How much do you get paid for unemployment in Washington - what's the weekly amount?

Washington ESD uses your highest earning quarter from your base period to calculate benefits. Generally it's about 3.85% of your total wages in that quarter, but there's a minimum of $295/week and maximum of $999/week as of 2025. At $22/hour full time you'd probably be somewhere in the middle range.

You can actually estimate it pretty easily. Take your gross wages from your highest quarter in the base period and multiply by 0.0385. That'll give you a ballpark figure. The exact calculation considers your total base period wages too but that's the main factor.

Just filed my claim 3 weeks ago and still waiting for them to determine my benefit amount. The adjudication process is taking forever and I can't get through to anyone at Washington ESD to check on status.

washington unemployment is a joke anyway, they make it impossible to reach anyone and the website crashes constantly. good luck getting your money

depends on how much you made obviously but washington has one of the higher maximum amounts. some people get close to $1000/week if they had really high wages

I got $587/week when I was on unemployment last year. Was making about $25/hour before I got laid off. The amount was actually pretty fair and helped cover most of my basic expenses while job hunting.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements before you file. You have to apply to 3 jobs per week and keep a log. They can audit you anytime and if you don't have proper documentation you could get disqualified and have to pay everything back.

Also remember you have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits. It's considered income so either have them withhold taxes or set money aside for tax season.

The online calculator on Washington ESD website is actually pretty accurate once you figure out how to use it. You just need your wage info from the right quarters.

Been on unemployment twice in Washington and both times the benefit amount was fair. Just make sure you file ASAP after losing your job because there's a waiting period and you can't get benefits for the week you file.

whatever you do dont try calling washington esd to ask about benefit amounts, you'll be on hold forever and probably get disconnected

The maximum benefit is tied to the state average wage so it goes up slightly each year. In 2025 it's $999/week but you need to have made serious money to qualify for that amount.

Just remember that part time work can affect your benefits. If you work and earn money while collecting UI they'll reduce your weekly benefit amount.

washington state is actually pretty generous with unemployment compared to other places I've lived. The process can be frustrating but the benefit amounts are decent

Make sure your employer doesn't contest your claim or it could delay everything. Most legitimate layoffs are fine but if there's any question about the reason for separation it can complicate things.

The nice thing about Washington ESD is once you're approved and get your first payment, the weekly claims are pretty straightforward. Just answer the questions honestly each week.

if you end up needing to appeal anything or have issues with your claim, document everything. save emails, take screenshots, keep records of all your interactions with washington esd

One more tip - if you qualify for the maximum benefit amount, you also qualify for the maximum number of weeks (usually 26 weeks). The duration and amount are linked in Washington's system.

Overall Washington's unemployment system works pretty well once you get through the initial setup. The benefit calculation is transparent and the amounts are livable for most people.