How much can I get on Washington ESD unemployment benefits in 2025?

Thanks! So if I made $48k last year, would that put me somewhere in the middle range? I'm just trying to get a ballpark figure.

With $48k annual, you're probably looking at around $600-700 weekly, but it really depends on how your wages were distributed across quarters. Washington ESD looks at the 4 quarters before you file, not just your annual total.

That's actually pretty good! I was worried unemployment wouldn't cover much. Did you have any issues with the job search requirements?

Job search wasn't too bad, you need 3 contacts per week and they have to be documented in your WorkSourceWA account. Just make sure you keep good records.

Oh wow, I didn't even think about taxes. How much do they typically withhold if you choose that option?

They withhold 10% for federal taxes if you elect it. You can change this setting in your SecureAccess Washington account anytime.

Definitely recommend having them withhold taxes. Getting hit with a big tax bill next year when you're already struggling isn't fun.

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

I've tried every trick in the book. Early morning, lunch time, even tried the callback option but never got a call back.

I actually found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Yes, part-time earnings reduce your weekly benefit. Generally, if you earn more than 1/4 of your weekly benefit amount, they deduct dollar-for-dollar from your UI payment. You have to report all earnings when you file your weekly claim.

So if my weekly benefit is $600 and I earn $200 from gig work, I'd still get $400 from unemployment?

Not exactly. They allow you to earn up to $150 (1/4 of $600) without any reduction. Above that, they subtract the excess. So you'd get $550 from UI plus your $200 in earnings.

Did you complete your first weekly claim certification? You have to file weekly claims even after your initial application is approved.

Yes, I've been filing weekly. It just says 'processed' but no payment date or amount.

Sometimes there's a delay with the first payment while they verify everything. If it's been more than 2 weeks since your weekly claim was processed, definitely call them.

Wow, that's amazing! How long can you collect at that amount?

Standard is 26 weeks in Washington unless there are extensions. The duration depends on your work history and wages too, but most people get the full 26 weeks.

That's like $26k over 6 months, definitely helps bridge the gap while job hunting. Tech layoffs have been brutal lately.

Seriously? So even if I file immediately after losing my job, I don't get paid for the first week?

Exactly. The waiting week is designed to save the state money and discourage casual use of the system. Plan accordingly because that first payment might be delayed.

How quickly can you usually get approved? I'm worried about the gap in income.

If there are no issues with your claim, you should be approved within a week or two. But if they need to verify anything or there's an issue with your separation, it could take much longer.

Mine took 6 weeks because of an adjudication issue. They had to verify my reason for leaving with my employer. Really wish I had known about that Claimyr service back then to get status updates.

Good point! For seasonal workers, the base period calculation can be tricky because earnings aren't consistent across quarters. Sometimes it helps to delay filing if you just finished a high-earning quarter.

Exactly! I waited until my summer earnings were included in my base period and it increased my weekly benefit by almost $200.

Overpayments usually happen when there's unreported income or an error in your claim. You have the right to appeal within 30 days. Don't ignore it - they can garnish future benefits or tax refunds.

I reported everything correctly! Is there a way to get help understanding what went wrong?

This is exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. They helped me get through to an agent who explained my overpayment notice. Turned out it was an error on Washington ESD's end and they reversed it.

Close! You need to have worked 680 hours AND earned at least $7,000 in your base period. Both requirements must be met to qualify for benefits.

With 2 years of full-time work I should be fine on both counts. Thanks for all the helpful info everyone!

How do you know if you qualify for standby? My manager said they might call me back in a few months.

Your employer has to submit specific paperwork for standby status. If they haven't done that, you'd file for regular unemployment and do the job search requirements.

Standby is great if you qualify because you don't have to document job searches. But make sure your employer is actually committed to bringing you back.

That's what I'm finding out! I'll just have to wait and see what they calculate for me.

Yeah, there are so many variables. Just focus on getting your application submitted correctly and let them do the math.

That's a really important distinction! I had to reopen my claim twice in one benefit year because of temporary jobs that didn't work out.

Exactly. As long as you're within your benefit year and have weeks remaining, you can usually reopen without filing a new claim.

When is the weekly deadline? I want to make sure I don't mess that up.

You can file starting Sunday for the previous week, and you have until the following Saturday. But don't wait until the last minute - file as early in the week as possible.

That's true - to get the maximum you need to have made over $65k in your highest quarter. Most people don't earn that consistently, so they get less.

Makes sense I suppose, but it does create a big gap between high earners and everyone else.

The system is designed to replace a percentage of lost wages, so higher earners get higher benefits. But there are limits to prevent it from being too generous.

I might try that for my overpayment issue. The online system isn't giving me enough detail about what happened.

Definitely worth it for complex issues. The agent was able to look at my account and explain exactly what was causing the problem.

Yeah, I'm prepared to tighten the budget. Just hoping it covers rent and basics until I find something new.

You'll probably be fine with your work history. The key is staying on top of the weekly claims and job search requirements.

And file as soon as you lose your job! Don't wait thinking you'll find something quickly. Better to have the safety net in place.