When does unemployment increase - timing of Washington ESD benefit adjustments?

So my $487 won't go up even if they raise the maximum? That seems kind of unfair for people who filed earlier in the year.

That's correct - your benefit amount is locked in for your entire benefit year. The annual adjustments only affect people filing new claims after the change.

Wait, the max is $999? I'm only getting $412 and I made decent money at my last job. How do they calculate the individual amounts?

It's based on your highest quarter of earnings during your base period, divided by 26, but there are caps and minimums. You'd need to look at your monetary determination letter for the exact calculation.

That sounds too good to be true. How much does something like that cost?

I found it worth it just for the time it saved me. No more sitting on hold for hours or getting hung up on. They focus on getting you connected rather than the cost being the main thing.

I've heard of services like this but wasn't sure if they were legit. Good to hear from someone who actually used it successfully.

I looked at my monetary determination and I think they might have missed some wages from a side job I had. How do I get that corrected?

You'll need to contact Washington ESD with documentation of those wages - pay stubs, W-2s, etc. They can reopen your monetary determination if there were unreported wages in your base period.

I understand the frustration, but the system is designed to replace a percentage of your lost wages, which is why it varies by person. The Washington ESD website does have explanations, though they could definitely be clearer.

yeah i guess that makes sense when you put it that way. still wish it was easier to understand

No, there are no cost of living adjustments during your benefit year. The only way your weekly benefit amount would change is if there was an error in the original calculation that gets corrected.

That's one thing that's frustrating about the system - if inflation goes up during your benefit year, you're stuck with the same amount. At least regular wages can get raises.

So if I exhaust my current claim and have to file a new one later, that's when any increases would apply?

Exactly. New claims use the current benefit calculations and maximums, but existing claims stay at the rate they were approved for.

Is that formula the same in all states or just Washington?

Each state has its own formula and maximums. This is specifically for Washington ESD. Other states calculate it differently.

That's kind of unfair. People who lose their jobs at different times of the year get different treatment.

It's the same principle as tax brackets - the rules in effect when you file are what apply to your situation. At least unemployment benefits aren't taxed... oh wait, they are taxed. Never mind.

How does that work exactly? Do they just call for you or what?

They help you get through Washington ESD's call system more efficiently. Way better than trying to navigate it yourself and getting disconnected constantly.

How do you find out about extended benefits? Is that automatic or do you have to apply separately?

Washington ESD will notify you if extended benefits become available. It's based on the state's unemployment rate and happens automatically if you qualify.

I got extended benefits during the recession but not during the pandemic weirdness. The rules seem to change depending on what's causing the high unemployment.

That's correct. Your weekly benefit amount remains the same for your entire benefit year unless there was a calculation error that gets corrected.

well that's disappointing but at least now i know what to expect. thanks for the clear answer

At least you could get it sorted out. I'm still trying to get Washington ESD to add wages from a job where the employer reported them incorrectly.

That's exactly the kind of situation where having a way to actually talk to an ESD agent is crucial. Claimyr really helped me when I had wage reporting issues too.

True, I know I'm fortunate to get that amount. Just was hoping it might go up since everything else is getting more expensive.

Yeah the fixed amount for the whole benefit year is rough when inflation is happening. At least it's better than nothing though.

They usually announce it in late fall/early winter before it takes effect in January. It's based on wage data from the previous year so there's a lag.

Makes sense. Hopefully wages went up enough to push the maximum higher for people filing new claims next year.

Thanks everyone for all the explanations. At least now I understand how it works even if I don't love the answer!

Knowledge is power, even when the knowledge is that nothing's going to change. At least you can plan your budget accordingly now.