How much is unemployment benefits in Washington state right now?
I'm trying to figure out how much unemployment benefits I might qualify for if I lose my job. I've been working full-time making about $55,000 a year for the past 3 years. Does anyone know what the current weekly benefit amount would be through Washington ESD? I tried looking on their website but it's confusing with all the calculations and base periods. Also wondering if there are any caps or maximum amounts they pay out?
47 comments
Join the conversation
Wesley Hallow
Washington ESD calculates your weekly benefit amount (WBA) based on your highest earning quarter in your base period. It's roughly 3.85% of your highest quarter earnings, but there's a minimum of $301 and maximum of $999 per week as of 2025. With your salary, you'd probably get somewhere in the $400-600 range weekly, but it depends on your exact quarterly earnings.
0 coins
Kennedy Morrison
•Thanks! That's actually higher than I expected. How do they determine which quarters count as the base period?
0 coins
Wesley Hallow
•Your base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in January 2025, they'd look at January-December 2024.
0 coins
Justin Chang
I just went through this process last month. The Washington ESD online calculator is actually pretty accurate once you figure out how to use it. You need your quarterly wage statements or pay stubs to get the exact amount.
0 coins
Grace Thomas
•Where do you find the online calculator? I can't seem to locate it on their website.
0 coins
Justin Chang
•It's buried in their site, but if you Google 'Washington ESD benefit calculator' it should come up. Much easier than trying to navigate their menu system.
0 coins
Hunter Brighton
Just a heads up - if you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask questions about your potential benefits, I recently discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you actually reach a live agent instead of sitting on hold forever. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really helped me when I needed to verify my benefit calculation.
0 coins
Kennedy Morrison
•Interesting, I've never heard of that service. Is it legit? I'm always worried about third-party services when it comes to government stuff.
0 coins
Hunter Brighton
•Yeah it's legitimate. They don't handle your claim or anything, just help you get through to an actual Washington ESD representative when you need to talk to someone. Was worth it for me since I wasted hours trying to call on my own.
0 coins
Dylan Baskin
•I used them too after spending literally 6 hours over 3 days trying to get through. Got connected to an agent in like 20 minutes. Game changer.
0 coins
Lauren Wood
The benefit amount also depends on whether you're eligible for the maximum weeks. Washington gives up to 26 weeks of regular UI benefits, but you have to meet certain wage requirements in your base period. Make sure you understand the monetary eligibility requirements too, not just the weekly amount.
0 coins
Kennedy Morrison
•What are the monetary eligibility requirements? I know I need to have worked enough, but what's 'enough' exactly?
0 coins
Lauren Wood
•You need at least $3,719 in your highest quarter and total base period wages of at least 1.25 times your high quarter amount. With your salary, you should easily meet both requirements.
0 coins
Grace Thomas
Does anyone know if they've changed the benefit amounts recently? I remember reading something about adjustments but can't remember if it went into effect yet.
0 coins
Wesley Hallow
•The maximum weekly benefit amount gets adjusted annually based on the state average weekly wage. For 2025 it's $999, up from last year.
0 coins
Ellie Lopez
•That's a pretty decent increase from what it used to be. I remember when the max was like $790 not that long ago.
0 coins
Chad Winthrope
One thing to keep in mind is that your unemployment benefits are taxable income. Washington ESD can withhold 10% for federal taxes if you request it, which I'd recommend unless you want a big tax bill next year.
0 coins
Kennedy Morrison
•Good point! I hadn't thought about the tax implications. Do they withhold state taxes too or just federal?
0 coins
Chad Winthrope
•Washington doesn't have state income tax, so just federal. But yeah, definitely something to plan for if you end up needing benefits.
0 coins
Justin Chang
Also worth mentioning that if you do lose your job, file your claim right away. There's a one-week waiting period before you can receive benefits, so don't delay. The sooner you file, the sooner that waiting week starts ticking.
0 coins
Paige Cantoni
•Is the waiting week still a thing? I thought they got rid of that during COVID.
0 coins
Justin Chang
•They temporarily waived it during the pandemic but it's back now. One week waiting period for all new claims.
0 coins
Kennedy Morrison
•Thanks for the heads up. Hopefully I won't need to use this information, but it's good to know just in case.
0 coins
Ellie Lopez
The calculation can get tricky if you have irregular income or worked multiple jobs. Washington ESD looks at ALL employers in your base period, so if you had side gigs or changed jobs, make sure to include everything when you file.
0 coins
Kennedy Morrison
•I've only had the one job for the past 3 years, so that should make it simpler. Thanks for the tip though.
0 coins
Kylo Ren
Just wanted to add that you can also check your wage history on the Washington ESD website once you create an account. That'll show you exactly what they have on file for your earnings, which is what they'll use to calculate your benefits.
0 coins
Grace Thomas
•Do you need to wait until you actually file a claim to see that information, or can you check it anytime?
0 coins
Kylo Ren
•You can check it anytime once you have an account set up through SecureAccess Washington. Really helpful for planning purposes.
0 coins
Nina Fitzgerald
Been on unemployment twice in the past decade and the benefit calculation was pretty much what the online estimates showed both times. Washington ESD is actually pretty good about getting the amounts right, unlike some other states I've heard horror stories about.
0 coins
Kennedy Morrison
•That's reassuring to hear. I've read some nightmare stories online about people having to fight for their benefits.
0 coins
Nina Fitzgerald
•Washington's system isn't perfect but it's definitely better than most. Just make sure to keep good records and respond to any requests for information quickly.
0 coins
Dylan Baskin
If you end up needing to contact Washington ESD about your benefit amount or any issues with your claim, definitely check out that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. I spent forever trying to get through on my own before I found them. Made the whole process so much less stressful.
0 coins
Jason Brewer
•How much does something like that cost? Seems like it could get expensive if you need to call multiple times.
0 coins
Dylan Baskin
•Honestly, after the hours I wasted trying to get through on my own, it was worth whatever they charge. Plus you only pay when they actually connect you to someone.
0 coins
Kiara Fisherman
Another thing to consider - if you're planning ahead because you think layoffs might be coming, you might want to look into whether your employer offers any severance. That can affect when you're eligible to start collecting unemployment benefits.
0 coins
Kennedy Morrison
•I don't think layoffs are imminent, just trying to be prepared. But that's good to know about severance affecting eligibility.
0 coins
Kiara Fisherman
•Smart to plan ahead. Severance usually just delays when you can start collecting, doesn't affect the weekly amount once you're eligible.
0 coins
Liam Cortez
Don't forget about the job search requirements once you start collecting. You'll need to do at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log of everything. Plan for that time commitment too.
0 coins
Kennedy Morrison
•What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs or other stuff too?
0 coins
Liam Cortez
•Applications, networking events, career fairs, informational interviews, even some online training courses. They have a pretty comprehensive list on the Washington ESD website.
0 coins
Savannah Vin
•The job search requirements are actually not that hard to meet if you're actively looking. Just make sure to document everything properly.
0 coins
Mason Stone
One last tip - if you do end up filing a claim, make sure to file your weekly claims on time every week. Missing even one week can cause delays and complications with your benefits.
0 coins
Kennedy Morrison
•Good to know. How do you file the weekly claims? Is it all online now?
0 coins
Mason Stone
•Yeah, it's all through the Washington ESD website. You have to certify each week that you're still unemployed and looking for work. Pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it.
0 coins
Makayla Shoemaker
The system has definitely improved over the years. I remember when you had to mail in forms and wait weeks just to hear back. Now most of it is automated and much faster.
0 coins
Christian Bierman
•Still has its glitches though. I had to use that Claimyr service when my claim got stuck in adjudication and I couldn't get anyone on the phone to explain what was happening.
0 coins
Makayla Shoemaker
•True, the system isn't perfect but it's way better than the old days. And at least now there are services like that to help when you need to actually talk to someone.
0 coins