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

Washington ESD uses your highest earning quarter from your base period to calculate benefits. Generally you'll get around 60-65% of your average weekly wages, but there's a maximum weekly benefit amount that changes each year. For 2025 I think the max is around $999 per week.

i think its more like 50% of your wages not 60-65%. been on unemployment twice and never got that much

Just a heads up - actually getting through to Washington ESD to check your benefit amount can be a nightmare. I spent weeks trying to call them about my claim calculation. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that gets you through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

Your benefit amount depends on your base period wages. Washington ESD looks at the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, they'd look at October 2023 through September 2024. The formula is complicated but generally ranges from $295 minimum to $999 maximum per week for 2025.

UGH the Washington ESD website is THE WORST for figuring this stuff out! Why can't they just have a simple calculator like other states?? I've been trying to estimate my benefits for days and keep getting different numbers.

Been collecting UI for 8 weeks now. Making $42k before I got laid off and my weekly benefit is $587. Not bad but definitely takes some adjusting to live on less. Make sure you understand the job search requirements too - you need to do 3 job search activities per week.

The maximum benefit in Washington is actually tied to the state average weekly wage. For 2025 it's $999/week but it goes up slightly each year. You also get benefits for up to 26 weeks normally, though that can be extended during recessions.

Just remember you have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits! A lot of people forget that and get hit with a big tax bill. You can have them withhold 10% federal tax automatically.

I'm in a similar situation - was making $48k and wondering about filing. Has anyone had issues with their employer contesting the claim? Mine said they might fight it since they say I was fired for cause.

Pro tip: when you do file, make sure all your employer information is exactly right. I had to wait an extra 3 weeks because I put down the wrong address for one of my previous employers and it delayed the whole process.

Does anyone know if the benefit amount changes if you move to Washington from another state? I just relocated here for a job that fell through.

The whole process is honestly not that bad once you get started. I was putting it off for weeks thinking it would be complicated but the online application only took like 30 minutes. Getting through on the phone if you have questions is the real pain.

Another thing to remember - you have to file your weekly claims every week to keep getting paid. Miss a week and you won't get benefits for that week. Set up a reminder on your phone or something.

If you're still having trouble reaching Washington ESD about benefit calculations, I had success with that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Took about 20 minutes and I was talking to an actual person instead of getting hung up on. Worth it when you need answers quickly.

One more thing - if you think your benefit amount is calculated wrong, you can appeal it. I did that when they miscalculated my wages and got an extra $75 per week after the appeal went through.

Just want to add - make sure you understand what counts as 'able and available' for work. You have to be genuinely looking and available to accept suitable work or they can stop your benefits.

Been on unemployment 3 different times over the years. The benefit amount is decent but the real value is the time it gives you to find a good job instead of having to take the first thing that comes along. Don't rush into a bad situation just because you're worried about money.

Just filed my claim last week and already got my first payment! The process was smoother than expected. My weekly benefit came out to $623 which is pretty close to what the online calculator estimated.

For anyone still confused about the calculation, Washington ESD basically takes your best quarter from the base period, divides by 13, then multiplies by 0.63 (for most people). There are some variations but that's the basic formula. Much simpler than some states that average all your quarters.

Don't forget that if you worked multiple jobs, Washington ESD will combine wages from all employers in your base period. So if you had a part-time job along with your main job, those wages count too.