How much do I get for unemployment benefits in Washington - need help calculating weekly amount

Washington ESD calculates your weekly benefit amount (WBA) based on your highest earning quarter in your base period. The maximum weekly benefit for 2025 is $999 and the minimum is $295. They look at your wages from the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed. You get roughly 3.85% of your highest quarter earnings as your weekly amount.

I've been trying to call Washington ESD for 3 days to ask the same question and can't get through to anyone! Their phone system is impossible. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there?

Your benefit amount also depends on if you have any dependents. You can get an additional $25 per week for each dependent child under 18. Make sure to include that when you file your initial claim.

be careful because washington esd might reduce your benefits if you get any other income like a pension or severance pay. they'll ask about all that stuff when you file

Also remember that your benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your weekly payments or pay them when you file your tax return. I recommend having them withheld to avoid a big tax bill next year.

I got laid off 6 months ago and my weekly benefit was $495. I made about $45k the year before. The calculation seemed fair compared to what I was earning. Just make sure you file as soon as possible because there's a waiting week before you start getting paid.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS BROKEN! I've been waiting 6 weeks for my claim to get out of adjudication and they won't tell me anything. How are people supposed to survive without income while Washington ESD takes forever to process claims?

Make sure you keep track of all your job search activities too. Washington ESD requires you to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of them. They can ask to see your records at any time.

i think the benefit calculator on the washington esd website gives you an estimate if you put in your wages. might be worth checking that out before you file

Your base period matters a lot for the calculation. If you haven't worked long enough or earned enough in your base period, you might not qualify or get a lower amount. The base year is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file.

Don't forget you can collect benefits for up to 26 weeks in Washington as long as you keep filing your weekly claims and meeting the job search requirements. Some people don't realize there's a time limit.

If you're still having trouble getting through to Washington ESD, I had success with Claimyr too. They got me connected to an agent who walked me through my benefit calculation and answered all my questions. Worth trying if you need to talk to someone directly.

the hardest part isn't figuring out how much you'll get, it's actually getting washington esd to process your claim without delays. be prepared for potential issues and have backup plans for paying bills