How much can I get with unemployment benefits in Washington state?

So if I was making $4,200 a month consistently, what would that translate to roughly for weekly benefits?

With $4,200 monthly, that's about $12,600 per quarter. Using the 3.85% calculation, you'd be looking at around $485 per week, assuming that was your highest quarter.

Oh god, I'm dreading having to call them. I keep hearing about people waiting on hold for hours just to get disconnected.

I actually found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD agents without the wait time. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole calling process so much easier.

Wait, so if I just started working in Washington last year after moving from another state, would that affect my benefits?

Yes, if you don't have enough Washington wages, you might need to file an interstate claim or combine wages from other states. Washington ESD can help determine the best approach for your situation.

What counts as a valid job search contact? Is it just applying for jobs or can you include networking and stuff?

Job applications, attending job fairs, networking events, informational interviews, and even some online training courses can count. You need to document everything in your job search log.

Have you tried using Claimyr to get through to the right department? Sometimes you need to speak with someone who specializes in benefit calculations rather than just general customer service.

Never heard of that, is it legit? I'm getting desperate at this point.

I learned this the hard way last year - ended up owing a bunch at tax time because I didn't have taxes withheld from my unemployment benefits.

Yeah, it's usually better to have the 10% federal tax withheld automatically to avoid a big tax bill later.

How do they determine if you get the maximum? Is there a specific income threshold you need to hit?

You'd need to have earned at least $25,948 in your highest quarter to qualify for the maximum weekly benefit amount.

That's because they look at your base period wages, which can vary depending on when you file and what quarters they include in the calculation.

exactly, timing matters a lot. if you can wait to file until after a higher earning quarter is included in your base period, it can increase your benefits

Yes, the minimum weekly benefit amount for 2025 is $295 per week in Washington. You have to meet the basic eligibility requirements though.

That's still not enough to live on in most parts of Washington, especially Seattle area. The cost of living is so high here.

I tried using that calculator but it was confusing. It asks for quarters and wages in a weird format.

Yeah it's not the most user-friendly. You need your wage information from your last 18 months of work to get an accurate estimate.

Wait, so even if I'm approved immediately I don't get paid for the first week?

Correct. The first week is unpaid but you still have to file your weekly claim and meet all the requirements during that week.

I was working two part-time jobs when I got laid off. Wonder how that affects the calculation.

They'll combine wages from all your employers during the base period. As long as you meet the minimum earnings requirement, having multiple part-time jobs shouldn't hurt your eligibility.

I've been trying to call for three days straight and can't get through. So frustrating when you have specific questions about your claim.

This is exactly why I started using Claimyr. They handle the calling process and get you connected to the right Washington ESD representative. Worth checking out their demo video to see how it works.

How much can you earn before it affects your benefits? Is there a threshold?

You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount plus $5 before your benefits start getting reduced. Anything over that gets deducted dollar for dollar from your weekly payment.

Good tip! How long does it usually take to get your first payment after filing?

if theres no issues with your claim, usually about 2-3 weeks after filing. longer if they need to do adjudication or verify employment

Are there still any pandemic-related extended benefits available?

No, all the pandemic unemployment programs like PUA and PEUC ended in 2021. We're back to regular state unemployment insurance only.

So if my weekly benefit is $500, that's before taxes? How much would I actually receive?

If you elect to have federal taxes withheld, they'll take out 10%. So $500 would become $450 after tax withholding. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay them later.

I work for a school district and got laid off for the summer. Do I qualify for unemployment benefits?

School employees have special rules. You might not be eligible for benefits during scheduled breaks if you have reasonable assurance of returning to work. You'd need to check with Washington ESD about your specific situation.

This is super common - the benefit calculation is one of the most confusing parts of the unemployment system. When I had questions about my calculation, I used Claimyr to get through to a Washington ESD specialist who could walk me through it step by step. Much better than trying to figure it out on your own.

might have to look into that, been struggling with this for too long

Thanks everyone for all the detailed info! This gives me a much better understanding of what to expect when I file my claim.

Good luck with your claim! Don't hesitate to ask questions if you run into any issues during the filing process.