How much do you get for unemployment Washington ESD weekly benefits?

Washington ESD calculates your weekly benefit amount using your base year wages. They take your highest quarter earnings and divide by 26, then that becomes your weekly benefit. Maximum weekly benefit in 2025 is around $999 plus the additional $25 weekly if you qualify.

Thanks! So if my highest quarter was around $15,000, I'd get about $577 per week?

That sounds about right, though Washington ESD has other factors they consider too. You should see the exact amount once your claim is processed.

I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks to ask about my benefit calculation but their phone lines are impossible! Anyone have tips for actually reaching them?

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents automatically. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Interesting, I'll check that out. Getting tired of calling 200+ times just to get hung up on.

Wait, does that actually work? I've been calling Washington ESD since 6am every day for two weeks.

The benefit amount depends on when you worked too. Washington ESD looks at your base year which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed. If you don't have enough wages in that period, they might use an alternate base year.

That's confusing. I worked the whole year in 2024, so I should have enough wages right?

Yes, if you worked consistently in 2024 you should be fine. Washington ESD will calculate it automatically when they process your claim.

Just got my benefit determination letter and it's way less than I expected! Only getting $445/week when I was making $65k. This system is broken!!

That does seem low for $65k annually. Did you have any gaps in employment or lower quarters that might have affected the calculation?

I started that job mid-year so maybe that's why. Still frustrating when rent is $2000/month.

You might be able to appeal if you think there's an error in their wage calculation.

Does anyone know if the benefit amount changes based on how many dependents you have? I have two kids and wondering if that affects anything.

Washington state doesn't add dependency allowances to unemployment benefits like some other states do. Your benefit is based solely on your wage history.

Ugh, that sucks. Every little bit would help right now.

For anyone still having trouble reaching Washington ESD about their benefit calculations, I second the Claimyr recommendation. Used it last month when I needed to clarify why my benefit amount seemed wrong. Got through to an actual agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending all day redialing.

How much does that cost though? I'm already strapped for cash.

It's worth it when you consider the time you save. Plus if there's an error in your benefit calculation, getting it fixed quickly means more money in the long run.

Been on unemployment for 8 weeks now. Getting $623/week which covers most of my bills but job hunting is taking longer than expected. At least Washington ESD payments have been consistent once I got through the initial processing.

How long did it take for your claim to get approved initially?

About 3 weeks total, but I had to verify my identity which added some time.

3 weeks isn't too bad. Mine took 6 weeks because it went to adjudication.

Quick question - do they count bonuses and commissions when calculating your benefit amount? I got a big commission check in my highest quarter.

Yes, Washington ESD includes all wages reported to them by your employer, including bonuses and commissions.

Sweet! That should bump up my weekly amount then.

The maximum benefit in Washington is decent compared to other states. I'm getting close to the max at $924/week. Definitely helps while I'm looking for something in my salary range.

Wow that's a good amount. What was your previous salary if you don't mind me asking?

I was making around $95k in tech. Hoping to find something similar but the market is tough right now.

PSA: Your benefit amount is also capped at a percentage of your average weekly wage. Even if your calculation comes out higher, they won't pay more than about 63% of what you were making weekly.

Good to know. So there's both a dollar maximum and a percentage maximum?

Exactly. Whichever is lower becomes your actual benefit amount.

Been trying to figure out if my benefit amount is correct. My wages were all over the place last year due to switching jobs. Washington ESD customer service is useless - can never get through!

Try Claimyr for getting through to Washington ESD. Seriously saved my sanity when I had questions about my wage calculation. Much better than spending hours on hold or getting disconnected.

I'll look into that. This is driving me crazy.

Just a heads up - if you think your benefit amount is wrong, you can request a redetermination. I did this when they missed some of my wages and got an extra $150/week.

How do you request that? Through your online account?

You can do it online or by calling, but calling is usually faster if you can get through. They'll review your wage records again.

The benefit calculator on Washington ESD's website is pretty accurate if you want to estimate before filing. Saved me from any surprises when my determination came.

I'll check that out, thanks! Good to know what to expect.

The calculator helped me too. Just make sure you have your wage info handy.

Remember you also get the additional $25 weekly if you're eligible. Not much but every bit helps when you're budgeting on unemployment.

What makes you eligible for the extra $25?

I think it's automatic if you qualify for at least $1 in regular unemployment benefits. It's part of a federal program.

One thing to watch out for - if you had multiple jobs, make sure Washington ESD has wages from all of them. I had to submit additional wage info when they missed one of my employers.

How did you know they missed wages?

My benefit amount seemed too low, so I compared their wage records to my pay stubs. Found the discrepancy and got it fixed.

Currently getting $756/week which is helping a lot. Washington ESD isn't perfect but once you're in the system, payments are reliable. Just keep filing those weekly claims on time!

Thanks for all the info everyone. This really helps me understand what to expect!

Yeah this thread has been super helpful. Good luck with your claim!