How much does unemployment pay in Washington - trying to budget

Washington ESD uses your highest earning quarter from your base period to calculate your weekly benefit amount. Generally it's about 3.85% of your highest quarter earnings, but there's a maximum weekly benefit amount that changes each year. For 2025 I think the max is around $999 per week.

Keep in mind they do take out federal taxes if you elect to have them withheld. It's 10% federal tax withholding. You can choose to have it taken out or pay at tax time. Also remember you have to file weekly claims and meet job search requirements to keep getting paid.

The job search requirements are no joke either. You need to do at least 3 job search activities per week and keep detailed records. WorkSourceWA activities count too. I'd recommend setting up your job search tracking system right away so you don't fall behind.

One thing nobody mentions is how hard it can be to actually reach Washington ESD when you have questions about your claim or payments. I spent weeks trying to get through to someone about an issue with my weekly claim. Finally found this service called Claimyr that helped me get connected to an actual agent - total game changer. Check out claimyr.com if you run into phone issues.

wait so if you make more money you get more unemployment? that doesn't seem fair to people who make less

Also remember that your benefit year is 52 weeks from when you first file, but you can only collect a maximum of 26 weeks of benefits during that year (unless there are extended benefits available). So don't assume you'll get payments for the full year.

Don't forget about the one week waiting period too. Your first week of unemployment doesn't get paid, it's just a waiting week. So even if you file right away, your first payment won't be until week 2.

The whole system is designed to make it as difficult as possible to get your benefits. Between the job search requirements, the weekly claim filings, the adjudication delays, and the impossible phone system, they're basically betting that people will give up or find jobs before they have to pay out much money.

Speaking of getting help, I had my claim stuck in adjudication for almost a month last year. Couldn't get through to anyone at Washington ESD no matter how many times I called. A friend recommended Claimyr and they got me connected to an agent the same day. Worth every penny just for the peace of mind.

Just make sure you file your weekly claims on time every week, even if you haven't started receiving payments yet. If you miss a week, you can lose benefits for that week permanently. Set a reminder on your phone or something.

If you're in a union, make sure to check if they have any additional benefits or support for unemployed members. Some unions have their own job placement services or even supplemental unemployment benefits.

One more thing - if you do any freelance or part-time work while collecting unemployment, make sure to report it on your weekly claim. They'll reduce your benefits based on what you earn, but you won't get in trouble for working. Just don't try to hide it.

honestly the whole process is a nightmare. took me 6 weeks to get my first payment because of some paperwork issue and nobody could tell me what was wrong. if you run into problems definitely look into that claimyr thing people mentioned because the regular phone system is useless

For budgeting purposes, also consider that unemployment benefits are subject to state income tax in some states, though Washington doesn't have state income tax. But you'll still owe federal taxes on the benefits whether you have them withheld or not.

Also remember that if you quit your job voluntarily or got fired for misconduct, you might not be eligible for benefits at all. Washington ESD will investigate the reason for your job separation and make a determination.

Don't forget to keep track of all your job search activities in detail. They can audit your records at any time and if you can't prove you met the requirements, they can make you pay back benefits. I keep a spreadsheet with dates, company names, contact info, and what type of activity it was.