How much is unemployment benefit amount in Washington ESD 2025?

That sounds about right for my earnings. Do they take taxes out automatically or do I need to request that?

You can request 10% federal tax withholding when you file your weekly claims. State of Washington doesn't have income tax so no state withholding needed.

Thanks! So they don't just take my total yearly income and divide it? That's confusing but good to know.

Yeah the base period thing trips everyone up. I thought it was just annual salary too until I filed my claim.

Thanks! So if I made around $6,500 in my highest quarter, that would be about $250 per week? That seems low compared to what I was making.

Actually that calculation would be $6,500 ÷ 26 × 0.0385 = about $9.62, but there's a minimum of $295/week so you'd get $295. The formula can seem confusing at first.

Thanks! So if I made like $15,000 in my best quarter that would be around $577 a week? That seems higher than I expected.

That sounds about right, but remember they also look at your total base period earnings to make sure you qualify. You need at least $7,000 total in your base period.

So if I made like $14,000 in my best quarter that would be around $538 per week?

Yeah that sounds about right, but Washington ESD also has a minimum benefit amount too which is currently $295 per week.

Thanks! So if I made around $11,500 in my highest quarter, that would be about $442 weekly?

That sounds about right. Just remember you'll need to meet the job search requirements too - 3 job contacts per week minimum.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Really? That actually works? I'm desperate at this point, spending hours on hold every day.

Yeah it worked for me last month. Way better than sitting on hold for 3 hours just to get disconnected.

Wow $999 is pretty good compared to other states. My friend in Florida only gets like $275 max.

Yeah Washington ESD has one of the higher maximum benefit amounts in the country. Plus we get up to 26 weeks of regular UI benefits.

I tried finding that calculator but couldn't locate it on the Washington ESD site. Do you have a direct link?

It's buried in their resources section somewhere. Honestly their website is a mess to navigate.

That's really helpful! So if my highest quarter was around $16,000, I'd get about $616 per week?

Yeah that sounds about right. You can use the Washington ESD benefit calculator on their website to get an exact estimate before you file.

Thanks! So if my highest quarter was around $15,000, that would be about $577 per week?

That sounds about right. You can also use the benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website to get a more precise estimate.

Thanks! So it's based on quarterly earnings not just my most recent pay? That's confusing.

Yeah the base period thing trips everyone up. I thought it would be based on my last few paychecks but it goes way back.

My highest quarter was probably around $14,500 so that would put me at about $557 weekly. Does that sound right?

That math looks correct! You'd also be eligible for up to 26 weeks of benefits typically.

I had the same problem 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 demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

That sounds too good to be true. How does it actually work?

It basically calls Washington ESD repeatedly until it gets through, then connects you to an agent. Way better than sitting there redialing all day.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com. They basically call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to an actual agent. Saved me hours of calling. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

That sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

It's worth it just to avoid the endless busy signals and hold music. Way better than spending all day hitting redial.

So if I filed in January 2025, what quarters would they look at?

For January 2025 filing, your base period would be October 2023 through September 2024. They'd look at your earnings in each of those four quarters.

Wait I thought they used the most recent quarters? This is confusing.

Thanks! So if I made $52k last year, that would be around $385 per week? That's actually not too bad.

That sounds about right, but it also depends on when exactly you worked and how your wages were distributed across the quarters. You can get an estimate by logging into your SecureAccess Washington account.

That's helpful, thanks! So they look at quarters not just my current hourly wage? I think my highest quarter was probably around $15,000 so that would be like $577 per week if I'm doing the math right.

Exactly right! And remember you also have to meet the minimum earnings requirement of at least $7,000 in your base period to qualify for benefits at all.

Thanks! So if I made around $14,000 in my highest quarter, that would be about $539 per week? That seems pretty good actually.

Yeah that sounds about right, maybe a little less after they do the exact calculation. Just remember you have to file weekly claims and do job searches to keep getting paid.

Thanks! So if my highest quarter was around $14,000, I'd get about $270 per week?

That sounds about right. The exact calculation is a bit more complex but that's close to what you'd expect.

So if I made $13,000 in my highest quarter, that would be $13,000 ÷ 26 = $500, then $500 × 0.0385 = about $19? That seems really low.

No, you're mixing up the formula. It's more like 3.85% of your total base period wages divided by 52 weeks, but there's a minimum weekly amount too. You'd probably get closer to $400-500 weekly with your salary.

Thanks! So if my highest quarter was around $15,000, I'd get roughly $575 per week? That would really help with my mortgage payments.

Yeah that sounds about right. Just remember you have to file your weekly claims every week and do job searches to keep getting paid.

That's way more than I expected actually. So if I made like $13,000 in my best quarter that would be around $500 weekly?

Yeah that sounds about right. The exact formula is on the Washington ESD website but your math is close.

Thanks! So it's not based on my annual salary but just the highest quarter? That makes more sense.

yeah but you also have to have worked enough quarters to qualify, can't just work one good quarter and get benefits

The base period is what matters most - it's usually the first 4 quarters of the last 5 completed quarters before you file your claim.

oh ok that makes sense why mine was lower then cause i had some part time months mixed in

Yes, the minimum weekly benefit amount in Washington is $295. If your calculation comes out lower than that, you'd still get the minimum.

ok cool thanks for confirming

This is getting confusing. Is there like a calculator somewhere?

Washington ESD has a benefit calculator on their website but it's pretty basic. The exact amount depends on your specific wage history.

I tried calling Washington ESD to ask about my benefit amount but could never get through. The phone lines are always busy or I get disconnected after waiting forever.

Thanks! So if I made $12,600 in my highest quarter, that would be about $484 divided by 26 weeks, then 60% of that? Trying to do the math here.

Actually it's a bit different - they divide your highest quarter by 26 first, so $12,600 ÷ 26 = about $485. That would likely be close to your weekly benefit amount, maybe slightly less.

Thanks! So with my salary I should be getting close to the maximum then? That would really help with my mortgage payments.

Not necessarily - they look at your quarterly wages not annual salary. If your pay was consistent you might get around $700-800 weekly but it varies.

Thanks! So if my highest quarter was around $12,600, that would be about $485 per week? That's way less than I was hoping for.

That sounds about right. Remember you also have to meet the minimum earnings requirement in your base period, but sounds like you'll qualify easily.

Thanks! So if I made $12,600 in my highest quarter that would be $484 divided by 26 = $290 per week? That seems low for what I was making.

No, you calculate it differently. Take your highest quarter ($12,600) divide by 26 weeks = $484, then multiply by 0.6 = about $290. But you also need to meet the minimum earnings test across all quarters in your base period.

How long did it take you to actually talk to someone? I've been trying to call for days and keep getting hung up on.

Literally spent hours calling. Finally used this service called Claimyr that got me through to an agent in like 20 minutes. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

How long did it take you to reach someone at Washington ESD? I've been trying to call for days and keep getting the busy signal or getting hung up on after waiting.

I probably called like 50 times over 2 weeks before I got through. The hold times are insane.

Good point about the dependents! I have two kids so that extra $50 per week would help.

Wait I thought it was just $25 total for dependents, not per dependent?

You're right, it's $25 total regardless of how many dependents you have. My mistake!

The minimum is actually $316 per week for 2025, and yes the maximum is $999. I just went through this whole process last month.

What's a base period exactly? Is that just the last year of work?

Base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be October 2023 through September 2024.

This is confusing... why don't they just use your last year of work like normal people would think?

That sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

It's way cheaper than taking time off work to sit on hold all day. The value is definitely there when you need to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD.

I might try that if I can't figure out my benefit amount from the online calculator.

I tried the calculator but it asked for all these quarterly amounts that I don't have memorized. Is there an easier way to estimate?

Check your online account with Washington ESD, they should have your wage history there if your employer reported correctly.

How long did it take you to get through? I've been trying to call for days about my claim status.

like 3 hours of calling over and over. finally used some service called claimyr that got me through in like 20 minutes. costs money but was worth it to actually talk to someone

Good point, I definitely meet that since I worked the full year.

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call myself.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

It's worth it when you consider how much time you waste trying to get through on your own. Plus they actually get results.

That's actually higher than I expected. Will help a lot while I'm job searching.

Don't forget you still have to do the job search requirements even while getting benefits. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week.

How do you know which one they'll use for your claim?

Washington ESD automatically checks both. If you don't qualify under regular base period, they'll try alternate base period to see if you have enough wages.

Thanks! So if I made around $57k last year, what would that work out to roughly?

That would put you close to the maximum benefit amount, probably around $950-999 per week depending on which quarters had your highest earnings.

So if my highest quarter was like $15,000, I'd get around $560 per week? That seems pretty good actually.

Yeah that sounds about right. Just remember you also need to meet the total earnings requirement across all quarters in your base period.

That sounds really complicated. Is there an easier way to estimate what I might get?

Yeah the easiest way is to use the benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website. You'll need your wage info from the last 18 months or so.

Thanks! So if I was making around $700 a week, I might get like $400-450 weekly?

Yeah that sounds about right, maybe a bit less depending on your exact earnings history over the past year.

Thanks! So if I made $65k last year, what would that work out to roughly?

With $65k annual income, you'd likely qualify for somewhere around $650-750 per week, but Washington ESD looks at your actual quarterly wages in the base period, not just annual salary.

Thanks! So if I made around $14,000 in my highest quarter, that would be about $538 per week divided by 26... wait that doesn't sound right?

No, you divide the quarterly amount by 13 weeks, not 26. So $14,000 ÷ 13 = $1,077 average weekly wage. Then your WBA would be around $414 per week.

Right, I figured there would be requirements. How many jobs do you have to apply to each week?

I think it's 3 job search activities per week but check the current requirements on WorkSourceWA.

Thanks! Do you know what the minimum amount is? I'm worried my part-time wages might not qualify for much.

The minimum weekly benefit amount in Washington is $295. Since you were working 25-30 hours at $18/hour, you should qualify for more than the minimum assuming you worked consistently.

That's actually higher than I expected! Do they take taxes out automatically or do I need to request that?

You can choose to have 10% federal taxes withheld when you file your weekly claims. I'd recommend it so you don't get hit with a big tax bill next year.

Thanks! Do you know what the minimum weekly amount is? I'm worried my benefit might be really low.

The minimum weekly benefit amount is $295 in 2025. With your salary of $52k, you should qualify for a decent amount, probably somewhere in the $400-600 range depending on your quarterly earnings distribution.

It's not exactly half, but that's a rough estimate for a lot of people. The minimum weekly benefit in Washington is $295 I think.

So if I'm making around $500-550 a week now, I might get somewhere around $250-300? That's barely going to cover my rent.

Interesting, I'll check that out. The Washington ESD phone lines are always busy when I try to call.

I was skeptical about using a third party service but honestly Washington ESD is impossible to reach otherwise. Worth looking into.

How long did it take for them to calculate your amount? I'm worried about the adjudication process taking forever.

Mine was pretty quick, maybe 2 weeks total. But I had straightforward W-2 employment with no complications.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD to check on your benefit calculation, I used claimyr.com to get through to an actual agent. They have this demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

thanks! that's actually higher than i expected. do you know how they calculate the dependent amount?

You get $25 extra per week for each dependent child under 18. You'll need to provide documentation when you file your claim.

Thanks! So it's based on quarterly earnings not annual? That makes more sense now.

yeah the base period is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file

What if you don't have enough earnings in the regular base period? I heard there's an alternate base period?

Yes, they'll automatically check the alternate base period which uses the last 4 completed quarters. This helps people who recently started working or had a gap in employment.

Thank you for the detailed explanation! That range sounds more realistic for my situation.

This is really helpful. I've been trying to understand the calculation myself and this breaks it down perfectly.

Really? I've heard the phone lines are impossible. How does that service work exactly?

They basically call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to an actual person. Way better than sitting on hold for hours just to get disconnected.

I've never heard of that but it sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

Yeah it's real, I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They don't mention pricing upfront but it was worth it to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD about my benefit calculation.

Might have to try that if I can't get through the normal way. Thanks for the tip!

I tried the calculator but it's asking for all these specific dollar amounts from different quarters and I don't have that info handy.

You should be able to get your wage info from the Washington ESD website once you create your account. It shows your reported wages by quarter.

Good to know! I don't have kids but that's helpful for others reading this.

Wait really? I thought unemployment was tax free

Nope, it's taxable income federally. You can have them withhold 10% or just pay it at tax time. I owed like $800 in taxes on my unemployment last year.

I don't have any kids so I think it would just be the base amount for me.

The dependent allowance is like $25 per child I think? Not a huge amount but every bit helps.

That's helpful context. I'm hoping to get around $400-500 per week based on what I was making.

Keep in mind you also have to meet the total earnings requirement across all quarters, not just have one high quarter. Washington ESD looks at your total base period earnings too.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Finally got my questions answered after weeks of trying on my own.

Never heard of that but I'm desperate at this point. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit, they help you navigate the phone system and get connected to actual Washington ESD staff. Saved me hours of busy signals and hold music.

Good point, I should be fine there since I've been working steady for 2 years. Do they count overtime hours differently?

No, overtime is just regular wages for UI calculation purposes. It's all about your gross earnings in each quarter.

Adjudication delays are really common right now. Have you checked your online account to see if there are any issues flagged that need additional information?

Yeah I check it every day and there's nothing showing that needs action from me. It's just stuck.

That's exactly what happened to me. Claimyr helped me get through and find out what the holdup was. Turned out they needed verification of my last employer that wasn't showing up in my online account.

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

It's 3 job search activities per week. Can be applications, networking, interviews, etc. They're pretty strict about it.

And keep good records! They can audit your job search log at any time.

Actually I think you're mixing up the old calculation method. Washington updated their formula a few years ago to use the single highest quarter method I mentioned.

You might be right, I haven't filed a claim since 2022 so things may have changed. The Washington ESD website should have the current calculation method.

This is getting confusing - is there an official place to check the exact calculation?

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr.com - they help you get through to Washington ESD agents without waiting on hold forever. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Never heard of that before. Does it actually work for getting through to talk about benefit calculations?

Yeah it worked great for me. I needed to clarify some things about my base period wages and got through to an agent within like 15 minutes instead of calling for days.

I don't have kids so that doesn't apply to me, but good to know for others reading this.

I know it's frustrating but once you file your initial claim they'll send you a monetary determination letter that shows your exact weekly benefit amount and how long you can collect.

How long does that take to get? I need to know for budgeting purposes.

Usually within a week or two if there are no issues with your claim. Sometimes longer if it goes into adjudication.

Yep, unemployment is considered taxable income. Better to have them withhold 10% federal taxes from each payment.

Good point, I'll make sure to request tax withholding when I file my weekly claims.

Good point, I did have one quarter last year where I was out for surgery so my earnings were lower. That might affect things.

Yeah definitely check your wage record on your Washington ESD account once you file. Sometimes there are errors too that can affect your benefit amount.

Oh wow, I didn't think about taxes. Do they take it out automatically or do I have to pay it later?

You can choose to have 10% withheld for federal taxes when you certify your weekly claims, or you can pay quarterly estimated taxes. I'd recommend having it withheld to avoid a big tax bill next year.

How does that work exactly? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my claim status.

Basically they call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to an agent. No more waiting on hold for hours or getting disconnected. It was a lifesaver when I needed to get my benefit amount clarified.

How much does that service cost? I've been trying to reach them for weeks about my adjudication issue.

Way cheaper than taking time off work to keep calling. The peace of mind knowing you'll actually get through is worth it.

Never heard of this before but might try it. Washington ESD phone system is absolutely brutal.

That's not quite right. Washington state uses 3.85% of your total base year wages, not 50% of weekly wages. Easy to get confused with all the different calculations.

oh ok thanks for clarifying

It's actually not quite 60%. Washington ESD uses a more complex calculation. They look at your two highest earning quarters in your base year and calculate from there.

That's weird, wonder why there was such a difference between you two?

Probably different base periods or one of you had gaps in employment that affected the calculation

That sounds about right for your income level. Did you have any issues with the application process?

not really but it took forever to get through on the phone when i had questions

Good to know, thanks! Did you have any issues with the application process?

nah pretty straightforward, just make sure you have your employment history ready

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. I used it last month and finally got my adjudication issue resolved. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Never heard of that but I'm desperate at this point. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - they basically handle the calling and waiting for you. Way better than spending hours on hold just to get disconnected.

Is that legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days and can never get through.

Yeah it's real, they basically handle the calling for you and connect you when they get an agent on the line. Saved me tons of time and frustration.

Don't stress too much. Once you file your initial claim, Washington ESD will send you a monetary determination that shows exactly what your weekly benefit amount will be.

How long does it take to get that determination? I filed my claim three days ago.

Usually within a week or two, depending on if there are any issues with your claim that need adjudication.

That's really helpful to know! I'll try to create an account and see if I can get an estimate before I actually need to file.

How long did it take for your claim to get approved? I'm worried about the adjudication process taking forever.

Mine was pretty quick, about 10 days. But I had a straightforward layoff with no complications.

If you're having trouble getting through to check on your claim status, I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that helps you actually reach Washington ESD agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Good point about the taxes! I'll definitely have them withhold federal taxes. Do you know if the calculator is easy to find on their site?

Yeah it's right on the main unemployment page. Just search for 'benefit calculator' on esd.wa.gov

At least you're getting paid! My claim has been stuck in adjudication for 3 weeks now with no explanation.

Same here - adjudication hell. I finally got through to Washington ESD using Claimyr after weeks of trying to call. They told me there was some issue with my employer's response that I never would have known about otherwise.

I tried finding that calculator but the Washington ESD website is so confusing. Do you have a direct link?

It's under the 'File a Claim' section somewhere. I don't have the exact link saved sorry.

Never heard of that service before. Did it actually work for getting through to Washington ESD?

Yeah it did! I was able to speak with an agent within a few hours instead of trying for days to get through on my own. Really helped clear up the confusion about my benefit calculation.

Interesting, I might need to try that. I've been calling Washington ESD for two weeks about my benefit amount discrepancy and can never get through.

There actually is a benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website, but it's kind of buried in the resources section.

Where?? I've looked everywhere and couldn't find one.

Try searching for 'unemployment calculator' on their site. It's not perfect but gives you a rough estimate.

How does that work exactly? Is it legit?

Yeah it's totally legitimate. They basically handle the calling process for you and get you connected to a real Washington ESD representative. Super helpful when you need to discuss your specific benefit calculation or resolve account issues.

That's interesting, I'll keep that in mind if I run into phone issues. Thanks for sharing!

That's a huge difference! Makes me wish I had worked more hours before getting laid off.

Yeah it really pays to have consistent full-time work. The Washington ESD formula definitely favors people with steady high earnings.

That's confusing. So if I file in January 2025, which quarters would they use?

If you file in January 2025, your base period would be Q1 2024 through Q4 2024. They don't use Q1 2025 even though you're filing in it because it's not complete yet.

Oh man I had the same problem! I finally used this service called Claimyr that calls Washington ESD for you. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much time and frustration.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How does it actually work?

It's legit! They basically keep calling Washington ESD until they get through, then connect you to an actual agent. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Wait, I thought it was the last 4 quarters? This is so confusing.

No, it's the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters. They skip the most recent quarter because employers haven't reported those wages yet when you file.

You can work part time but you need to report all earnings on your weekly claim. Washington ESD will reduce your benefit based on how much you earn that week. There's a formula for it.

Thanks, I'll make sure to report everything properly.