How much unemployment benefits can I get from Washington ESD in 2025?

So if I made $62k last year that would put me around $800+ per week? That seems higher than I expected.

It depends on which quarters fall in your base period and how your wages were distributed. You might want to look at your earnings statement to see your quarterly breakdown.

Thanks! So if I made $15,600 in my highest quarter and $14,800 in my second highest, that would be $30,400 divided by 26 = $1,169, then 50% would be $584 per week?

Exactly right! That's how the calculation works. You'd get $584 per week plus the additional $25 weekly if you qualify for any dependents.

Good point about gross vs net. I was definitely using my gross weekly of $1,200 so that should be fine.

The minimum weekly benefit is $295 if anyone's wondering about the other end of the spectrum.

Wait, there's still a waiting week? I thought they eliminated that during COVID.

The waiting week came back in 2023. You don't get paid for your first week of unemployment but you still have to file the weekly claim.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They actually call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to a real person. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. Did you actually get through to someone at Washington ESD using it?

Yes! Got connected within 2 hours instead of spending days trying to call myself. They handle all the waiting and callbacks.

Oh wow, I didn't think about taxes. Should I have them withhold or just pay at tax time?

Depends on your situation. If you're going to owe a lot, better to have them withhold 10% federal taxes. You can change this option anytime in your online account.

There's usually a one-week waiting period for the first payment. After that, payments are issued within 2-3 business days if there are no issues with your weekly claim.

It's been way longer than that though. Should I call Washington ESD?

Definitely call them, but I'd use Claimyr again to avoid the phone nightmare. When I had payment delays, they helped me get through and found out there was an identity verification issue I didn't know about.

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents by phone. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Finally got my questions answered after weeks of trying.

Is that legitimate? I'm worried about giving my info to a third party service.

It's legit - they just help you get connected, you're still talking directly to Washington ESD staff. Way better than spending entire days redialing.

I don't have kids so that doesn't apply to me, but good to know for others reading this.

It increases every year based on the state's average wage. In 2024 it was $929, so yes, it went up significantly.

That's actually really helpful to know since my calculation would put me around $584 anyway.

What counts as a valid job search contact? Does applying online count?

Yes, online applications count. You can also contact employers directly, attend job fairs, or work with WorkSource. Just make sure to document everything with dates, company names, and contact methods.

How many jobs do I need to apply for each week?

At least 3 job search activities per week. This includes applications, networking, job fairs, interviews, etc. Keep detailed records with dates and contact info.

I learned this the hard way when they audited my claim. Make sure your job search log is complete or they can disqualify you and demand repayment.

That's frustrating. Is there any way to use a different base period if it would result in higher benefits?

You can request an alternate base period if you don't qualify using the regular one, but I'm not sure if you can choose it just for a higher amount. You'd have to ask Washington ESD directly.

Yeah the website is confusing. Is there a mobile app or do I have to use the desktop site?

desktop site works better in my experience. the mobile version is glitchy

Your weekly benefit amount should show up in your SecureAccess Washington account once your initial claim is processed, usually within 2-3 business days if there are no issues. The base period is just the 12-month period they use to calculate your benefits - think of it as the "qualifying period" for your wages.

Thanks, that makes more sense. I'll check my account tomorrow.

Yes, you can get partial benefits if your weekly earnings are less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5. They'll reduce your benefit by the amount you earn over $5, but you can still collect something if you qualify.

Do I still have to do the job search requirements if I'm working part-time?

Yes, you still need to meet the work search requirements unless you're on standby with your employer and expect to return to full-time work within 6 weeks.

I feel your pain. I wasted so much time calling until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you actually get through to Washington ESD agents. Worth checking out - saved me hours of frustration.

How does that work exactly? Do they call for you?

They handle the calling and waiting, then connect you directly to a Washington ESD representative when one becomes available. Way more efficient than doing it yourself.

How do you verify that all employers are included? I had two jobs in the past year.

Check your monetary determination letter when it arrives. It lists all employers and wages. If something's missing, you can appeal within 30 days.

So at $584 per week for 26 weeks, that's about $15,184 total if I need the full amount?

That's correct, assuming you qualify for the full 26 weeks and don't find work before then.

When do the weekly claims need to be filed? Is there a deadline?

Claims for each week must be filed by 11:59 PM the following Saturday. So if your benefit week ends on Saturday, you have until the next Saturday to file that week's claim.

Yes, overtime is included in your gross wages so it would increase your benefit amount. All wages reported to Washington ESD by your employer count toward the calculation.

Great! That should bump up my weekly amount then since I averaged 10 hours OT per week.

I know it sucks but at least Washington doesn't have additional waiting periods like some states do for certain disqualification reasons.

Good to know it's just the one week. I can manage that.

I filed the day after my last day of work, so I should be good there.

Smart move. I waited a week thinking I might get called back and lost that week of benefits.

Yes, you can get an additional $25 per week if you have qualifying dependents. You'll need to provide documentation like birth certificates or tax returns showing you claim them as dependents.

Perfect! So my $584 would become $609 per week with the dependent allowance.

That's exactly why I started using Claimyr. No more sitting on hold for hours just to get hung up on. They handle all the calling frustration for you.

I might have to try that. I can't afford to spend all day calling when I should be job searching.

Is that sent by mail or available online too?

Both. You'll get it in your online account first, then a paper copy by mail. Check your secure messages in the Washington ESD portal.

Good to know. So if I pick up some freelance work, I need to report it on my weekly claims?

Yes, always report any work and earnings. Being honest protects you from overpayment issues later.

Really? I didn't see that when I was looking at their site. Is it easy to find?

It's under the 'Before You Apply' section. Just need your wage information from the past 18 months to get a rough estimate.

That's true. $584 per week will cover most of my essential expenses while I look for a new job.

Just don't get too comfortable. The job search requirements are strict and they do check up on you.

Yes, unemployment benefits are taxable at both federal and state levels. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your weekly payments or pay them when you file your tax return. Washington ESD will send you a 1099-G form at the end of the year.

Thanks! I'll probably have them withhold taxes to avoid a big bill later.

You can qualify if you quit for "good cause" reasons like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or significant changes to your job duties or pay. But you have to prove the good cause. Most voluntary quits don't qualify.

That makes sense. I was wondering how that worked.

Yes, the maximum weekly benefit amount is adjusted annually based on the state's average weekly wage. It usually increases slightly each year. For 2025 it's $999 per week maximum.

That's a good point. I shouldn't assume I'll get the maximum just because my salary was decent.

Good reminder. I've been filing weekly even though I haven't heard back about my initial claim yet.

The base period system is designed to ensure you have sufficient work history and earnings to qualify. It prevents people from working just a few weeks and then collecting benefits. But I agree it can be confusing.

The automated system is pretty limited. Your best bet is logging into your SecureAccess Washington account online or talking to a real person, though that's easier said than done with their phone system.

I actually used Claimyr to get through to someone at Washington ESD last week. Way better than fighting with the automated system or waiting on hold forever. The agent was able to explain my benefit calculation in detail.

What happens if you forget to report something small, like $50 for helping someone move?

Technically you're supposed to report all income. If Washington ESD finds out later it could create an overpayment that you'd have to pay back. Better to be honest upfront.

Correct - they look at all your covered employment during the base period, not just your most recent job. As long as you meet the minimum earnings requirements, multiple jobs during that period can all count toward your benefit calculation.

How do you fix something like that once you've already submitted your claim?

You have to contact Washington ESD to make corrections. That's where having a reliable way to reach them becomes important. I ended up having to send documentation to prove my employment.

Good luck! Most claims without complications get processed within a week or two. Just make sure to keep filing your weekly claims and meet the work search requirements.