How much unemployment does Washington ESD pay weekly - need to know before filing

Washington ESD calculates your weekly benefit amount based on your highest earning quarter from the past year. The maximum weekly benefit for 2025 is $999 per week, but most people get way less than that. They take your highest quarter earnings, divide by 26, then give you about 50% of that amount.

i've been getting $456 a week from washington esd since november. my highest quarter was around $23,000 so that worked out to be about 50% like the other person said. the amount depends on how much you made in your base period quarters

The weekly benefit calculation is: (High Quarter / 26) × 0.5 = Weekly Benefit Amount. But there's also a minimum of $295 and maximum of $999 for 2025. If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to verify your benefit estimate, I used Claimyr recently to connect with an agent. They helped me understand my calculation and it was so much easier than trying to call on my own. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

DON'T EXPECT TOO MUCH!! I was making $5500 a month and only getting $623 per week from Washington ESD. It's barely enough to cover rent let alone everything else. The system is designed to keep you poor while you look for work.

You can estimate your benefit amount using the Washington ESD online calculator, but it's not always accurate. The actual calculation looks at your base period wages (first four of the last five completed quarters before you filed). Make sure you have all your wage information ready when you apply because any discrepancies can delay your claim.

been on unemployment 3 times in the past 5 years and the amounts were always different depending on what i made. first time got $289/week, second time $445/week, this last time $512/week. it really just depends on your work history

Also remember that you'll need to file weekly claims to actually receive the money, and you have to meet work search requirements. The weekly benefit amount is just what you're eligible for - you still have to jump through all the hoops to get it.

I'm getting $734 per week right now. Was making about $85k annually before getting laid off in December. The benefit amount definitely helps but it's still a huge pay cut. Budget carefully because it goes fast.

Does the amount change if you have dependents or anything like that? I have two kids and wondering if that affects the calculation.

Whatever you do, make sure you report ANY income you earn while on unemployment. Even small amounts can affect your weekly benefit and they WILL find out eventually. Better to be honest upfront.

Had a friend who got an overpayment notice for $4,800 because she didn't report some part-time work correctly. Washington ESD doesn't mess around with that stuff. They'll come after you for every penny.

The whole system is confusing but once you get approved and start filing your weekly claims it becomes routine. Just remember to certify every week and keep looking for work. The money isn't great but it helps bridge the gap.

One more thing - if you end up having trouble reaching Washington ESD agents for questions about your benefit calculation or claim issues, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work. I was stuck trying to get clarification on my benefit amount for days before using their system to connect with an agent who explained everything clearly.

Just remember that the maximum benefit period is 26 weeks unless there are extended benefits available. So whatever weekly amount you get, multiply by 26 to see your total potential benefits.

make sure you apply as soon as possible after losing your job. there's usually a waiting week but the sooner you file the sooner you can start receiving benefits. don't wait thinking you'll find something quick

The benefit calculator on the ESD website gave me a completely wrong estimate. Said I'd get $567 but I actually got approved for $423. Don't rely on their online tools too much.

Bottom line is everyone's situation is different based on their work history. The formulas help estimate but you won't know for sure until Washington ESD processes your claim and sends you the determination letter.

If you need help navigating the system or getting answers from Washington ESD, that Claimyr thing people mentioned is actually pretty useful. I was skeptical but it helped me get through to someone who could explain my benefit calculation when I was confused about the amounts.