so I think that counts as directly related. When's the deadline usually?

It's 30 days from when the disaster declaration was made, not from when your job was affected. Check the FEMA website for your county's declaration date.

Seriously try that Claimyr thing I mentioned. I was skeptical at first but it really works. Got through to an ESD agent in like 20 minutes instead of wasting my whole day calling.

I'll check it out, thanks. At this point I'm willing to try anything to avoid sitting on hold all day again.

How much shorter? I thought unemployment was up to 26 weeks normally.

DUA is typically up to 26 weeks too, but it can vary depending on the specific disaster declaration. Some are shorter.

Actually for major disasters it's usually the full 26 weeks, same as regular UI. The duration depends on the type of disaster declaration.

Wait what? How am I supposed to look for work when half the businesses in town are closed because of flood damage?

yeah its stupid but thats the rule. you have to apply to jobs outside the disaster area or jobs that werent affected

Actually, job search requirements are often waived or modified for DUA recipients in major disaster areas. Check with Washington ESD about your specific situation.

Two months?! I can't wait that long to pay my bills. Is there anything I can do to speed it up?

Make sure you have all your documentation ready when you apply - proof of employment, proof that the disaster affected your work, tax records if you're self-employed. Missing paperwork slows everything down.

I actually tried it yesterday and got connected to an ESD agent in about 15 minutes. Way better than the hours I spent on hold before.

That's encouraging. I'm definitely going to need to talk to someone at ESD about my DUA application.

Good point. The application process is definitely different, and they ask for different types of documentation to prove disaster-related unemployment.

You can't get both at the same time, but you might be able to switch from regular UI to DUA if it would be more beneficial. Talk to Washington ESD about your specific situation.

Thanks, I'll call them. Or try that Claimyr thing if I can't get through the regular way.

That's really helpful, thanks! So if my highest quarter was around $12,600, I'd get about $504 per week?

Yes, that math looks right. Plus any dependent allowance if you have qualifying dependents.