How much do you get for unemployment benefits in Washington state?

That's actually better than I expected! Do you know if they take taxes out automatically or do I need to request that?

You can choose to have 10% federal tax withheld when you file your weekly claims. Washington doesn't have state income tax so you don't worry about that part.

That's higher than I expected! I thought it would be much less. Do you know what the maximum weekly benefit is in Washington?

The maximum weekly benefit amount for 2025 is $1,015. So you'll get either your calculated amount or the max, whichever is lower.

Good to know there's a minimum! I was worried it might be really low.

Thanks! So they look at my earnings from like January 2024 through December 2024? That's helpful to know.

Yeah exactly, and they take your highest earning quarter and divide by 26 to get your weekly amount. It's usually around 50% of what you were making weekly.

Thanks! So if I made around $44k last year, what would that work out to roughly?

With $44k in your base period, you'd likely qualify for around $650-700 per week, but Washington ESD will calculate the exact amount when you file your claim.

So they don't just take my current hourly wage and multiply it? That's confusing.

Nope, it's based on your actual earnings history over the past 15 months. If you've been consistent at $18/hour for 35-40 hours, you're probably looking at somewhere between $300-500 per week depending on your exact earnings.

Thanks! So if I made about $11,000 in my highest quarter that would be around $423 per week? That seems pretty reasonable.

Yes, that calculation looks right! Just remember you'll need to file weekly claims and meet the job search requirements to keep getting benefits.

So if I made like $12,600 in my best quarter, that would be around $485 per week? That's actually not terrible.

Yeah that sounds about right! Plus you might qualify for the additional $25 weekly if you have dependents.

How long did the adjudication take? I keep hearing horror stories about people waiting months.

took like 6 weeks for me. couldn't get through to anyone on the phone to find out what was happening

It's not exactly 60% - the calculation is more complex and based on your quarterly earnings. The percentage varies depending on your income level.

How long did it take to get your first payment after applying?

bout 3 weeks but that was because my claim went into adjudication for some reason. if everything goes smooth should be faster

How much does that cost though? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to someone about our own benefits.

I get the frustration but honestly it was worth it for me. The alternative was spending entire days redialing and never getting through. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to sort things out.

Thanks! I'll check out that calculator. Do you know if part-time work counts the same as full-time when they calculate benefits?

Yes, part-time wages count just the same. They look at your total earnings regardless of how many hours you worked each week.

Thanks! So they look at quarters, not just my annual salary? That's helpful to know.

Yeah and make sure you have all your wage info ready when you file. Washington ESD will verify everything anyway but it speeds up the process.

That's higher than I expected! So they look at my best quarter, not just my most recent pay?

Right, they take your highest earning quarter from your base period and use that to calculate your weekly benefit rate. Makes it fairer for people with seasonal work or recent raises.

I had the same problem trying to reach Washington ESD. Spent hours calling and either got busy signals or got disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that helps you get through to ESD agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much time and frustration.

Thanks! So it's not just based on my last job? They look at a whole quarter?

Exactly. They use your base period which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. They take your highest earning quarter from that period and use that for the calculation.

Thanks! So if I made $13,000 in my highest quarter that would be $500 per week? That seems pretty good actually.

Exactly! And you can collect for up to 26 weeks in most cases, so it's definitely worth filing if you qualify.

What's the minimum requirement? I've been working steady for about 8 months now.

I think you need at least $3,850 in your base period and earnings in two different quarters. Since you worked 8 months you should be fine.

Actually having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check my benefit amount. Their phone lines are always busy when I try calling.

Thanks! So if my highest quarter was around $14,000, that would be about $415 per week?

That sounds about right based on the formula. You can also use the benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website to get an exact estimate.

Thanks! So if I made like $25,000 last year, what would that come out to roughly?

Around $25,000 would get you roughly $480-500 per week, but you'd need to check your actual base period quarters on your Washington ESD account to be sure.

Good point. I should probably gather my pay stubs before I start the application.

You don't need pay stubs necessarily, Washington ESD gets wage info directly from employers. But having your employment dates and employer info ready helps.

What's a high quarter? Is that my best 3 months of earnings?

High quarter is your single best quarter (3 months) of earnings in your base period. The base period is usually the first 4 out of the last 5 completed quarters before you file.

this is why the system is so confusing!! why can't they just say 'you get 50% of your average weekly pay' or something simple

Thanks! Do you know if they automatically take out taxes or do I need to request that?

You can choose to have federal taxes withheld when you file your weekly claims. Washington state doesn't have income tax so no state taxes are taken out.

Thanks! So they look at my best quarter, not my average over the whole year? That's actually better than I thought.

Yeah but remember they also look at your total base period wages to see if you qualify at all. You need at least $3,900 in your base period.

So if I made around $10,000 in my highest quarter, that would be about $385 divided by 2 = around $192 per week?

That sounds about right, but you should use the Washington ESD benefit calculator on their website to get the exact amount. It's more accurate than doing the math yourself.

That's actually better than I expected! Is there a minimum amount you have to have earned to qualify?

Yes, you need to have earned at least $7,000 in your base period and meet other work requirements. The base period is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file.

That sounds about right from what I've heard. The percentage isn't exactly 50% but it's close to that for most people.

Thanks! So if I was making around $5400/month that should put me close to the maximum right? That would actually help a lot with my mortgage.

Yeah you'll probably get close to max benefits with that salary. Just make sure you have all your employment info ready when you file - they'll need dates and wages for all your jobs in the past 18 months.

How much does that service cost? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my benefit calculation.

It was totally worth it for me since I was spending so much time trying to get through on my own. Way easier than the constant busy signals and getting disconnected.

Never heard of that but might be worth checking out. The Washington ESD phone system is absolutely terrible.

That's actually not too bad! I was worried it would be way less than that.

Keep in mind you still have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits. A lot of people forget that and get surprised at tax time.

Good to know about the wait time. I keep hearing about people having issues getting through to Washington ESD when they need help.

Yeah the phone lines are always swamped. I had to call dozens of times last year when my claim got stuck in adjudication.

Good to know! I did have a part-time job for a few months last year so hopefully that helps.

Thanks! So if I made around $9,000 in my highest quarter, I'd get about $346 per week?

That sounds about right. You can also check the Washington ESD website - they have a benefit calculator that gives you an estimate based on your earnings.

That's actually higher than I expected! So if I made like $8,000 in my best quarter, I'd get around $307 per week?

Exactly right! Just remember you have to meet the job search requirements and file your weekly claims on time to keep getting benefits.

That's way more than I was expecting! How long did it take for your claim to get approved?

About 2 weeks, but I had all my paperwork ready and didn't have any issues with my employer disputing it.

That's what I'm worried about. I usually get like 25-30 hours a week but it varies a lot.

Even part-time can qualify you! The minimum weekly benefit in Washington is $295, and you need at least 680 hours in your base period. If you've been working 25-30 hours for 2 years, you should be fine.

I don't have kids but that's good to know for other people reading this thread.

Wait really?? I have 3 kids and didn't know about this dependency thing. How do I add that to my claim?

You need to contact Washington ESD and provide documentation like birth certificates or tax returns showing your dependents. They can add it retroactively if you qualify.

What do you mean some earnings didn't count? I've been working steadily for 2 years.

It depends on exactly when you file and which quarters they use. The base period doesn't include the most recent quarter, which can be confusing.

Interesting, I'll keep that in mind if I run into issues. How does that work exactly?

Basically they handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when they get an agent on the line. Super simple to use.

Never heard of that but sounds useful. The Washington ESD phone system is absolutely terrible.

Interesting, I'll check that out. The Washington ESD phone system is absolutely brutal.

Thanks for the tip! I'll probably need to call them anyway to ask about my specific situation.

Used claimyr.com last month when my claim was stuck in adjudication. Actually works unlike the regular phone number.

What do you mean it's a pain? Is it hard to file the weekly claims?

not the weekly claims those are easy. but if you have any problems good luck reaching anyone at washington esd. their phone lines are always busy

Good point about the job search requirement. Is there a specific number of jobs I have to apply to each week?

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. The job search requirements are pretty strict in Washington.

Interesting, never heard of that service. Did it actually work for you?

Yeah it did! I was able to get my questions answered about my benefit calculation and they even helped me understand why my claim was taking so long to process.

sounds like a scam to me. why would you pay someone to make a phone call you can make yourself?

Oh wow, I didn't realize there were minimum requirements. I think I should be fine since I've been working steadily for 2 years.

Yeah the earnings requirements trip up a lot of people, especially if you had gaps in employment or were working part-time for a while.

What's Claimyr? Never heard of that before.

It's basically a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual person instead of sitting on hold forever. Saved me so much time and frustration.

Sounds sketchy to me. Why would you pay someone to make a phone call?

Good idea, I'll log in and see what it shows. Hopefully the estimate is close to accurate.

The online estimate was pretty close for me, maybe $20 off from what I actually got approved for.

Good point about filing soon. Do I need pay stubs or will they get that info from my employer directly?

Washington ESD gets wage information from employers quarterly, but having your pay stubs can help if there are any discrepancies or if you need to verify recent wages.

Never heard of that but might be worth trying. The phone lines are always busy when I call Washington ESD.

Yeah exactly, that's why I tried it. Saved me from spending hours redialing the same number over and over.

Where's the calculator on their site? I looked but couldn't find it.

It's buried somewhere in the resources section. Honestly the whole Washington ESD website is a mess to navigate.

It's not exactly 60% - it's more complicated than that. Washington ESD uses a formula based on your base period wages. The benefit amount can range from $295 to $1,015 per week depending on your earnings history.

oh ok that makes sense why mine was so low then

A few weeks? I was hoping to get payments right away. Do they backdate it to when you first file?

Yes they backdate to your filing date, but the processing time can be brutal especially if your case goes into adjudication for any reason.

Oh interesting, I hadn't heard of that service. Did you have trouble getting through on your own?

Yeah the regular ESD number was basically impossible. I'd call 50+ times and either get busy signals or the system would hang up on me. Claimyr has a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works - basically they handle the calling for you.

That actually sounds pretty useful. I spent hours trying to get through when I had issues with my adjudication last month.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr (claimyr.com). They call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to an actual agent. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Never heard of that before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam service?

It's legit - I was skeptical too but it actually got me through to an agent who helped sort out my benefit calculation issue. Way better than spending all day hitting redial.

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

Is that legit? I'm desperate at this point but don't want to get scammed.

Yeah it's real, I used it last month when I had adjudication issues. Much better than spending hours on hold.

Oh perfect, I'll check that out. Do you remember what the page is called?

I think if you search 'benefit calculator' on the Washington ESD site it should come up. It's under their benefit information section.

That's really helpful! So if I made around $15,500 per quarter, my weekly benefit would be about $600?

That sounds about right. You can also use the benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website to get a more precise estimate before you file your claim.

The system is designed to replace about 50% of your average weekly wages, not your full salary. It's meant to be temporary assistance, not full income replacement.

I get that but when you've been paying into the system for years making good money, $412 feels like nothing when bills are due.

at least you're getting something, my claim has been stuck in adjudication for 6 weeks

Wait I thought it was just the highest quarter divided by 26? I'm getting confused about how they actually calculate this.

You're thinking of the old method. They changed it a few years ago to use the two highest quarters to give people higher benefits. It's (Quarter 1 + Quarter 2) ÷ 52 weeks.

Actually I think you're both partially right. They use whichever method gives you the higher benefit amount - either the single highest quarter method or the two quarter method.

That's helpful to know a real example. How long did it take for your claim to get approved?

About 2 weeks, but I had a friend who waited over a month because his claim went into adjudication.

Is that legit? I've never heard of paying someone to help you call Washington ESD.

Yeah it's totally legitimate. They don't handle your claim or anything, they just help you get connected to the right people at Washington ESD when you need to talk to someone. Saved me so much frustration.

Good to know! I'll keep that in mind if I run into issues filing.

That would actually cover most of my bills. I was expecting it to be way lower.

Don't forget you have to actively look for work and report it weekly. They're pretty strict about the job search requirements now.

Wait, so if someone only worked part time and made like $8,000 in their best quarter, they'd only get like $237 per week?

Actually no, there's a minimum of $295 per week, so they'd get that amount instead of the calculated $237.

This is why I wish Washington ESD would just put the calculator in plain sight instead of burying it in the website somewhere.

Wait, unemployment is taxable? I had no idea. That's going to make the amount even less helpful.

Yeah, it's considered income by the IRS. You can have them withhold 10% for federal taxes when you file your weekly claims, which I'd recommend.

What happens if I just started this job recently? Would I qualify based on my previous job?

Yes, they look at all your covered employment during the base period, not just your current job. As long as you meet the minimum earnings requirements you should qualify.

This is confusing me too. I worked part time at two different places last year. Do they add those wages together?

Yeah I figured it wouldn't be much. Just trying to see if it's worth applying for while I look for a better job.

definitely apply if you qualify, every little bit helps when you're job hunting

I tried the calculator but couldn't figure out what quarters to use. My base period would be from last year right?

Your base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file now in January 2025, it would be January 2024 through December 2024.

I understand the frustration but unemployment is designed to be temporary income replacement, not full salary replacement. The maximum benefit in Washington is actually higher than most states.

Still doesn't make it any easier to pay a $2000 rent on $600 a week

Good to know, thanks! Did you have any issues with the application process?

not really, just make sure you have all your employment info ready before you start

Never heard of that service. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - they basically help you get through the phone system. I was skeptical too but it worked for me when I needed to talk to someone about my claim.

How much does that cost? I'm already tight on money waiting for benefits to start.

It's definitely worth it when you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.

Interesting, never heard of that before. Did it actually work for you?

Yeah, got connected to an agent within about 30 minutes instead of spending all day redialing. They explained my benefit calculation in detail which was super helpful.

This is super helpful! So if I made $15,000 in my highest quarter and $12,000 in my second highest, that would be $27,000 divided by 52 = about $519 per week?

Exactly right! That's how the calculation works. Just remember you'll need to file your weekly claims to actually receive the payments.

How does that work exactly? Do they just help you get through the phone system?

Yeah, they basically handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of being on hold.

That's actually genius. I hate being on hold forever just to get disconnected.

Oh good point about the taxes! I didn't even think about that. So you got about $380 after taxes?

Yeah something like that. Still way better than nothing while I was job hunting.

What kind of job search activities? I thought you just had to file weekly claims.

You need to do 3 job search activities per week and log them on WorkSourceWA. Applications, interviews, networking events all count.

Wait I thought it was 2 activities per week? When did they change it to 3?

I'm getting laid off next month due to store closures, so I should be eligible. Thanks for the reminder though.

Perfect, then you should definitely apply as soon as you're laid off. Don't wait because benefits don't start until you file your claim.

Interesting, I might need something like that if I can't figure out my calculation online. How does it work exactly?

It basically calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual person instead of you having to keep trying to get through the busy signals. Really simple to use.

Close - the minimum weekly benefit amount is $295 in 2025, you're right about that.

That's still not enough to live on honestly. Rent alone is more than that per week in most places.

Have you tried logging into your SecureAccess Washington account? Your benefit amount should be listed there once your claim is processed.

Yeah but it just says 'claim under review' and has been like that for 3 weeks now. So frustrating.

Oh I didn't even think about that. What if I pick up some gig work while I'm looking for a full time job?

You have to report ALL earnings when you file your weekly claim. They'll reduce your benefit dollar for dollar after you earn more than about $200 or so.

Actually it's not dollar for dollar. In Washington you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount plus $5 before they start reducing benefits. So if your WBA is $400, you can earn up to $405 without any reduction.

Do you have to wait a week before you can start filing weekly claims?

There's a one week waiting period for your first payment, but you still need to file that first week to establish your claim.

Yes, overtime pay counts as regular wages for benefit calculation purposes. All W-2 wages from your base period quarters are included.

Awesome, that should definitely help my benefit amount then!

Interesting, never heard of that before. Did they charge you a lot to help?

They focus on the value of actually reaching an agent rather than sitting on hold for hours. Worth it when you really need answers about your claim.

What kind of job search requirements? Like how many applications per week?

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. This includes things like applying for jobs, networking, attending job fairs, etc.

And they actually check this stuff? I thought it was just honor system.

They can audit your job search log and require you to provide documentation, so definitely keep good records.

Good point about taxes. Can you have them automatically withheld or do you have to pay quarterly?

You can elect to have 10% federal tax withheld when you file your weekly claims. Makes it easier than dealing with a big tax bill later.

Interesting, I've never heard of that. Is it expensive?

It's worth it if you need to talk to someone and can't get through the regular way. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.

I used Claimyr too when my claim got stuck. Much easier than trying to call Washington ESD directly.

Months?? That's crazy. What causes adjudication delays?

Adjudication happens when there's a question about your eligibility - like if you quit vs. were laid off, or if there's conflicting information from your employer. It's frustrating but usually gets resolved eventually.

eventually being the key word there. some people wait 6-8 weeks just to hear back

Oh no, I didn't think about taxes. Can you have them take taxes out automatically?

Yes, when you file your weekly claims there's an option to have 10% withheld for federal taxes. Definitely recommend doing that.

Oh good point, I didn't think about taxes. How much do they typically withhold?

10% for federal taxes if you elect to have them withheld. Washington doesn't have state income tax so that's not a concern.

Definitely recommend the tax withholding. Unemployment benefits are fully taxable as regular income.

That's still pretty good compared to what I'm expecting. How long can you collect for?

Standard is 26 weeks but can be less if you don't have enough wages in your base period. They send you a determination letter that explains your benefit year and maximum amount.

The job search requirements are killer though. You have to log 3 job search activities per week and they actually check up on it now.

This is getting confusing. What if I just started a new job 3 months ago?

Then your wages from that job might not be in your base period yet. You'd need to look at your previous job's wages. The Washington ESD website has a base period chart that shows which quarters they use.

Oh wow, I didn't know that. I was laid off two weeks ago so I've already missed some time.

You can still file now and get benefits going forward. The waiting week was eliminated in Washington so you should get paid for your first eligible week.

I mean yeah it's not meant to replace your full salary forever, just tide you over while you find another job.

Easy to say when you're not the one trying to survive on it. The job market is brutal right now.

Ugh I didn't even think about taxes. So if I get $500 a week I'd owe taxes on all of that?

Yes, it's treated like regular income for tax purposes. Definitely have them withhold the 10% if you can afford the slightly smaller weekly amount.

So after 26 weeks the benefits just stop?

Right, unless there are extended benefits available due to high unemployment rates, which isn't the case right now.

26 weeks goes by faster than you think when you're job hunting. Plan accordingly!

Good advice, thanks! Any other tips for someone filing for the first time?

Keep detailed records of everything - your work history, wages, job search activities. And be completely honest on your application. Any discrepancies can cause major delays.

How does that calculation work? Like if I made $200 in a week?

Generally, if you earn less than your weekly benefit amount, you'll get reduced benefits. The exact calculation depends on how much you earn, but Washington has a partial benefit formula that allows you to keep working part-time.

Is that legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days and keep getting the busy signal or getting hung up on after waiting forever.

Yeah it's legit. They basically handle the calling for you and get you connected to an actual person at Washington ESD. Was worth it for me since I was stuck in adjudication limbo.

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

Is it legit? I'm desperate at this point but don't want to get scammed.

Yeah it's real. They basically call for you and get you connected to an actual person. Way better than sitting on hold for hours only to get hung up on.

That's really helpful to know the exact formula. No kids so just the base amount for me.

Wait I thought it was different than that? I make less than you and got $445/week. Maybe it depends on when you worked?

It uses your base year which is the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed. So timing can definitely affect which quarters they use for the calculation.

Your weekly benefit isn't based on your most recent salary. It's calculated using your earnings from specific quarters in your base period. If you had lower earnings in those quarters, your benefit will be lower even if your recent job paid more.

That explains it then. I started my higher paying job only 8 months ago so those quarters probably don't count yet.

Yeah I'm definitely worried about making ends meet. Is there any way to get more than the calculated amount?