How much money does unemployment pay in Washington - what should I expect?

Washington ESD uses your highest earning quarter from the past 18 months to calculate your weekly benefit amount. Generally it's around 40-50% of your weekly wages, but there's a cap. For 2025, the maximum weekly benefit is $999. Since you're making $19/hour full time, you'd probably get somewhere around $380-450 per week before taxes.

just filed last week and got approved for $425/week. been working retail for 3 years at $17/hour so sounds about right with what the other person said

The calculation gets complicated if you haven't worked consistently. Washington ESD looks at your base year which is the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters. They need your total wages from your highest quarter to be at least $6,084 for 2025. If you meet that, they divide by 25 to get your weekly benefit amount, up to the maximum.

I've been trying to get ahold of Washington ESD for weeks to ask about my benefit calculation but their phone lines are always busy. Does anyone have tips for actually reaching someone? I've called probably 50 times and either get busy signal or hung up on after waiting on hold.

Don't forget you have to do job searches every week to keep getting benefits. Washington requires 3 job search activities per week and you have to log them on your weekly claim. The benefit amount doesn't matter if you can't meet the work search requirements.

The system is so broken. I'm getting $340/week which barely covers my car payment and insurance, let alone rent and food. And they act like you're supposed to be grateful for this pittance while you're looking for work.

You also get up to 26 weeks of benefits in Washington, but that can be extended during high unemployment periods. Make sure you understand the maximum benefit amount you're eligible for - it's 26 times your weekly benefit amount.

i think there's also a minimum benefit amount too. like even if you didn't make much money you still get something. but don't quote me on that

Keep in mind this is all before taxes if you choose to have them withheld. I learned the hard way that unemployment benefits are fully taxable income. If you don't have taxes withheld, you'll owe money when you file your tax return.

The monetary determination letter they send you will break down exactly how much you're eligible for. It shows your weekly benefit amount, maximum benefit amount, and which quarters they used for the calculation. Don't throw that letter away - you'll need it for reference.

Pro tip: if you worked in multiple states recently, you might be able to file in whichever state gives you higher benefits. But Washington's benefits are pretty competitive compared to most states.

Another thing to consider is that if you're working part-time while on unemployment, they'll reduce your weekly benefit. But you can still earn up to about $200/week without losing benefits entirely.

I've been on unemployment twice and the amount was different each time even though I was making similar wages. It really depends on which quarters they use for your base year calculation.

Whatever you do, don't try to game the system or lie about your job search activities. Washington ESD does random audits and if they catch you, you'll have to pay back benefits plus penalties. Not worth the risk.

Also remember that unemployment benefits might affect other assistance programs you're receiving. Food stamps, housing assistance, etc. Check with those programs about how unemployment income impacts your eligibility.

The whole system is designed to be confusing on purpose. I swear they make it complicated so people give up and don't claim benefits they're entitled to. Stick with it and ask questions when you need help.

One more thing to keep in mind - if you're planning to file, do it as soon as possible after losing your job. There's a one-week waiting period before you can receive benefits, and you can't backdate your claim beyond the week you actually file. So even if you're unsure about the exact amount, it's better to file early and figure out the details later rather than lose out on potential weeks of benefits.