How much are unemployment payments in Washington state 2025?

So if I made around $21k in my highest quarter, that would be about $800 divided by 26 times 3.85%? That seems like a weird calculation.

Actually it's your highest quarter divided by 26, then you get 3.85% of your total base period wages, but there's a cap. It's confusing but the online calculator on Washington ESD website will give you an estimate.

That's still way better than some states though. At least Washington has decent benefits compared to like Florida or something.

$542 seems pretty good actually for unemployment. I was only getting $380 when I was on it two years ago.

Thanks! That makes way more sense. So it's not just a simple percentage of your salary.

Don't forget you have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits too, so factor that in when budgeting.

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents automatically. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How does it work exactly?

It basically calls Washington ESD repeatedly until it gets you connected to an actual person. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.

Oh interesting, so if I just got this job 6 months ago, my benefits might be based on my old lower paying job?

Possibly, depends on exactly when you file and when your quarters end. Washington ESD has a base period calculator tool that can help you figure out which quarters they'll use.

I mean, it's insurance we all pay into through our paychecks. It's not supposed to replace your full income, just help while you find new work.

Yeah but try living on $500 a week in Seattle. It's a joke.

I'll definitely check that out, thanks!

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

Sweet, that should help my benefit amount then!

Same thing happened to my friend. She used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and actually got through to someone who fixed her wage records. Might be worth trying.

At this point I'm willing to try anything. The online messaging system is useless.

Good to know! I don't have kids but that's useful info for others.

Probably because they don't want people to know they can get more money lol

It's tied to the state average weekly wage, so it goes up automatically each year based on economic data.

There's a one week waiting period in Washington. So your first payable week, you won't get paid for, but after that you should get weekly benefits if you're eligible.

Ugh, so even when approved you have to wait an extra week to see any money?

Yeah, it's built into the system. Just plan for that extra week without income.

Try calling Washington ESD and asking them to explain it. If you can't get through normally, that Claimyr thing people mentioned might help you actually reach someone.

Good point, I definitely want to have them withhold taxes so I don't get hit with a big bill next year.

Yeah I learned that the hard way. Owed like $3000 because I didn't have anything withheld.

Adjudication delays are brutal right now. Have you tried contacting them about the status?

I've tried everything. Can't get through on the phone, online messages get generic responses. Starting to think I need to hire someone to call for me.

Actually that Claimyr service might be exactly what you need. They specialize in getting through to Washington ESD for adjudication issues and claim status problems.