what do you get paid on unemployment - Washington ESD benefit amounts?

That's way more than I expected! I was working pretty much full time so maybe I'll be closer to the higher end of that range.

Don't forget they take out taxes if you choose that option, so your actual deposit will be less than the weekly benefit amount.

This is confusing... how do I find out what my highest earning quarters were? Do I need to dig up old pay stubs?

No need for pay stubs! Washington ESD already has your wage information from your employer's quarterly reports. When you file your claim, they'll calculate it automatically based on what they have on file.

What if your employer didn't report wages correctly? I had issues with that before and it affected my benefit amount.

Never heard of that service before but might be worth it if it actually works. The Washington ESD phone system is absolutely terrible.

Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely look into that if I can't get through on my own.

It's actually 3 job search activities per week, and you have to keep a log. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities at any time so make sure you're keeping good records.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs or other things too?

applying for jobs, going to job fairs, networking events, even some online training courses count. there's a list on the Washington ESD website

Wait, so I won't get any money for the first week even if I'm approved? That seems unfair when people need the money right away.

That's correct - it's called a waiting week and it's standard in most states. You still need to file that weekly claim though, you just won't get paid for it.

Good to know! I was thinking about waiting to see if they call me back too but I guess I should just file now.

Definitely file right away. Even if you get called back to work, you can always close your claim. But if you wait and don't get called back, you're just losing money.

It's actually $30 per dependent child per week, up to 5 children. So if you have kids it can add up to a decent amount on top of your regular weekly benefit.

No kids for me so I guess I just get the base amount. Still better than nothing though!

Should I have them withhold taxes or just save money myself to pay later?

I'd say have them withhold it. It's easier than trying to save the money yourself, especially when you're already on a tight budget from being unemployed.

Unemployment benefits are taxable income at the federal level and for Washington state... wait no, Washington doesn't have state income tax. Just federal taxes to worry about.

Washington ESD has a minimum weekly benefit amount of $295. So even if your calculation comes out lower, you'd still get at least that much if you qualify for benefits at all.

That's actually more than I was making per week at my part-time job! Unemployment might actually pay better than working was.

I got laid off due to slow business so I should be fine on that front. Thanks for the warning though!

What counts as 'good cause' for quitting? I'm thinking about leaving my job but don't want to lose unemployment eligibility.

Things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, significant changes to your job duties or schedule. But you usually need to try to resolve it with your employer first before quitting.

How does that work exactly? Do they just call on your behalf or do they help with the whole application?

They just handle the calling part - they get you connected to an actual Washington ESD agent and then you handle your business directly with them. Really simple and worth it to avoid the phone frustration.

Good point! I'll make sure to stay on top of the weekly filing once I get everything set up.

Yeah, consistency is key with unemployment claims. The system is pretty unforgiving if you miss deadlines or skip requirements.

That's reassuring! I was worried the whole process would be complicated.

The weekly claims are easy, it's just getting the initial claim filed that can be a pain because of the phone system issues.