What's the max you can get on Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

Thanks! So if I made $26,000 in my highest quarter, I'd get the full $999?

Exactly right. You need to have earned at least $25,974 in your highest quarter to qualify for the maximum benefit.

What's the minimum total you need to earn in the base period?

You need to earn at least $7,000 in your base period, with at least $4,000 outside your highest quarter. So you can't just work one quarter and collect max benefits.

Have you tried using Claimyr? It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. I found it at claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Never heard of that but I'll check it out. Anything is better than sitting on hold for hours just to get hung up on.

Wait, I thought there was a different formula for part-time work deductions?

No, it's pretty straightforward in Washington. You can earn up to $5 per week without any reduction. After that, your benefits are reduced by the amount you earn.

Good to know it keeps going up. At least it's keeping pace with inflation somewhat.

Yeah, it's tied to the state's wage data so it should adjust automatically. The minimum benefit is also $295 per week if you qualify for benefits at all.

26 weeks seems like it goes by fast when you're job hunting.

It really does. That's why it's important to start your job search immediately and keep good records of your search activities for Washington ESD.

What caused the adjudication issue?

They questioned my reason for leaving my last job. Even though I had documentation, it took 6 weeks to get someone to review it properly.

That's exactly why I started using Claimyr when I had adjudication problems. Being able to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD made all the difference.

Yes, all wages reported on your W-2 count toward your benefit calculation, including overtime, bonuses, and commissions.

Perfect, that should put me at the maximum then. Thanks for clarifying!

The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January-December 2024.

Ah okay, that makes more sense. I was thinking it was based on the last 12 months of work.

That's still a decent amount. Better than minimum wage for sure.

Yeah, Washington has pretty generous benefits compared to most states. Just hope I don't need them for long!

Good point. I was thinking about waiting until I was sure I wouldn't find work right away.

Don't wait - file as soon as you're eligible. You can always stop claiming if you find work immediately.

What counts as a job search activity?

Applying for jobs, networking events, informational interviews, job fairs, etc. They have a full list on the Washington ESD website.

How do you know if they calculated it wrong?

I compared my wage history with their calculation and found they missed some quarters. Always double-check their math!

This is another situation where Claimyr really helped me. I needed to speak with someone about my wage calculation and couldn't get through on my own.

Can you have taxes withheld automatically?

Yes, you can elect to have 10% federal tax withheld when you file your weekly claims. It's probably worth it if you're getting the maximum.

That's good advice. I want to find something stable, not just take the first offer.

Exactly. The benefits give you time to be selective and find the right fit rather than just taking anything out of desperation.

I'm not in a union but that's good to know for others reading this.

Yeah, it's not common but some trade unions have these programs. Worth checking if you're a member.

When do you file the weekly claims?

You can file starting Sunday for the previous week. Most people file on Sunday or Monday. Just don't wait until the last minute.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. I feel much more prepared now.

Good luck with your claim! The Washington system works pretty well once you get through the initial setup.