How much can you collect Washington ESD unemployment benefits in 2025?

Washington ESD calculates your weekly benefit amount based on your highest earning quarter from your base period. The maximum weekly benefit amount for 2025 is $999 per week. Your benefit amount will be roughly 60-65% of your average weekly wage during your highest quarter, up to that maximum.

The standard duration is 26 weeks of benefits, but it can be less depending on your work history. Washington ESD looks at your total wages during the base period to determine both your weekly amount and total duration.

Just a heads up - getting through to Washington ESD to check your benefit calculation can be a nightmare. I spent weeks trying to call them about my weekly amount. Finally found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to an agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Worth checking out if you need to speak to someone at Washington ESD.

Don't forget you'll also need to meet the job search requirements to keep collecting. It's 3 job search activities per week in Washington.

The $999 max is nice but most people don't qualify for that amount. You need to have been making serious money to hit the maximum weekly benefit.

Make sure to file as soon as you lose your job! Benefits are effective from the week you file, not retroactive to when you actually lost work.

The whole system is confusing honestly. I'm still trying to figure out my benefit amount after 3 weeks on unemployment. Washington ESD's online calculator doesn't give you exact numbers.

Keep in mind unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay them later when you file your return.

Anyone know if the benefit amounts change throughout the year? Like do they adjust for inflation or anything?

I got $547 per week when I was on unemployment last year making about $52k. So your estimate of $400-600 sounds about right for your salary range.

Just remember you have to file weekly claims to actually receive the money. Missing a week means you don't get paid for that week.

The whole process can take a while to get started. My first payment didn't come until almost 3 weeks after I filed, even though there were no issues with my claim.

If you have any issues with your claim calculation or need to speak to someone about your benefit amount, definitely consider using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. I was stuck trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about a benefit calculation error.

Also worth noting - if you work part-time while collecting unemployment, they'll reduce your weekly benefit based on how much you earn. It's not dollar-for-dollar though.

The maximum 26 weeks can go by faster than you think. Make sure you're actively job searching from day one, not just going through the motions.

One more thing - make sure all your contact information is up to date with Washington ESD. If they need to reach you about your claim and can't, it can delay or stop your benefits.