How much is Washington ESD unemployment benefit amount for 2025?

That's way more than I expected! So it's based on quarterly earnings not annual? That makes more sense.

Yeah but don't forget you can only collect for 26 weeks maximum, and you have to actively look for work and file weekly claims to keep getting paid.

Thanks! So if I made $15,000 in my highest quarter, that would be about $22 per week? That seems really low.

No, you'd get the minimum of $295 per week since your calculation is below that threshold. The formula ensures everyone gets at least the minimum amount.

What's this alternate base period? My last few months were actually my highest paying because I got promoted in November.

The alternate base period uses more recent quarters if it results in a higher benefit amount. Washington ESD automatically checks both when you apply and uses whichever gives you more money.

Tell me about it! I've been trying to call for three days straight and can't get through to anyone.

I had the same issue until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents automatically. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

I had the same problem last month. I discovered this service called Claimyr that got me through to an agent in under 30 minutes. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

Really? How does that work? I'm desperate at this point, been calling since 8am every day.

Basically they handle the calling process for you and connect you when an agent becomes available. Saved me hours of redialing and getting disconnected.

Oh wow I didn't even think about taxes. Should I have them withhold it or just save money myself?

I'd recommend having them withhold it. It's easier than trying to save money when you're already on a tight budget from being unemployed.

Yeah definitely do the withholding. I tried to save it myself and ended up spending it on bills, then got hit with a big tax bill.

Wait, I thought it was just the highest quarter divided by 26? Now I'm confused about which calculation is correct.

You're thinking of a different state's calculation. Washington specifically uses the average of your two highest quarters in the base period. It's outlined in RCW 50.20.120 if you want to look it up.

This is getting confusing. Is there a simple calculator somewhere that can tell me my exact amount?

I only worked in Washington so that wouldn't apply to me. Where exactly is this calculator on their site?

It's under 'File a Claim' then 'Estimate Your Benefits' but honestly their website navigation is terrible. Sometimes it's easier to just apply and see what you get approved for.

Do you remember where on the site the calculator was? I've been looking everywhere for it.

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

That's a pretty decent increase actually. Do you know when they announce the new rates each year?

Usually sometime in the fall for the following year. They base it on wage data from the previous year so there's always a lag.

I totally get your frustration. That's exactly why I started using Claimyr - it automatically calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual person. Saved me hours of sitting on hold.

Is that actually legit? I'm desperate at this point but don't want to get scammed.

Yeah it's real. They don't ask for any personal info upfront, just help you get through the phone system. I was skeptical too but it actually worked.

Adjudication delays are the worst. What's your claim stuck on? Sometimes it's just a simple verification issue that can be resolved quickly if you can reach an agent.

They want to verify my separation reason even though I have my layoff letter. I can't get anyone on the phone to explain what else they need.

I used Claimyr to get through when my claim was in adjudication too. The agent was able to tell me exactly what documents they needed and got it resolved that same day.

So if my two highest quarters were $18,000 and $16,000, that would be $34,000 divided by 2 = $17,000, then divided by 26 = about $654 per week?

Exactly right! And since $654 is between the minimum and maximum, that would be your weekly benefit amount.

Yes, bonuses count as wages for benefit calculation purposes. That bonus could definitely increase your weekly benefit amount.

Awesome! That would put my highest quarter at almost $22,000 which should max out my benefits then.

Good point. How many job contacts do I need to make each week?

i think its 3 per week but check the washington esd website to be sure. they're pretty strict about it

I've tried that and still get disconnected. Maybe I'm not calling fast enough at 8:00?

You have to call within the first few seconds of 8:00 AM. I literally have my phone ready to dial at 7:59:58. Even then it's not guaranteed.

That's crazy that we have to time it to the second just to reach our own unemployment office. The system is broken.

Adjudication can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks depending on your situation. If you quit your job or were fired, it usually takes longer.

I was laid off so hopefully it won't take much longer. Bills don't wait for Washington ESD to make up their mind.

The maximum is the same regardless of your employment status. Standby and partial unemployment still use the same benefit calculation, but your weekly payments might be reduced based on any wages you earn.

That makes sense. Thanks for clarifying!

You can work part-time while collecting but you have to report all earnings on your weekly claim. Washington ESD has an earnings deduction formula - you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount before they start reducing your payment.

So if my weekly benefit is $700, I can earn up to $700 without any reduction?

Not exactly. The first $5 is disregarded, then they deduct 75% of earnings over $5 from your benefit. So if you earn $100, they'd deduct about $71 from your $700 benefit.

How did you manage to get through? I'm still stuck trying to reach them.

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Cost me a bit but was worth it to avoid the endless hold times.

Thanks for the encouragement! I'm definitely going to apply this week. Better to deal with their system than stress about bills.

Exactly! And once you get approved and into the routine of filing weekly claims, it becomes much easier to manage.

I have two kids - would that add $50 per week to my benefits?

Yes, exactly! As long as you qualify for the dependency allowance, you'd get an additional $50 per week.

Good reminder! I forgot unemployment benefits count as taxable income.

yeah its easy to forget since you're not getting a regular paycheck. but the irs still wants their cut

I tried looking for that tool but their website navigation is terrible. Any tips on where to find it?

I think I found it by googling 'Washington ESD benefit calculator' rather than trying to navigate their site directly.

How would I know if I have any overpayments? This is my first time filing for unemployment.

If it's your first time you should be fine. But Washington ESD will show any overpayments in your online account once you get it set up.

yeah the worksourcewa thing is annoying but not too hard to set up. just make sure you do it right away after filing your claim

Exactly. Better to get it done early than risk having your benefits delayed.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I feel much more prepared to file my claim now.

Same here. Now I just need to actually get through to someone at Washington ESD to start the process.

Don't forget about Claimyr if you're having trouble getting through. Seriously saved me so much time and frustration.

I was a regular W-2 employee so I should be good. Thanks for mentioning that though.

Yeah independent contractors have to file for different benefits. The requirements are way more complicated.

I appealed mine last year because they miscalculated my base period wages. It took about 6 weeks but they corrected it and gave me back pay for the difference.

Good to know! What kind of documentation did you need for the appeal?

Pay stubs, W-2s, and a detailed letter explaining the error. The hearing was done over the phone and was pretty straightforward.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs or other things too?

Applying for jobs, networking events, job fairs, informational interviews, creating/updating your resume. You have to log everything in WorkSourceWA.

The job search requirement is no joke. They randomly audit claims and if you can't provide documentation, you have to pay everything back plus penalties.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like it might be expensive.

It's much cheaper than taking time off work to call all day or dealing with delayed claims. They focus on getting you connected quickly rather than charging high fees.

Wow that was fast! How long did the online application take you?

About 45 minutes. Most of it was gathering employment history and contact info for previous employers. The wage verification was automatic since they have records from employers.

You're lucky it went so fast. Mine has been pending for 2 weeks waiting for employer response.

Absolutely. I'm already updating my resume and reaching out to contacts. Hopefully I'll find something before the 26 weeks are up.

Good attitude! The job market is pretty strong right now so you should have good opportunities if you stay active in your search.