How much for unemployment benefits in Washington - what's the weekly amount?

So if I made $13,000 in my highest quarter, that would be $500 per week? That seems high compared to what I've heard.

Yes that's the basic calculation, but there's a weekly maximum. For 2025 it's around $999 per week I believe, so you'd get the full $500 if your calculation is correct.

Wait, so it's the average of the two highest quarters? That would be different than what the first person said.

Yeah, I had to call Washington ESD to get this clarified when I filed. The calculation can be confusing but they walk you through it.

Actually I've been trying to call Washington ESD for three days straight and can't get through. The phone just rings busy or disconnects. Anyone else having this problem?

Is this legit? I'm desperate to talk to someone at Washington ESD but I don't want to get scammed.

Yeah it's real. I used it last month when I couldn't get through on my own. They basically keep calling until they connect you with an agent. Saved me hours of frustration.

I have two kids under 18. How much extra would that be?

I think it's like $25 per dependent child but don't quote me on that. You'd need to check with Washington ESD for the exact amount.

Oh no, I didn't think about taxes. Can I have them withhold taxes from my weekly benefits?

Yes, when you do your weekly claim filing there's an option to have 10% withheld for federal taxes. I'd recommend doing that so you don't owe a big tax bill next year.

That's not quite right. The base period calculation is more specific than that. You need to look at your actual quarterly earnings.

ok maybe i was wrong but thats what someone told me when i filed

Where on their website is the calculator? I've been looking for it but can't find it.

I think it's under the 'File a Claim' section but honestly their website is so confusing. Might be easier to just call them.

Good luck calling them! I've been trying for days. That Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier might actually be worth trying.

How many jobs do I have to apply for each week?

I think it's 3 job search activities per week but it doesn't all have to be applications. Can include networking, career fairs, etc.

Is your claim stuck in adjudication? I'm worried mine will get held up too.

Yeah it says 'adjudication in progress' and I have no idea what that means or how long it takes.

Adjudication usually means they need to verify something about your claim. Definitely worth calling to find out what's holding it up. That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - couldn't get through any other way.

Did you have to wait long for your account to be set up? I'm still waiting for my PIN to arrive in the mail.

The PIN came in about 3-4 business days. You can also request it be sent by text or email I think.

How would I get overpaid if they calculate the amount automatically?

If you don't report work earnings correctly or mess up any of the questions on your weekly claim. Always be super careful and honest.

That's way more than I'd ever get anyway with my salary level.

Yeah most people don't hit the maximum. It's mainly for people who were making really high salaries.

Yes, 26 weeks is the standard duration but it can be extended during high unemployment periods. Right now I think it's just the regular 26 weeks.

Good to know. Hopefully I won't need all 26 weeks but it's reassuring to know it's there.

What day of the week do you file the weekly claims?

You can file starting Sunday for the previous week. I always do mine on Sunday morning to get it out of the way.

I'm permanently laid off so I don't think standby applies to me.

Right, standby is only for temporary layoffs where you expect to return to the same employer.

That's really frustrating. Did you ever get a consistent answer about your benefit amount?

FINALLY got through to someone who actually knew what they were talking about. Turns out my base period was calculated wrong initially.

How much did it cost to use Claimyr?

They have different options but it was worth it to avoid the frustration. The agent was able to explain exactly how my weekly benefit amount was calculated.

Thanks everyone for all the info. I think I have a better understanding now of how the benefit calculation works.

Good luck with your claim! Remember to file your weekly claims on time and keep looking for work.

How long do you have to file an appeal?

I think it's 30 days from when you receive the determination notice, but don't quote me on that. Check with Washington ESD for the exact timeframe.

Definitely something you'd want to call about if you need to appeal. That's another situation where Claimyr might be helpful to actually get through to someone.