How much does unemployment pay in Washington state - confused about weekly benefit amount

Washington ESD calculates your weekly benefit amount based on your highest earning quarter in your base period. For 2025, the maximum weekly benefit is $999 and minimum is $295. They take your highest quarter earnings, divide by 26, then you get about 50% of that amount. So if you made around $18k in your highest quarter, you'd probably get somewhere in the $300-400 range per week.

i think mine was like $380 a week when i got laid off from starbucks last year. made about the same as you hourly wise. but it took forever for washington esd to process my claim

The exact calculation can be tricky because Washington ESD looks at all your wages from covered employers in your base period. If you had any other jobs or income during those quarters, that affects your weekly benefit amount too. You can use the online benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website, but honestly it's easier to just apply and let them tell you what you qualify for.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status or ask questions about your benefit amount, I recently discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach a live agent. They have this demo video (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ) showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

restaurant workers often qualify for decent benefits because of tip reporting. make sure you reported all your tips properly on your taxes because washington esd will use that to calculate your base period wages

Just remember you have to file your weekly claims every week to keep getting paid, even if your initial claim is still processing. Don't skip weeks or you'll lose those payments permanently.

The Washington ESD system is SO slow right now. I've been waiting 2 weeks just to get my monetary determination letter. At least when you do get approved, they backpay you to your filing date.

Also keep in mind you'll need to do job search activities and report them on your weekly claims. For 2025, Washington requires 3 job search activities per week. That includes applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, etc.

Don't forget about taxes! Washington doesn't tax unemployment benefits but federal taxes still apply. You can choose to have 10% withheld or pay quarterly estimated taxes.

The whole Washington ESD system is a nightmare to navigate. Half the time their website doesn't work and when you finally get through on the phone they transfer you 3 times before hanging up on you.

just applied last week too and still waiting. this whole process is stressful when you don't know how much money is coming or when

For budgeting purposes, I'd estimate conservatively. Even if you qualify for $400/week, plan for less in case there are delays or issues with your claim. Washington ESD can be unpredictable with processing times.

Make sure you keep track of all your job search activities from day one. Washington ESD sometimes audits claims and asks for documentation going back months.

Restaurant industry has been rough lately. Lots of us have had to file for unemployment. At least Washington's benefits are better than most states.

oh and make sure you file your weekly claim on sunday or monday. if you wait too long in the week sometimes the system glitches

I had an issue where Washington ESD said I didn't report my work search activities correctly and held up my payments for 3 weeks. Finally got it sorted out with Claimyr's help - they got me through to someone who actually looked at my account instead of just reading a script.

expect the first payment to take 2-3 weeks minimum. washington esd has to verify everything first

One more thing - if you had any severance pay or vacation payout, that might affect when your benefits start. Washington ESD considers that as wages and may delay your first payment accordingly.

good luck with everything! the waiting is the worst part but once it kicks in it really helps

Summary for OP: Based on your wages, expect roughly $300-400/week. File weekly claims immediately. Do 3 job searches per week. First payment takes 2-3 weeks. Keep detailed records of everything. And don't hesitate to get help if you run into issues - whether through WorkSource or services like Claimyr if you can't reach Washington ESD directly.