How much is unemployment now in Washington - benefit amounts for 2025?

The weekly benefit amount depends on your earnings history but the maximum weekly benefit in Washington is currently $999 per week. For your income level you'd probably get somewhere around $350-450 per week. You can use the benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website to get a better estimate. And yes, you still need to do 3 job search activities per week and log them in your WorkSource account.

i got $412 a week when i filed in november. was making about the same as you, maybe a little more. the whole process took forever though, like 3 weeks before i saw any money

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD on the phone, I'd suggest trying Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get connected to an actual agent without waiting on hold for hours. I used it when my claim got stuck in adjudication and it was a lifesaver. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than calling dozens of times yourself.

For 2025, the benefit calculation is still based on your highest earning quarter in your base period. Your weekly benefit amount will be approximately 3.85% of your highest quarter earnings, up to the maximum of $999. Given your work history at $16/hour for 35 hours weekly, you're looking at roughly $2,184 per month gross, so your highest quarter would be around $6,552. That puts your weekly benefit around $252-280 range, not the $350-450 mentioned earlier.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A MESS RIGHT NOW. I've been waiting 6 WEEKS for my adjudication to clear and every time I call they just say "we're processing your claim." Meanwhile bills are piling up and I can't get a straight answer about when I'll see money. The job search requirements are stupid too - they want 3 activities a week but half the jobs posted are fake or already filled.

Just to clarify the job search requirements since there seems to be some confusion - you need 3 job search activities per week, and they can include: applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, employment-related workshops, or informational interviews. You don't have to apply to fake postings, there are other valid activities that count.

Just wanted to add that if you've never filed before, make sure you have all your employment info ready - employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation. The application process is mostly online now but having everything organized helps avoid delays.

one more thing - if you do get approved make sure you file your weekly claims on time. i missed one week by a day and they made it such a pain to get that week reinstated

I filed last month and got my first payment in about 10 days. No issues with adjudication thankfully. The hardest part was just getting through the initial application - the website kept timing out. But once it was submitted everything moved pretty smoothly.

Update on my situation - finally got through to someone at Washington ESD today (used that Claimyr thing someone mentioned) and found out my adjudication was held up because my employer disputed my claim. Had no idea that was even happening. The agent was able to explain the next steps and said I should hear something within 2 weeks.

Just a reminder that even if your weekly benefit amount seems low, you might qualify for other assistance programs. SNAP, housing assistance, utility help - there are resources out there while you're looking for work.

One last tip - if you end up needing to appeal any decisions, you only have 30 days from the date of the determination letter. Don't wait if you disagree with something, the time limit is strict.