How much do unemployment benefits pay in Washington - trying to figure out my potential weekly amount

That's actually higher than I expected! Is there a maximum amount they'll pay out?

Yes, the maximum weekly benefit amount in Washington is $999 as of 2025. But most people don't hit that cap unless they were making really good money.

Three weeks?? That seems like a long time. Did you have to do anything special to get it approved?

nah just had to wait. they said it was standard adjudication for new claims. couldn't get through to anyone on the phone to ask about it

Never heard of that service before. Is it legit or just another way to take advantage of people who are desperate?

It's totally legitimate - check out claimyr.com. They don't ask for any personal information and it's just about getting you connected to an actual ESD agent. Way better than calling hundreds of times yourself.

I feel your pain. The waiting is the worst part, especially when you have bills to pay.

Exactly! And you can't even get anyone on the phone to explain what's taking so long. The whole system needs to be overhauled.

This is super helpful! So if my two highest quarters were around $13,000 each, that would be $26,000 divided by 2 = $13,000, then $13,000 x 0.0385 = $500.50 per week?

Exactly right! You've got the math down. Just remember that's before any taxes if you choose to have them withheld.

No, unemployment benefits are definitely taxable income. You can choose to have 10% federal taxes withheld when you file your weekly claims, or you can pay it all when you file your tax return.

Well that sucks. So if I'm getting $500 a week and choose to withhold taxes, I'd only get $450?

That's right. It's better to have it withheld than get hit with a big tax bill later though.

What kind of job search activities count? Just applying for jobs or other stuff too?

Applying for jobs is the main one, but networking events, career fairs, and even informational interviews can count. You need to keep detailed records though.

I didn't know there was an online calculator! I'll definitely check that out.

yeah it's buried in their website somewhere but it gives you a rough idea. still have to wait for the official determination though

Six months should hopefully be enough time to find something new. That's actually more generous than I thought it would be.

26 weeks goes by faster than you think when you're job hunting. Start looking as soon as you file your claim, don't wait around.

Good point! I'm not sure if this layoff would be permanent or temporary. I should ask my boss about that.

Definitely ask. Standby status can be easier because you don't have to do the full job search requirements, but you need proper documentation from your employer.

Thanks for the warning! So I should wait until my actual last day of work?

Yes, file the week after your last day of work. Don't try to get ahead of it or they'll think you're trying to fraud the system.

I think I'm getting 2 weeks severance. Will that delay my benefits for 2 weeks then?

It depends on how much the severance is. They calculate it based on your weekly wage rate. So if your severance equals 2 weeks of your regular pay, then yes, probably a 2-week delay.

Initial processing can take up to 2-3 weeks, especially if there are any issues that need adjudication. Don't panic yet, but you can check your claim status online through your SecureAccess Washington account.

I keep checking but it just says 'pending' with no other information. So frustrating not knowing what's happening.

How does that service work exactly? I'm desperate to talk to someone at this point.

You just go to claimyr.com and they help you get connected to an actual ESD agent. Way easier than trying to call yourself and getting busy signals all day.

How long did the appeal process take? And did you need to get a lawyer or anything?

Took about 6 weeks total and I did it myself. The appeal hearing was over the phone and pretty straightforward. Just had to provide payroll documentation to prove they made an error.

Good advice! I'll definitely start a folder for all unemployment-related documents.

Smart move. Also print out important stuff too, don't just rely on digital copies. You never know when websites might have problems.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much more prepared now in case this layoff happens. Hopefully I won't need to use any of this advice, but it's good to know what to expect.

Good luck! And remember, if you do end up filing for unemployment, don't be discouraged if it takes a few weeks to get everything sorted out. The system is slow but it does work eventually.

Absolutely. I'm already updating my resume and LinkedIn profile just in case. Better to be prepared than scrambling later.

Smart approach. The job market is pretty competitive right now so giving yourself extra time is definitely wise.

I bookmarked their website just in case. Hopefully I won't need it but good to have as a backup option.

Exactly. Better to know about it ahead of time than discover it when you're already frustrated and desperate.