How much does one get for unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

Washington ESD calculates your weekly benefit amount using your highest earning quarter from your base period. The maximum weekly benefit for 2025 is $999 per week. With your salary of $52k, you'd probably get somewhere between $600-800 weekly depending on when you worked and your exact quarterly earnings.

The formula is pretty straightforward - they take your highest quarter earnings, divide by 26, then you get about 60% of your average weekly wage. But there's caps on both ends. Minimum is around $299/week and max is $999/week for 2025.

I was making about the same as you and got $743 per week from Washington ESD. But honestly, getting through to them to actually file and get it approved was a nightmare. Spent hours trying to call their customer service line.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to an actual agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me literally hours of trying to call.

Just remember you have to do the job search requirements too. In Washington you need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of everything.

The benefit amount also depends on when you worked. They look at your base period which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. If you just started that job recently, your benefit might be lower.

Don't forget that unemployment benefits are taxable income! I made that mistake my first time and got hit with a big tax bill.

washington esd website has a benefit calculator somewhere but honestly its confusing as hell. easier to just file and see what they give you

Make sure you file as soon as you're unemployed. There's a waiting week but you still need to file that first week or you lose it completely.

I tried calling Washington ESD like 50 times last month and kept getting the busy signal or getting hung up on after waiting forever. Super frustrating when you need help with your claim.

Also keep in mind if you get any severance pay or vacation payout, that might delay when your benefits start. Washington ESD considers that wages.

The whole system is designed to make it as hard as possible to actually get benefits. Even when you qualify they make you jump through hoops.

Pro tip: file your weekly claims on Sunday mornings. The system is usually less busy then and you're less likely to get error messages.

With your income level you'll definitely get a decent benefit amount. I was making about $45k and got around $650/week. Just be patient with the process and keep good records of everything.

Make sure you understand the difference between being able and available vs. on standby. Different rules apply and it affects your benefit amount.

Whatever you do, don't lie on your application or weekly claims. Washington ESD does cross-check with employers and other states. Not worth the risk of an overpayment or fraud charges.

been through this process twice now and honestly the hardest part is just getting your initial claim processed without issues. once you're in the system and filing weekly claims its pretty routine

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Took weeks to get through on my own but they got me connected to an agent in like 20 minutes. Definitely worth it when you're dealing with claim issues.

Just remember that unemployment is temporary. Use the time to really think about what kind of job you want next and maybe pick up some new skills. The benefit amount should help cover your basics while you search.

One last thing - keep track of all your benefit payments for tax purposes. Washington ESD will send you a 1099-G at the end of the year but it's good to have your own records too.