How much can you get for unemployment benefits in Washington state?

The weekly benefit amount depends on your earnings history. Washington ESD looks at your highest quarter of earnings from your base year and calculates it from there. The maximum weekly benefit for 2025 I believe is around $999 per week, but most people don't get the max. You can use the benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website to get an estimate.

I was making about the same as you and I get $412 per week. It's not amazing but it helps while you're looking for work. Just make sure you file your weekly claims on time and keep up with the job search requirements.

Washington unemployment benefits are calculated based on your highest earning quarter in your base period. The maximum weekly benefit amount in 2025 is $999 plus a $25 dependency allowance if you have qualifying dependents. Your benefit amount will be roughly 3.85% of your total wages in that highest quarter, but it can't exceed the maximum.

Washington ESD uses your highest earning quarter from your base period to calculate benefits. The base period is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. Your weekly benefit amount (WBA) is calculated as your highest quarter earnings divided by 26, but there's a maximum weekly amount that changes each year. For 2025, the maximum WBA is $999 per week.

Thanks! So with my salary I should qualify for a decent amount then. How long does it usually take to get approved?

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask questions about your benefit amount, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach a human agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.

The benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website is pretty accurate if you want to get an exact estimate. You'll need your wage information from the past 18 months or so. It's under the 'Unemployment Benefits' section.

The benefit amount also depends on how many dependents you have. If you have kids or other dependents, you can get additional money added to your weekly benefit. I think it's like $25 per dependent but don't quote me on that exact amount.

Typically 2-3 weeks if there are no issues with your claim. Make sure you file your weekly claims on time every week even while waiting for approval.

whatever you do make sure you report ANY work you do even if its just a few hours. they will catch it eventually and you dont want an overpayment notice. learned that the hard way

definitely worth filing. i was making around 45k and getting about $650 per week. just be prepared for the job search requirements - you have to apply to 3 jobs per week and keep a log

One thing to keep in mind is that if you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check your benefit amount or resolve any issues with your claim, there's actually a service called Claimyr that can help you get connected to an agent. I found out about it when my claim was stuck in adjudication - you can check it out at claimyr.com. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process way less stressful.

The system is so confusing though. I've been trying to figure out my benefit year and base period and it's like they make it as complicated as possible on purpose. Why can't they just tell you upfront what you'll get?

Just to add - the minimum weekly benefit in Washington is $295 right now. So even if your wages were lower, you'd still get at least that amount. Also unemployment benefits are taxable income so plan accordingly.

The amounts seem decent but the real challenge is actually getting approved and keeping up with all the requirements. Washington ESD has gotten stricter about job search logs and work search activities.

Good to know about the job search thing. Is that hard to keep track of?

Also remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes taken out of your weekly payments or you'll owe at tax time. I always have them take out the 10% federal tax.

just filed last week and still waiting to hear back about my benefit amount. this whole process takes forever. anyone know how long before they tell you what your weekly amount will be?

I've been getting the max amount for about 6 months now and it's been a lifesaver. The key is making sure your work history is accurate in their system. I had to call and correct some employer information that was wrong.

not really, just save all your applications and keep notes. WorkSourceWA has a good system for tracking it

I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks to ask about my benefit calculation and it's impossible! Their phone lines are always busy and when I do get through I get disconnected. Has anyone found a better way to reach them?

Does anyone know if overtime hours count toward your benefit calculation? I worked a lot of OT in my highest quarter and wondering if that helps or hurts the calculation.

just filed last week and still waiting to hear back about my benefit amount. the waiting is killing me because I need to know how much I'll be getting to budget properly.

If your claim gets stuck in adjudication or you need to check on your benefit amount calculation, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier is really helpful for getting through to Washington ESD. Much better than sitting on hold for hours.

For anyone wondering about the duration - you can collect for up to 26 weeks in Washington, but that's only if you have enough wage credits. If your work history is shorter, you might get fewer weeks even if your weekly amount is good.

I actually found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. It saved me hours of calling and redialing.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How does it work exactly?

The whole system is so confusing honestly. Between base periods and benefit years and all the different requirements, I wish there was just a simple way to know exactly what you'll get before you file.

One thing I learned the hard way - if you have any questions about your benefit amount or think it might be wrong, don't wait to call Washington ESD. I waited 3 weeks thinking it would resolve itself and it just made everything more complicated.

Basically they handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent becomes available. Way better than spending your whole day hitting redial.

The benefit calculator on Washington ESD's website can give you an estimate before you file. But honestly the system is so broken right now that even if you qualify for the maximum, you might wait months to see any money. My friend's claim has been in adjudication for 8 weeks.

The maximum benefit in Washington is one of the higher ones compared to other states, so that's good. Just don't expect to maintain your full lifestyle on unemployment. It's meant to be temporary assistance while you find new work.

Current maximum is $999/week but that's only if you were making really good money. Most people I know are getting somewhere between $400-700 per week depending on their wages.

Eight weeks?! That's insane. What does adjudication even mean?

Adjudication means they're reviewing your claim for eligibility issues. Could be anything from employment verification to questions about why you left your job.

Just remember that unemployment benefits are meant to be temporary. The 26 weeks go by faster than you think, so use the time wisely to find your next job. The job search requirements are actually helpful for staying motivated.

Don't forget about the waiting week. I think Washington still has a one week waiting period before you start receiving benefits, so plan for that gap in income.

i get $287 a week and it barely covers my rent. really hoping to find something soon because this is not sustainable long term

The good thing about Washington ESD is that benefits last for up to 26 weeks in most cases, so you have some time to find the right job rather than just taking the first thing that comes along.

Make sure your employer didn't contest your claim. That can delay everything and mess up your benefit amount if they try to say you were fired for cause or something.

Still trying to get through to someone at Washington ESD to verify my earnings history. The phone system is impossible! Maybe I should try that Claimyr thing someone mentioned.

whatever your benefit amount ends up being, make sure you keep looking for work that pays at least what you were making before. don't let unemployment turn into a long term thing

also heads up that if you do any freelance or gig work while on unemployment you have to report those earnings too. even uber or doordash or whatever. they track everything now

The whole thing is such a bureaucratic nightmare. Between the job search requirements and the weekly reporting and all the rules, it's almost like having a part-time job just managing your unemployment claim.

One last tip - make sure you keep copies of everything. Your application, determination letters, correspondence with Washington ESD, job search logs, everything. You might need it later if there are any questions about your claim.

good luck with your claim! the process can be stressful but once you get approved and into the routine of filing weekly claims it becomes pretty manageable

This is exactly why people need help reaching ESD agents. I used Claimyr too and finally got my adjudication issue resolved after being stuck for weeks.

Just remember that unemployment is taxable income! A lot of people forget this and get hit with a big tax bill. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your weekly payments.

Oh wow, I didn't think about taxes. Good point!

Yeah, definitely elect to have the 10% federal tax withheld when you file. Saves you from owing at tax time.

i think the max is like 900 something a week but most people dont get that much. depends on what you made before

Actually it's $999 plus $25 dependency allowance for 2025. But you're right that most people don't hit the maximum.

The whole system is a joke. I qualified for benefits but they made me wait 6 months because of some stupid adjudication issue they wouldn't explain. By the time I got paid I had already found a new job. What's the point?

That's so frustrating! Did you ever find out what the adjudication issue was about?

Something about verifying my employment history. Took them forever to contact my previous employer apparently.

For what it's worth, even though the system has problems, unemployment benefits really helped me when I got laid off last year. I was getting about $720 per week which covered most of my basic expenses while I job hunted. Just file as soon as you're eligible.

That's encouraging to hear! How long were you able to collect benefits?

You can collect for up to 26 weeks in Washington, though it might be extended during high unemployment periods. I found a job after 4 months thankfully.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements before you start. You need to be actively looking for work and able to accept suitable employment. If you're too picky about what jobs you'll take, they can deny your benefits.

What counts as 'suitable employment'? Do I have to take any job offered to me?

Generally it has to be in your field and pay at least 80% of your previous wage for the first few weeks, then the threshold lowers over time.

honestly just file and see what happens. worst case they deny you, best case you get money while looking for work. the application process isnt that bad

True, nothing to lose by trying I guess.

One thing to watch out for - if you have any side gig income or part-time work while collecting unemployment, you need to report it on your weekly claims. Even small amounts can affect your benefits.

Good to know! I do some freelance work occasionally so I'll need to keep track of that.

Yeah they're pretty strict about unreported income. Better to be upfront about everything.

The benefit amount also depends on when you worked. They look at your base period which is usually the first four of the last five completed quarters before you file. If you haven't worked much recently, you might not qualify at all.

I've been at my job for 3 years so I should be fine there.

I was skeptical about using a service to help with ESD calls, but honestly after wasting weeks trying to get through myself, Claimyr was worth it. Got connected to an agent in like 20 minutes instead of calling all day.

How much does something like that cost though?

It's way cheaper than taking time off work to sit on hold all day. Plus they guarantee you'll get through to someone.

Just remember that once you start collecting, you're committed to the job search requirements every single week. Miss filing a weekly claim or don't do your job searches and you can lose benefits entirely.

How strict are they about the weekly filings? What if you forget one week?

They usually give you a chance to explain, but it's better to set a reminder and never miss a week. Sunday nights is when most people file.

Bottom line - if you lost your job through no fault of your own and meet the work history requirements, you'll probably qualify for something. With your salary level you should get a decent weekly amount. Just be prepared for potential delays and make sure you follow all the rules.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I think I'll go ahead and file this week.

Good luck! Remember to keep good records of everything and don't hesitate to appeal if they make a decision you disagree with.