Just wanted to add that if you've had multiple jobs or inconsistent work history, the benefit calculation can get more complicated. Sometimes Washington ESD will use an alternate base year if it results in a higher benefit amount for you. Worth understanding all the options.

Bottom line - Washington ESD determines your weekly benefit based on your highest quarter of earnings in your base year, with a maximum of $999 per week in 2025. The exact calculation can be complex but the online calculator gives you a good estimate. Most important thing is to file as soon as you become unemployed since there's usually a waiting period before payments start.

Just to circle back on the Claimyr service - if you do apply and run into issues or have questions about your claim status, it's really helpful for actually reaching Washington ESD staff. The regular phone lines are usually swamped, but having a service handle the calling process makes a huge difference when you need real answers.

Bottom line: you worked, you got laid off through no fault of your own, and you're able and available to work. That covers the main eligibility criteria for Washington unemployment benefits. The wage requirements sound like they'll be met based on your work history. Go ahead and apply!

One last thing - file immediately when you become unemployed. There's a one-week waiting period and benefits are only paid from the date you file, not from when you lost your job.

This has been a really helpful thread! Lots of good information about Washington ESD benefits. Hope OP doesn't need to use any of this knowledge but at least now we're all better informed.

Also worth mentioning that Washington state doesn't tax unemployment benefits at the state level, but you'll still owe federal taxes on them.

If you're confused about any part of the process or your claim gets stuck somewhere, seriously consider using a service like Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD. I wasted weeks trying to call on my own before finding out about it.

For what it's worth, Washington ESD benefits are among the better ones in the country. The maximum weekly amount is pretty decent compared to other states, and the duration is standard at 26 weeks.

One last tip - make sure you understand the difference between your weekly benefit amount and your maximum benefit amount. The weekly is what you get each week, the maximum is the total you can collect over the entire benefit year (weekly amount × 26 weeks).