How much do I get paid for unemployment in Washington - what's the weekly benefit amount?

Washington ESD uses your highest earning quarter from the last 18 months to calculate your weekly benefit amount (WBA). They take your total wages from that quarter and divide by 26. The maximum weekly benefit for 2025 is $999, but most people get less depending on their earnings history.

I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for three weeks to ask about my benefit calculation and it's impossible! The phone just rings busy or hangs up on me. Anyone else having this problem?

The benefit calculation also depends on whether you're eligible for the dependency allowance. If you have qualifying dependents, you can get an additional $33 per week per dependent, up to 5 dependents maximum.

wait i thought unemployment was like 60% of your regular pay?? i'm so confused about all this

Don't forget you have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits! They don't automatically withhold federal taxes unless you request it. I learned this the hard way last year.

The Washington ESD website has a benefit calculator tool but it's been broken for months. Typical government incompetence if you ask me.

Here's something important - your weekly benefit amount stays the same for your entire benefit year, even if you get a part-time job. But if you work part-time, they'll reduce your weekly payment based on how much you earn.

I'm getting $847 per week right now and I was making about $28/hour. The calculation definitely varies based on your work history and how consistent your hours were.

Make sure you understand the difference between your weekly benefit amount and your maximum benefit amount. Your total benefits for the year are capped at 26 times your weekly amount.

I had issues with my benefit calculation being wrong initially. Took me three calls to Washington ESD to get it fixed, but once I finally got through to someone knowledgeable they corrected it and gave me back pay.

Does anyone know if the calculation changes if you had multiple jobs? I was working two part-time positions when I got laid off from both.

Just a heads up - your first payment might be delayed because of the waiting week. Washington doesn't have a waiting week anymore but there's still processing time for your initial claim.

The benefit amounts seem so random to me. My friend made less than me but gets more unemployment. Makes no sense.

Whatever you do, don't trust the automated estimate when you first file. Mine was off by like $200/week and I didn't find out until I talked to an actual person.

Remember that your benefit year starts when you file your claim, not when you became unemployed. So don't delay filing if you think you might be eligible.