How much can I get for Washington ESD unemployment benefits - weekly payment amounts?

Washington ESD calculates your weekly benefit amount (WBA) based on your highest earning quarter in your base period. They take your highest quarter wages and divide by 26. So if you made $12,000 in your best quarter, your WBA would be around $462 per week. The maximum weekly benefit for 2025 is $999.

just to add - there's also a minimum weekly benefit amount of $295. so even if your calculation comes out lower than that you'll still get at least $295 per week

I was in a similar situation last year and had trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask about my benefit calculation. If you need to speak with someone directly about your specific case, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to ESD agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made the whole process much easier.

The calculation can be confusing because they look at your base period which is the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, they'd look at July 2023 through June 2024. Make sure you understand which quarters count!

HEADS UP - the restaurant industry has been weird with unemployment lately. Some places are fighting claims even for legitimate layoffs. Make sure you get documentation if they do lay you off.

quick question - do tips count toward the wage calculation or just your hourly pay?

I'm confused about something - is the weekly benefit amount the same every week or does it change?

Also keep in mind you can get benefits for up to 26 weeks in a benefit year, but that's the maximum. If you find work sooner obviously you'd stop claiming.

The online benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website is pretty helpful too. You can get a rough estimate of your weekly benefit amount before you even file a claim.

One thing to remember - you have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits. They don't automatically withhold federal taxes so you might owe at tax time.

honestly the whole system is confusing but once you get your determination letter it breaks down exactly how they calculated your benefit amount

Just wanted to mention that if you're working reduced hours instead of being laid off completely, you might still qualify for partial unemployment benefits. Worth looking into.

Make sure you apply as soon as you're unemployed! Benefits don't start until you actually file the claim, they don't backdate to when you lost your job.

If you do end up needing to contact Washington ESD for any reason during your claim, seriously consider using Claimyr. The phone lines are absolutely swamped and it's nearly impossible to get through on your own. Worth every penny to avoid the frustration.

Don't forget about the job search requirements! You'll need to be actively looking for work and document your job search activities to keep receiving benefits.

The restaurant industry is tough right now. Hopefully your place doesn't do layoffs but if they do at least you'll be prepared with this info!

Last thing - make sure your employer has been paying into the unemployment insurance system. Most do but it's worth confirming so there are no surprises.

Hope everything works out with your job situation! At least now you know what to expect if you do need to file for unemployment.

One more resource - WorkSource Washington has career counselors who can help with job searching if you do end up unemployed. They work with the unemployment system.