How much would I get for unemployment benefits in Washington state?

Washington ESD calculates your weekly benefit amount based on your highest earning quarter from the past year. Generally it's around 60-70% of your average weekly wage up to the maximum amount. For 2025, the max weekly benefit is $999. With your salary, you'd probably get somewhere in the $600-700 range per week, but it depends on your exact earnings history.

That's actually higher than I expected! Do you know if they automatically deduct federal taxes or do I need to request that?

You can choose to have 10% federal tax withheld when you file your weekly claims. I'd recommend it unless you want to deal with a big tax bill next year.

just filed mine last week, the process was pretty straightforward but calling Washington ESD to check on anything is a nightmare. waited on hold for 3 hours just to get disconnected

I had the same problem trying to reach them about my claim status. Found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to a Washington ESD agent in like 15 minutes. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

It's worth it when you're dealing with time-sensitive claim issues. Way better than spending entire days trying to get through on your own.

Your benefit amount also depends on which quarters they use for calculation. Washington ESD looks at your base period which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. If you had irregular income or just started this job recently, it might affect your weekly benefit amount. You should be able to see your wage history in your SecureAccess Washington account once you file.

I've been at this job for about 2 years now with pretty consistent pay. Should be straightforward then?

Yeah, with consistent earnings you should get a decent benefit amount. Just make sure all your employers reported your wages correctly to Washington ESD.

Don't forget you'll need to do job search activities too. Washington ESD requires 3 job contacts per week and you have to log them in WorkSourceWA. It's not just about getting the money - there are requirements to keep getting benefits.

This is important! I know people who got disqualified because they didn't keep up with their job search log. Washington ESD takes it seriously.

Good to know. I'll make sure to track everything properly if I end up filing.

the whole system is such a pain honestly. took them 6 weeks to process my claim and then they said i was overpaid and wanted money back. make sure you report everything exactly right or they'll come after you later

Overpayment issues are usually from not reporting work or income correctly. As long as you're honest about everything on your weekly claims you should be fine.

i did report everything but they still messed it up somehow. took forever to get it sorted out

One thing to keep in mind is that if your claim goes into adjudication for any reason, it can take weeks or even months to get resolved. That's when having a way to actually reach Washington ESD becomes critical. I used Claimyr again when my claim got stuck and they helped me get through to someone who could explain what was happening.

What causes claims to go into adjudication? I want to avoid that if possible.

Lots of things - if you quit your job, got fired, have multiple employers, or if there's any question about your eligibility. Sometimes it's just random verification they need to do.

I'd suggest applying as soon as you become unemployed if it happens. There's a waiting period anyway, and you want to get the process started. Also remember that the first week is always unpaid - that's just how Washington ESD works.

Wait, the first week is unpaid? So even if I get approved right away I won't get anything for the first week?

Exactly. It's called a waiting week. Everyone has to serve it, but you can still get benefits for subsequent weeks if you're eligible.

Make sure you understand the difference between gross and net benefits too. The amount Washington ESD tells you is your weekly benefit amount, but after taxes and any other deductions it'll be less in your actual deposit.

Good point. So if I elect to have taxes taken out, it would be 10% less than whatever my weekly benefit amount is?

Right, and if you have any child support or other garnishments they'll take those out too.

honestly the hardest part is just getting through to them when you have questions. the automated system is useless and the wait times are insane

I've heard about that Claimyr service helping people get through faster. Might be worth looking into if you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD directly.

yeah i might try that next time i need to call them. beats sitting on hold all day

Just remember that unemployment benefits are temporary. In Washington you can get up to 26 weeks of regular benefits, but that's it unless there are extensions. Don't rely on it long-term.

26 weeks should hopefully be enough time to find something new. Thanks for the reminder though.

Yeah, most people find work before running out of benefits. Just stay active with your job search and keep documenting everything.

if you end up filing make sure to keep copies of everything. washington esd loses paperwork all the time and then acts like its your fault

Good advice. I always screenshot my weekly claim confirmations and keep records of all my job search activities.

exactly. learned that the hard way when they said i never filed a weekly claim that i definitely filed

The monetary determination letter you get will show exactly how much your weekly benefit amount is. That usually comes pretty quickly after you file your initial claim. Don't panic if it takes a few days though.

Is that the same as the eligibility determination or are those separate?

Those are separate. Monetary determination is about how much money you can get. Eligibility determination is about whether you qualify for benefits at all.

Pro tip: set up direct deposit right away. Paper checks take forever and sometimes get lost in the mail. The ESD debit card option is faster than checks too.

Thanks! I'll definitely set up direct deposit if I end up filing.

Yeah it's so much more convenient. Plus you can track your payments better in your bank account.

hope you don't end up needing to file but if you do just be patient with the whole process. washington esd moves at their own pace no matter how urgent your situation is

Hopefully I won't need to but good to know what to expect. Thanks everyone for all the helpful info!

good luck with whatever happens with your job situation

One more thing - if you're worried about your claim getting delayed or stuck, having a way to reach Washington ESD quickly is really valuable. I used Claimyr when I had issues and it was a lifesaver. Much better than the usual phone runaround.

Several people have mentioned that service. I'll keep it in mind if I run into problems.

Yeah it's one of those things you hope you don't need but are glad exists when you do need it.

Remember that if you do any part-time work while collecting benefits, you need to report it on your weekly claims. Washington ESD will reduce your benefits but you can still get some money as long as you don't earn too much.

How much can you earn before they cut off benefits completely?

It depends on your weekly benefit amount but generally if you earn more than 1.5 times your weekly benefit amount, you won't get any unemployment that week.

the whole thing is just a bureaucratic mess but at least the money helps when you need it. just cross your fingers that your claim doesn't get flagged for review

Most claims go through without major issues if you file everything correctly and honestly.

true but when things go wrong they really go wrong and good luck getting help from washington esd

Bottom line is with your salary you should get a decent weekly benefit amount. Just make sure you understand all the requirements and keep good records. The system works if you work with it properly.

That's reassuring. Hopefully I won't need to use it but at least I know what to expect now.

Yeah, knowledge is power when dealing with any government agency. Better to be prepared and not need it than the other way around.