How much can you earn on Washington ESD unemployment benefits in 2025?

Thanks! So they look at my highest quarter earnings? Do you know what percentage of that they use to calculate the weekly amount?

It's roughly 3.85% of your highest quarter earnings, but there's a formula they use. You can estimate it on the Washington ESD website calculator.

How did you manage to get through to someone? I've been trying to call for days but keep getting disconnected.

I had the same problem with calling Washington ESD until I found Claimyr. It's a service that calls 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.

Never heard of that before. Does it actually work? I'm getting desperate trying to reach someone about my claim status.

wait so there's both a minimum and maximum? what if you made like $30k last year?

Yeah, there's a range. At $30k annually, you'd probably get somewhere in the middle - maybe $500-600 per week depending on when your highest earnings quarter was.

That's really helpful to know. So I could do some freelance work and still collect most of my benefits?

Exactly! Just make sure to report all earnings when you file your weekly claim. Washington ESD takes underreporting seriously.

This is good info. I've been afraid to take any side work because I thought it would mess up my claim.

Standby is different - you should be getting your full weekly benefit amount as long as you meet the standby requirements. Are you filing your weekly claims?

yes but it keeps saying pending payment. this is so frustrating

Sounds like you need to talk to an agent about your standby status. I used Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD when I had payment issues. Much easier than trying to call yourself.

Yeah I'm worried about that too. My monthly expenses are based on my full salary. Did you have to make major budget cuts?

Definitely had to cut back on everything non-essential. But at least it's something while I job search. The benefits last up to 26 weeks in Washington.

omg yes this! i owed like $2000 in taxes because i didn't have anything withheld. definitely elect to have taxes taken out

Good point. I'll make sure to check that box when I file my claim. Thanks for the heads up!

what if you just started a new job recently? does that count toward your base period?

Probably not if it was very recent. The base period is already completed quarters, so current quarter earnings usually don't count unless you file for alternate base period.

I had to use the alternate base period because I changed jobs. It includes more recent earnings but you have to specifically request it.

same experience here. the phone system is completely broken

Try Claimyr - it's specifically designed for this problem. They handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration.

I'll check that out. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get through to someone who can explain my benefit amount.

Wait, so even if I qualify for benefits, I don't get paid for the first week?

Exactly. It's called the waiting week. You file the claim but don't receive payment for that first week. Every week after that you get paid if you're eligible.

what counts as a job search activity? applying online?

Applying for jobs, networking events, career fairs, informational interviews, even certain online training courses. Check the WorkSourceWA website for the full list.

I've been using LinkedIn applications. Just make sure to document everything with dates and contact info.

How did you get through to someone to check on that? I've been trying to call about my calculation too.

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Worth it to avoid the phone runaround. They got me connected in like 30 minutes.

do you have to prove the dependents or do they just take your word for it?

You might need to provide documentation if they ask. Social security numbers and birth certificates typically.

yeah like what about pension payments? or severance pay? does that affect your weekly benefit amount?

Severance usually delays when you can start collecting but doesn't reduce the weekly amount. Pension might be different - depends on the type and how it's structured.

How long did your adjudication take? I'm worried mine is taking too long.

About 3 weeks for me. If it's been longer than that, definitely try to reach an agent to check on the status. The system sometimes gets stuck.