How much to get unemployment benefits in Washington - calculation help needed

Washington ESD uses your highest earning quarter from your base period to calculate benefits. Generally it's about 60% of your average weekly wage up to a maximum. For 2025 the max weekly benefit is around $999. Since you were making good money you'll probably hit close to the maximum.

i think its like half your pay or something? i got $400 a week when i was making $800 weekly so sounds about right

The exact formula is your highest quarter earnings divided by 26, then multiply by 0.385 to get your weekly benefit amount. But there's also a minimum weekly benefit of $295 and maximum of $999 for 2025. You can also use the benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website to get an estimate.

Just filed my claim last month and was having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to verify my benefit amount. Spent hours on hold getting disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to ESD agents. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much time and frustration!

The system is SO confusing! I thought they used your last 4 paychecks but apparently it's quarters? And what if you worked for multiple employers in that time period?

One thing to keep in mind - your benefit amount stays the same for your entire benefit year even if you had higher or lower earnings in more recent quarters. It's all based on that base period calculation.

Make sure you also understand that you can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks maximum, and the total amount you can receive is 30% of your total base period wages. So even if you qualify for the maximum weekly amount, there's still a cap on total benefits.

the whole thing is confusing but once you get your first payment you know what to expect every week as long as you keep filing your weekly claims

Been through this twice now and both times I had to call Washington ESD to understand my benefit calculation because the online system doesn't explain it clearly. The first time I waited on hold for 3 hours. Second time I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and got through in like 20 minutes. Worth it just for the time saved.

Don't forget that unemployment benefits are taxable income! You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay at the end of the year. Just something to factor in when budgeting with your benefit amount.

Quick tip - you can also work part-time while collecting unemployment in Washington. They'll reduce your weekly benefit but you can still earn some money as long as you report it on your weekly claim.

Whatever you do, make sure you understand your benefit amount before budgeting! I made the mistake of assuming I'd get a certain amount and ended up short on rent money.

The benefit calculator on Washington ESD's website is pretty accurate if you have your wage info handy. Just plug in your quarterly earnings and it'll give you an estimate.

Just wanted to add - if you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD to verify your benefit calculation or ask questions, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work. They have you fill out what you need help with and then connect you directly to an ESD agent. Much better than the regular phone system.

One more thing - your benefit amount can change if Washington ESD finds additional wages that weren't initially reported. Sometimes employers are slow to report or there are errors. So don't be surprised if you get an adjustment notice later.

been getting unemployment for 3 months now and the weekly amount never changes as long as you file your claims on time and report any work accurately

The monetary determination notice Washington ESD sends explains everything about your benefit calculation. Keep that document safe because you'll need it if you ever have questions or need to appeal anything.

Hope this helps! The benefit calculation seems complicated but once you understand it's based on your highest quarter from the base period it makes more sense. Just remember there's both a weekly maximum and a total benefit maximum.

Also try to have patience with the system - Washington ESD processes a lot of claims and sometimes things take longer than expected. But if you need to talk to someone, definitely don't waste time on hold all day when there are better options available.

Good luck with your claim! The key is just making sure you file your weekly claims on time and report everything accurately. The benefit amount calculation is just the starting point.