How much is unemployment benefits in Washington state 2025?

That's helpful! So if I made about $11,440 in my best quarter, what would that come out to roughly?

Around $440 per week approximately, but Washington ESD has their own formula that might adjust it slightly. You'd need to file to get the exact amount.

How long did it take to get approved? And did you have trouble reaching them by phone?

took about 2 weeks for approval. calling was a nightmare though, kept getting busy signals or hung up on after waiting forever

Thanks! So if I made $13,000 in my highest quarter, that would be around $500 per week?

Yes, that sounds about right. You can use the benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website to get an exact estimate.

Thanks! That's actually more than I expected. Do I need to report this as income when I file taxes?

Yes unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can have taxes withheld or pay quarterly estimated taxes.

That's interesting, I'll check that out. Did they charge you a lot to use it?

They focus on getting you connected rather than the cost aspect. Worth it when you need real answers from Washington ESD staff.

How long did it take for your first payment? I'm worried about paying rent next month.

took about 3 weeks but that included the waiting week. once it started coming it was regular every week

Is that like a paid service? Seems weird to pay someone to make a phone call for you.

Yeah it costs something but honestly worth it when you consider how much time you'd waste trying to get through on your own. Plus they actually know what they're doing.

Might be worth checking out if I can't get through myself. Thanks for the tip!

What are the work history requirements? I worked for the same company for 3 years.

You need to have earned at least $7,500 during your base year and worked in at least two quarters. With 3 years at the same job you should be fine.

ugh the base period thing always confuses me. why can't they just use your last year of wages like normal people would expect?

Because it's the government and nothing can be simple! But seriously, it's to make sure they have complete quarterly data rather than partial quarters.

What exactly do I need to do for the weekly claims? Is it just confirming I'm still unemployed?

You'll need to report any work you did that week, any job contacts you made, and certify that you're able and available for work. The job search requirement is 3 employer contacts per week in Washington.

Wait I thought it was 2 contacts per week? I've been doing 2 this whole time...

It's 3 contacts per week for most people. You should double check your requirements in your account or call Washington ESD to make sure you're meeting the requirements.

Wait, they tax unemployment? I thought that was considered assistance?

NOPE! It's considered taxable income by both federal and state. You can have them withhold taxes or pay it back later. Trust me, withhold it or you'll owe big time come tax season.

This is correct. Washington state doesn't have income tax but federal government definitely taxes UI benefits.

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.

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

Yeah it worked for me. I got through to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending hours hitting redial. Definitely worth it when you need answers about your claim.

That's terrifying. What kind of issue with your employer caused the delay?

They disputed my claim saying I quit when I was actually laid off. Had to provide documentation and everything. Total nightmare dealing with Washington ESD phone system.

This is exactly why I recommend claimyr.com for getting through to actual Washington ESD staff when you have adjudication issues. So much faster than trying to call yourself.

What counts as job search activities? Just applying for jobs or other stuff too?

applying for jobs, networking events, job fairs, interviews, even some training stuff. they have a list on the washington esd website

I don't have any kids so I guess that doesn't apply to me.

You can request a detailed breakdown of your benefit calculation from Washington ESD if you're not sure how they arrived at that amount.

How do I request that? Through the website or do I have to call?

You can submit a message through your online account or call them. Though calling is usually faster if you can get through.

Yes, you can get partial unemployment if your hours were reduced. Washington ESD has a formula where they reduce your weekly benefit based on how much you earn that week, but you can still get something.

That's a relief! I'll look into filing then. This whole situation is stressing me out.

That makes sense. I was working the whole time last year so that should work in my favor.

Yeah you should be fine. Just make sure all your employers from last year are showing up correctly in your claim. Sometimes there are delays in wage reporting.

Did you ever figure out why it was lower?

Turned out one of my employers hadn't reported my wages correctly. Had to get that fixed through Washington ESD before my benefit amount was adjusted.

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

Yes, you can elect to have 10% withheld for federal taxes when you file your initial claim or you can change it later.

Ok you've convinced me, might try this Claimyr thing if I run into issues. Better than wasting my whole day on hold.

same here, tried calling washington esd for 3 days straight with no luck. gonna check out that video demo

Good to know, thanks! I was wondering about that since I have a kid.

The first week you claim is the waiting week, so you won't get paid for it. But you still need to file the weekly claim.

Thanks, that's what I thought but wanted to confirm.

Any tips for making sure I don't mess up the weekly claims?

Keep detailed records of your job search activities and be completely honest about any work you do, even small amounts. And file your claim the same day every week.

Correct. If you earn more than your weekly benefit amount minus $5, they start reducing your benefits dollar for dollar.

That's good to know. I was thinking about taking a part-time job but wasn't sure how it would affect my benefits.

Yeah they adjust the max benefit amount every year based on the state's average weekly wage. At least it keeps up with inflation somewhat.

somewhat being the key word there lol. still feels like you're barely scraping by

I'll try the calculator again with gross wages. I think I was using my take-home pay.

Yeah that would definitely throw off the calculation. Use your full salary before taxes and deductions.

I'll try that calculator. Do you remember where exactly it is on their site?

It's under the 'File a Claim' section. Just search for 'benefit calculator' on their homepage.

Good to know. I'm hoping to find full-time work quickly but might take some freelance projects.

Just make sure you report all earnings on your weekly claim. They'll calculate how much gets deducted from your benefits.

That's reassuring to hear. How long have you been collecting benefits?

about 3 months now. you get up to 26 weeks typically but im hoping to find something before then

Oh wow, good tip! I almost waited to see if my situation would improve first.

Yeah don't wait! You can always stop claiming if you get back to work, but you can't get those weeks back if you file late.

I was going to wait until I got my final paycheck but sounds like I should file now?

Yes, file now. You can report any final wages when you do your weekly claims.

The $999 is before taxes. You can choose to have 10% federal tax withheld when you file your initial claim, or you can change it later in your online account. I'd recommend having it withheld.

Thanks! Definitely going to have them withhold it then. Don't want a big tax bill next year.

What counts as job search activities?

Applying for jobs, going to interviews, networking events, job fairs, even some training programs. You need to do at least 3 activities per week.

I'll look for that calculator. Do you remember where on their website it was?

I think it was under 'File a Claim' section but their website is kind of a mess to navigate. Might take some digging to find it.

Same here! I've been trying to reach them about my benefit amount for weeks. Someone mentioned Claimyr earlier - has anyone actually used that service?

I used Claimyr twice now and both times it worked great. They handle all the calling and waiting for you, then patch you through when they get an agent on the line. Way better than spending your whole day on hold.

So once they calculate it, I don't have to worry about it changing?