How much does Washington ESD unemployment pay per week in 2025?

Thanks! So if I made around $12,000 in my best quarter, that would be about $480/week?

That sounds about right, but Washington ESD will calculate the exact amount when you file your initial claim.

I know right? I've been trying to use that calculator forever and it never works.

If you need to get through to Washington ESD to ask about benefit amounts, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Good to know about the timing. Did you have any issues with the adjudication process?

Yeah, they questioned my reason for leaving my last job even though I was laid off. Had to provide documentation from my employer.

Oh wow, I didn't think about taxes. So the weekly amount isn't what you actually get to keep?

Exactly. You can choose to have 10% withheld for federal taxes, but you'll still owe state taxes at the end of the year.

It's because everyone's work history is different. They have to look at your specific earnings over the base period to calculate your individual benefit amount.

still seems like they could make it easier to understand

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs?

Applications count, but so do things like attending job fairs, networking events, or creating profiles on job sites. You have to keep a log of everything.

That's actually more than I expected for $16/hour. Were you working overtime regularly?

Yeah, I was pulling 50+ hour weeks for most of last year. All that overtime helped boost my quarterly earnings.

Yes, you can work part-time and still collect partial benefits. Washington ESD allows you to earn up to your weekly benefit amount minus $5 before they start reducing your benefits.

Thanks! So if I'm getting $400/week in benefits, I could earn up to $395 without losing anything?

Correct, but you still have to report all earnings when you file your weekly claim.

That's exactly why I started using Claimyr. Instead of wasting hours trying to call, they get you connected to an actual Washington ESD agent. Saved me so much frustration.

How does that work? Do they just call for you?

They handle the calling and waiting, then connect you when an agent picks up. Check out their demo video to see how it works.

Yeah, I'm definitely not in the $130k range! Sounds like I'll be in that $300-600 range you mentioned.

Even $600/week is better than nothing when you lose your job. Just make sure you file right away.

That's good to know. I did have a slightly better paying job about a year ago.

Definitely mention that when you file. Washington ESD will use whichever calculation gives you the higher benefit amount.

Wait, what? So even if I file immediately, I won't get anything for the first week?

Exactly. It's called a waiting week and everyone has to serve it. You still file your weekly claim, you just don't get paid for that first week.

What's standby status? I've never heard of that.

It's for people who are temporarily laid off but expect to be called back to work within a specific timeframe. You don't have to do job searches but the benefit calculation might be different.

How much did that cost? Seems like something you shouldn't have to pay for.

It was worth it to actually talk to someone instead of wasting entire days trying to get through. They have all the info on their website if you want to check it out.

So I should make sure I file when I'm at my highest earning potential?

Well, you can only file when you're actually unemployed. But yeah, if you have a choice of when to leave a job, timing can matter for your base period earnings.

26 weeks seems like it would go by fast if you can't find work right away.

That's why the job search requirements are so important. You need to be actively looking the entire time, not just waiting for something to come up.

How long does it take to get that letter after you file?

Usually within a week or two if there are no issues with your claim. If it goes to adjudication, everything takes longer.