How much is the unemployment check in Washington state?

The Washington ESD calculates your weekly benefit amount based on your highest earning quarter from the past year. For 2025, the maximum weekly benefit is $999, but most people get between $200-600 depending on their previous wages. Since you were making $18/hour full time, you'd probably qualify for somewhere around $400-500 per week.

just filed last month and getting $456 a week, was making about $20/hour before getting laid off. the calculation is weird but basically take your gross pay from your highest quarter and divide by 26

You can actually estimate your benefit amount on the Washington ESD website before you file. They have a calculator tool that gives you a rough idea based on your wages. But honestly, the hardest part isn't figuring out the amount - it's getting through to an actual person at Washington ESD when you have questions or problems with your claim.

Just keep in mind that your benefit amount also depends on whether you have any dependents. Washington ESD adds money for dependent allowances. Also, the amount gets reduced by any part-time work you do, so if you pick up some shifts while on UI, make sure to report it on your weekly claim.

honestly the whole system is a mess right now. been waiting 6 weeks for my claim to get processed and still showing 'adjudication in progress' with no explanation. even when you know how much you should get, doesn't matter if they never approve your claim

The weekly benefit calculation in Washington is: (total wages in highest quarter ÷ 26) × 0.0385 = weekly benefit amount. But there's also a minimum ($295) and maximum ($999) for 2025. Your $18/hour job should put you well above the minimum.

One more question - do you have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits? I want to make sure I understand the full picture before filing.

Don't forget about the job search requirements too. You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities at any time.

I've been on UI for 4 months now and getting $523/week. Started at a higher amount but it got reduced when I picked up some part-time work. The system automatically calculates the reduction based on what you report in your weekly claim.

Filed my claim 2 weeks ago and still haven't received my first payment. Status shows 'pending' but no other information. Getting really stressed about paying rent.

For what it's worth, I think the benefit amounts in Washington are pretty generous compared to other states. My cousin in Florida only gets like $275/week maximum, meanwhile here you can get close to $1000 if you were a high earner.

Just make sure you file as soon as possible after losing your job. There's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start, and you can't get paid for weeks you don't file a claim.

The Washington ESD website has gotten a lot better over the past couple years. Used to be a nightmare to navigate but now it's pretty user-friendly for filing weekly claims and checking your benefit status.

One thing to keep in mind - if you quit your job voluntarily, you might not qualify for benefits unless you had 'good cause' like unsafe working conditions or harassment. Make sure you understand the eligibility requirements before filing.

been getting unemployment for 3 months now, the weekly filing process is super easy once you get used to it. just answer the same questions every week about whether you worked, looked for work, etc. takes like 5 minutes

Don't forget that you might also qualify for other assistance programs while on unemployment. Food assistance, housing help, utility assistance, etc. The whole financial picture can help stretch your benefits further.

Just want to add that if you do end up with issues on your claim - like disqualifications or overpayments - you have appeal rights. Don't just accept a decision if you think it's wrong. The appeal process exists for a reason.

Overall, Washington's unemployment system works pretty well if you don't run into any snags. The benefit amounts are decent and the online system is functional. Just be prepared for long wait times if you need to talk to someone on the phone.