How much does unemployment cover in Washington - what's the actual benefit amount?

So if I was making $4,200/month consistently, what would that roughly translate to for weekly benefits?

With those earnings, you'd likely be close to the maximum weekly amount. Washington ESD takes your highest quarter earnings, divides by 25, then takes that result and divides by 2. So if your highest quarter was around $12,600, you'd get about $252 per week... wait, let me recalculate that. Actually, you'd probably get much more than that with your income level.

That formula sounds super complicated. Is there an easier way to estimate it?

Washington ESD has a benefit calculator on their website that can give you an estimate if you enter your quarterly wages. Much easier than doing the math yourself.

How much does that service cost? Seems like you shouldn't have to pay to talk to Washington ESD.

I thought the same thing at first, but after spending hours trying to get through on my own, it was worth it just to get answers quickly. Way less stressful than hitting redial hundreds of times.

Good point about taxes. Do I need to set aside money for state taxes too?

Washington doesn't have state income tax, so you only need to worry about federal taxes on your UI benefits.

It's based on ALL the wages you earned from ALL employers during your base period, not just your most recent job. Washington ESD looks at the total wages from all covered employment.

ok that makes more sense. I had two part-time jobs last year so I was getting confused about which wages they'd use.

So even if I qualify for the maximum weekly amount, I might not get it for the full 26 weeks?

Exactly. If 30% of your base period wages is less than 26 weeks worth of benefits, your claim will exhaust earlier. This usually only affects people with lower wages or irregular work history.

This is why it's important to work consistently and earn good wages before filing for unemployment. Your base period earnings determine both your weekly amount and total benefit duration.

What counts as a job search activity?

Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, interviews, contacting employers directly, working with WorkSource. You need to keep a log of all your activities with dates and details.

With those numbers, you'd likely get close to the maximum weekly benefit. ($15,800 ÷ 25) + ($14,200 ÷ 50) = $632 + $284 = $916. Then multiply by 0.0385... actually, let me double-check that formula.

I think there might be an error in that calculation. The Washington ESD website has the official formula, but it's pretty complex. Probably better to use their online calculator or call them directly.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - I was in the same boat with the phone system. Saved me so much time and frustration.

Same here! I thought Claimyr was too good to be true at first, but it actually worked. Got through to someone at Washington ESD in like 10 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks on my own.

How much can you earn before it affects your benefits?

You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount without any reduction. After that, your benefits are reduced dollar-for-dollar. So if your weekly benefit is $500 and you earn $600 in a week, you'd only get $400 in UI benefits that week.

I get the frustration, but unemployment insurance was never meant to fully replace your income. It's supposed to be temporary assistance while you look for new work.

Tell that to someone who gets laid off and can't find work for months. The benefits don't last long enough and don't pay enough to survive on.

That's true, but cost of living here is also way higher than most other states. $1,015 per week sounds like a lot until you factor in rent, food, and other expenses.

UI benefits don't directly pay for health insurance, but you might qualify for subsidized coverage through the health insurance marketplace. Losing your job is a qualifying event for special enrollment.

Thanks, I'll look into that. COBRA is way too expensive on unemployment income.

Good luck getting through though. I've been trying for weeks.

I had luck calling right when they open at 8am. Still took 45 minutes on hold but at least I got through.

Good point. So if my weekly benefit is $800, my maximum would be $800 x 26 weeks = $20,800?

That's the calculation, but remember it's also limited by 30% of your base period wages, whichever is less. Most people with steady work history will get the full 26 weeks though.

Good reminder. The 2025 maximum is $1,015 per week, but it was lower in previous years.