How much does unemployment pay per week in Washington state?

The weekly benefit amount depends on your quarterly wages from your base year. Washington ESD calculates it as roughly 3.85% of your total base year wages, divided by 52 weeks. Maximum weekly benefit is currently $999 per week in 2025. You can use the benefit calculator on their secure site to get an estimate.

i think its like 60% of what you made but theres a cap. my friend was getting around $800/week but she was making good money before

The Washington ESD benefit calculator is pretty accurate if you have your wage info handy. You'll need your wages from the last 5 completed quarters. Just a heads up - if you're having trouble getting through to verify your benefit amount, I used Claimyr recently to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD. They have this service where they call you back when an agent is available instead of you waiting on hold forever. Check out claimyr.com - there's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Just filed last week and my benefit amount was $743/week. I was making about $75k annually. The process was pretty straightforward once I got my account set up on SecureAccess Washington.

The maximum changes every year. In 2024 it was like $929 I think? Now its $999 for 2025. They usually announce the new amounts in fall for the following year.

Thanks everyone! Sounds like I should be getting somewhere in the $650-750 range based on my salary. Going to file this weekend.

One thing to remember is that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay them later. I always have them take out 10% to avoid a big tax bill next year.

Anyone know if the benefit amount changes if you work part-time while collecting? Like if I pick up some freelance work?

The whole system is confusing honestly. I've been trying to get someone at Washington ESD on the phone for days to ask about my benefit calculation. Might try that Claimyr thing someone mentioned.

Quick question - do they pay benefits to your bank account or send a debit card?

Does anyone know if there are different benefit amounts for different types of unemployment? Like if you're on standby vs regular UI?

I was surprised by how much paperwork they want when you first apply. Make sure you have your Social Security card and ID ready, plus all your employment history for the past 18 months.

The benefit estimator on Washington ESD's website is pretty accurate but it can be hard to find. It's buried in their online services section somewhere.

Just want to add that if you're getting benefits, you HAVE to keep doing your weekly claims every single week, even if you think you might not qualify that week. Missing even one week can mess up your whole claim.

Washington state benefits are actually pretty decent compared to some other states. My sister lives in Florida and gets way less there.

One last thing - if anyone runs into issues with their claim or has questions about their benefit amount, that Claimyr service really does work. I was skeptical at first but it beat spending hours on hold. They called me back within a few hours and I got connected to an actual Washington ESD representative who could look up my account.