


Ask the community...
Make sure you understand the difference between gross and net income when calculating. Washington ESD uses gross wages, not your take-home pay.
The calculation is pretty straightforward once you get it. Find your highest earning quarter in the base period, divide by 26, and that's your weekly benefit (up to the maximum). Just make sure you're looking at the right quarters.
One more tip - set up direct deposit if you haven't already. The debit card option has fees and the checks take forever to arrive in the mail.
Same thing happened to me last year. The determination letter came like 2 weeks after I could already see my benefit amount and start filing weekly claims. Washington ESD's timing on notifications is all over the place.
If you're still unsure, look at your payment history section too. Even if you haven't been paid yet, approved claims will show pending payments or at least show the weeks you're eligible for benefits.
Miguel Diaz
Does Washington ESD ever do those federal extended benefit programs like during COVID? Or are we stuck with just the 26 weeks?
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Carmen Ruiz
•Extended benefits are triggered when unemployment rates hit certain thresholds. Right now there are no federal or state extended programs active in Washington.
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Miguel Diaz
•Figured as much. Guess I better find something in the next few weeks then.
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Zainab Ahmed
Another vote for that Claimyr service - used it yesterday to get through to Washington ESD about my claim balance. Way better than spending hours on hold for nothing.
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Nia Wilson
•Alright I'm convinced - going to try it today. Thanks for all the feedback everyone.
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Connor Gallagher
•Let us know how it goes! Always good to hear success stories.
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