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

Washington ESD uses your highest earning quarter from your base period to calculate your weekly benefit. They take your highest quarter earnings and divide by 26 to get your weekly benefit amount. The maximum weekly benefit for 2025 is $999 per week. So if you made $25,974 in your highest quarter (which would be the max), you'd get the full $999 weekly.

just filed last week and still waiting to hear back from washington esd about my benefit amount. the online calculator said i should get around $450/week but who knows if thats accurate

I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for over a week about my benefit calculation. They're saying I don't qualify for the amount I expected and I need to speak with someone to understand why. The phone lines are impossible to get through - I've called probably 200+ times. Has anyone found a way to actually reach them?

The benefit amounts have gone up quite a bit since covid. I was getting like $790 per week in 2023 and now I see people getting close to $1000. Make sure you're looking at current rates not old info online.

Don't forget about taxes!! Washington ESD doesn't automatically withhold federal taxes from your unemployment benefits. You'll need to either have them withhold 10% or set money aside for tax season. I learned this the hard way and owed like $2800 in taxes.

WASHINGTON ESD TAKES FOREVER TO PROCESS EVERYTHING! I've been waiting 3 weeks just to get my benefit amount determination. Meanwhile I'm supposed to keep filing weekly claims for $0. This system is so broken.

The job search requirements are what really get me. You have to do 3 job search activities per week to keep getting benefits. It's not just about the money amount - you gotta work for it.

For anyone wondering about the actual calculation, Washington ESD looks at your earnings from the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed. So if you file in January 2025, they'd look at your earnings from Q1 2024 through Q4 2024. Your highest earning quarter divided by 26 gives you your weekly benefit amount.

i think theres also a minimum benefit amount you have to qualify for. like if you didnt work enough or earn enough, you might not get anything at all. anyone know what the minimum is?

I'm getting $823 per week currently. Been on unemployment for about 6 weeks now. The money helps but you definitely feel the pressure to find work since you only get 26 weeks maximum. The job search requirements keep you active at least.

One thing to keep in mind is that your benefit amount is also affected by any other income you receive while on unemployment. If you do any part-time work or consulting, you have to report it and it will reduce your weekly benefit amount.

Been trying to get through to Washington ESD for 2 weeks about a discrepancy in my benefit calculation. They're showing different earnings than what I have on my pay stubs. This is getting ridiculous.

Don't forget that unemployment benefits are taxable income! A lot of people forget this and get hit with a big tax bill. You can have Washington ESD withhold 10% for federal taxes when you file your weekly claims.

The maximum benefit amount changes every year based on the state's average weekly wage. For 2025 it's $999 per week, but it was lower in previous years. Make sure you're looking at current information.

If you're self-employed or work as a contractor, you might not qualify for regular unemployment benefits. There are different rules for gig workers and freelancers. You'd need to look into other programs.

The benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website is pretty accurate for getting an estimate. Just plug in your quarterly earnings and it'll give you a good idea of what to expect.

Just remember that you can't just quit your job and expect to get unemployment benefits. You have to be laid off or terminated through no fault of your own. If you quit voluntarily, you generally won't qualify unless it was for good cause.

Another thing - if you're receiving unemployment benefits, you're technically supposed to be available for work. So if you go on vacation or are otherwise unavailable, you need to report that when you file your weekly claim.

washington esd customer service is terrible. ive been calling for days about my claim status and cant get through to anyone. really frustrating when you need answers about your benefits

The whole system seems designed to make it as difficult as possible to get help. But the actual benefit amounts are decent if you can navigate through all the bureaucracy. Just be prepared for a lot of patience and persistence.