How much can I collect on unemployment benefits in Washington state?

Thanks! So if I made around $12,600 in my highest quarter, I'd get about $485 per week? That's actually better than I expected.

That sounds about right, but Washington ESD will calculate the exact amount when you file your claim. Make sure you have all your wage information ready.

I think you're mixing up the formula. It's based on your single highest quarter, not two quarters.

You might be right, I always get confused by the Washington ESD math. The important thing is they use your best earning period.

This is super helpful! Is there a minimum amount too? What if someone was working part-time?

Yes, the minimum weekly benefit amount is $295 for 2025. You need to have earned at least $7,665 in your highest quarter to qualify for any benefits.

Wait, I thought the base period was different. Isn't it the last 12 months before you filed?

No, the standard base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters. There's also an alternate base period if you don't qualify under the standard one.

Have you tried calling right at 8am when they open? That's usually the best time to get through.

Yeah I've tried that and still can't get through. Their phone system is completely overloaded.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

Yes, unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have federal taxes withheld when you file your weekly claims, or you can pay them when you file your tax return.

Good to know, I'll probably have them withhold taxes so I don't get hit with a big bill later.

Yeah Washington has one of the higher maximum amounts. The cost of living is higher too though.

True, but $999 per week still helps a lot with rent and bills while job hunting.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs?

Job applications, networking events, career fairs, workshops, even updating your LinkedIn profile. They have a list on the Washington ESD website.

Make sure you keep good records of your job search activities. Washington ESD can audit your claims and ask for proof.

For a claim filed in January 2025, your standard base period would be Q1 2024 through Q4 2024. They use completed quarters only.

Okay that makes sense. What if I didn't work much in those quarters but worked more recently?

Then you might qualify under the alternate base period, which uses the last 4 completed quarters including more recent work. Washington ESD will automatically check both.

There is a benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website, but it's pretty basic and doesn't always work right.

Yeah I tried that and it gave me an error message. That's why I need to talk to someone at Washington ESD but can't get through on the phone.

Is that a legitimate service? I'm always skeptical of third-party companies.

Yeah it's legit. They just call the same Washington ESD numbers but they have a system that gets through the busy signals. Check out their demo video to see how it works.

I used Claimyr too when I couldn't get through about my adjudication issue. It actually worked and saved me tons of time and frustration.

That's good to know! I was worried they'd use my net pay which would have been much lower.

How does that work exactly? I might be able to pick up some freelance work while I'm looking for a full-time job.

They subtract your weekly earnings from 150% of your benefit amount. So if your benefit amount is $500 and you earn $200 in a week, you'd still get $300 in unemployment benefits.

That's actually a pretty good deal. I thought any work would disqualify you completely.

Can you get an extension if you still haven't found work after 26 weeks?

Not usually, unless there's a federal emergency program like during COVID. Right now it's just the standard 26 weeks.

Good luck! Make sure you have all your employment history ready when you file.

Thanks! I've been gathering all my pay stubs and employment records. Hopefully the process goes smoothly.

There are some exceptions though, like if you quit for good cause. But yeah, being laid off or terminated without cause is definitely the easiest way to qualify.

Same here. The weekly payments aren't huge but they're enough to cover basic expenses while you're job hunting.

Exactly. And the job search requirements actually helped keep me motivated to find work instead of just sitting around.

Agreed! I feel much more confident about filing my claim now.