How much is Washington ESD unemployment benefit amount - confused about calculation

Washington ESD calculates your weekly benefit amount using your base year earnings. They take your highest quarter earnings and divide by 26. The maximum weekly benefit for 2025 is $999 plus a $25 dependency allowance if you have dependents. Your base year is the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed.

I had the same question when I filed last year. The calculation seemed off at first but Washington ESD uses a specific formula. You need at least $1,840 in your highest quarter to qualify for minimum benefits.

If you're having trouble getting specific info from Washington ESD directly, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really helped when I needed to verify my benefit calculation.

Just remember they also look at your total base year earnings, not just the highest quarter. You need to have earned at least 1.5 times your highest quarter wages during your entire base year to qualify for benefits.

the washington esd system is so confusing!! i filed 2 weeks ago and still dont know my benefit amount. they said theyre calculating it but no timeline given

Washington ESD also considers if you worked in multiple states. If you worked outside Washington in your base year, you might need to file an interstate claim which can affect your benefit calculation.

Another thing to keep in mind - if you're getting severance pay or vacation payout, that might delay when your benefits start even though it doesn't affect the weekly amount calculation.

Update: I tried calling Washington ESD again this morning and actually got through! Took 45 minutes on hold but they confirmed my weekly benefit will be $238. Pretty close to what I calculated using the formula mentioned earlier.

Glad you got through @OP! For anyone still struggling to reach Washington ESD, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work. They handle the calling and waiting so you don't have to sit on hold for hours.

The whole system is messed up. My cousin in Oregon gets way more than what Washington pays out. We need better unemployment benefits in this state.

Quick question - does anyone know if the benefit amount changes if you find part-time work while collecting? I might get some freelance gigs coming up.

I remember when I first filed, I was so confused about all the terminology. Base year, benefit year, waiting week - it's like learning a new language!

For anyone reading this thread later, remember that Washington ESD benefit amounts are recalculated annually based on the state's average weekly wage. So the maximum amounts change each year on July 1st.

This thread has been super helpful. I'm about to file my own claim and was totally lost on how much to expect. Thanks everyone!

One more tip - make sure you have all your employment info ready when you file. Washington ESD needs employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation for your last 18 months of work.

I used Claimyr too when I needed to ask about my benefit calculation. The agent was able to explain exactly how they got my weekly amount and when my first payment would arrive. Worth every penny when you're stressed about money.

Just want to add that if your benefit amount seems wrong when you get your determination letter, you can appeal it. Washington ESD sometimes makes calculation errors, especially with complex work histories.

Does anyone know if tips count toward your base year earnings? I worked as a server and most of my income was tips.

This whole conversation makes me feel better about filing. I was worried I wouldn't qualify for much but sounds like the calculation is pretty straightforward once you understand it.

Thanks for all the info everyone! I've been putting off filing because I didn't understand how it worked. This thread answered most of my questions.