How much do I get unemployment from Washington ESD - need to budget

Washington ESD uses your highest earning quarter from the past year to calculate benefits. They take that quarter and divide by 26 weeks, then you get about 50% of that weekly amount. So if you made $13,000 in your best quarter, that's $500 per week, and you'd get around $250 weekly.

That makes sense. I think my highest quarter was around $12,600 so maybe I'm looking at $240ish per week?

Don't forget there's a maximum weekly amount too - I think it's around $1,000 per week in Washington but most people don't hit that unless they were making really good money.

The exact formula is your highest quarter wages divided by 26, then multiply by 0.5. But there's also a minimum of $295 per week as of 2025. Washington ESD will calculate this automatically when you file your initial claim.

Wait so there's a minimum of $295? That's actually better than what I calculated above.

Yes, if your calculation comes out to less than $295, you'll get the minimum amount. It's designed to help people who had lower wages.

I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks to ask about my benefit amount calculation. The phone system is impossible! Anyone know a better way to reach them?

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

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

You just give them your info and they call Washington ESD repeatedly until they get through, then connect you to the agent. Saved me hours of calling myself.

just a heads up the amount they tell you online might be different than what you actually get. my benefit amount kept changing for some reason

What do you mean it kept changing? That sounds concerning.

idk it was weird, first they said one amount then it went down after a few weeks. maybe i did something wrong on my weekly claims

Your weekly benefit amount also depends on if you work part-time while collecting. Washington ESD has earnings deductions that reduce your benefit if you make more than a certain amount each week.

I wasn't planning to work part-time but good to know. What's the limit before they start reducing benefits?

I think you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount minus $5 before they start deducting. So if you get $300/week, you can earn up to $295 without losing benefits.

That's not quite right. The calculation is more complex - they deduct 75% of earnings over 25% of your weekly benefit amount.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A JOKE! I was supposed to get $450 a week and they've been paying me $280 for months. No explanation, no way to reach anyone. Washington ESD is completely broken.

That's exactly what I'm worried about. Did you ever figure out why the amount was wrong?

NOPE! Still fighting it. Been months of this nonsense.

You should file an appeal if your benefit amount is incorrect. There's a process for disputing Washington ESD determinations.

I used one of those online unemployment calculators and it was pretty close to what Washington ESD actually gave me. Try searching for 'Washington unemployment calculator' - there are a few decent ones.

Good idea, I'll try that to get a rough estimate before I file.

Yeah it at least gives you a ballpark. The actual amount might be slightly different but it's usually pretty close.

Update: I tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned and finally got through to Washington ESD! The agent explained my benefit calculation and it was exactly what the formula predicted. Definitely worth it if you can't get through on your own.

How long did it take them to get you connected?

About 2 hours but I didn't have to sit on hold myself. They called me back when they got an agent.

Just remember you have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits. I made the mistake of not setting aside money for taxes last year and got hit with a big bill.

Oh no, I didn't think about taxes. Do they take taxes out automatically?

You can choose to have them withhold 10% for federal taxes when you file your weekly claims. I'd recommend it.

Washington doesn't have state income tax so you only need to worry about federal taxes on unemployment benefits.

does anyone know if the amount changes if you have kids? i have two dependents and wondering if that affects my weekly benefit

Washington doesn't provide additional benefits for dependents. Your weekly benefit amount is based solely on your past wages.

oh ok thanks. some states do that so i wasn't sure

The benefit amount also depends on how long you worked. If you didn't work enough quarters, you might not qualify for the full amount or any benefits at all.

I worked for 3 years straight so I think I'm good on that front.

Yeah you should be fine. You need wages in at least 2 quarters during the base period to qualify.

Pro tip: when you file your initial claim, Washington ESD will send you a monetary determination letter that shows exactly how they calculated your benefit amount. Keep that letter safe!

Good to know. How long after filing do they send that letter?

Usually within a week or two. It comes through their online portal and by mail.

i been getting unemployment for 8 weeks now and the amount has been consistent. started at $385 per week and still getting that same amount as long as i do my weekly claims on time

That's reassuring to hear it's been consistent for you.

yeah just make sure you file your weekly claims every week even if you forget. you can backdate them but its easier to just do it on time

Another thing to consider - if you get a pension or retirement benefits, that might reduce your unemployment benefit amount. Washington ESD factors in other income sources.

I don't have any pension or retirement income so that shouldn't affect me.

Good, then you're all set. The calculation should be straightforward for you.

Make sure you understand the difference between your weekly benefit amount and your maximum benefit amount. The weekly is what you get each week, but there's a total cap on how much you can receive during your benefit year.

What's the maximum total you can receive in Washington?

It's typically 26 times your weekly benefit amount, so if you get $300/week, your maximum would be around $7,800 total.

That's correct. Regular unemployment benefits last up to 26 weeks in most cases.

just wanted to say this thread was super helpful! i was confused about the calculation too and now i have a much better idea of what to expect when i file next week

Glad it helped! I feel much more prepared now too.

good luck with your claim! hope it goes smoothly

One more tip: if your benefit amount seems wrong, don't wait to question it. I waited 6 weeks thinking it would correct itself and it never did. Had to go through the whole appeal process.

How long did the appeal process take?

About 2 months but I eventually got the back pay for the difference. Just wish I had started the process sooner.

For what it's worth, I used Claimyr twice when I had questions about my benefit calculation and both times they got me through to knowledgeable agents who could explain everything clearly. Much better than trying to navigate the phone system yourself.

Seems like several people have had good experiences with that service.

Yeah, worth it if you need to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD. The phone system is brutal otherwise.

Bottom line: expect around 50% of your average weekly wages up to the state maximum. File your claim and they'll calculate it exactly. The monetary determination letter will break down all the numbers for you.

Perfect summary. Thanks everyone for all the helpful info!

You're welcome. Hope your claim goes smoothly!