How much you get for unemployment benefits in Washington - weekly amount breakdown

Washington ESD calculates your weekly benefit amount (WBA) using your highest quarter of earnings in your base period. Take your highest quarter wages, divide by 26, then multiply by 0.0385. The minimum is $295/week and maximum is $999/week for 2025. So if you made $15,000 in your highest quarter, that's about $577/week.

i think its like 50% of your average weekly wage or something like that but theres a max. mine came out to about $550/week when i was making $22/hour

The Washington ESD has an online calculator but it's been buggy lately. Your best bet is to just file and see what they determine. The calculation involves your base period wages (first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters) and they use a specific formula. Don't forget you can also get an extra $25/week if you have dependents.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD to get specifics about your benefit calculation, I used claimyr.com recently and it actually got me through to an agent pretty quickly. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Was way better than trying to call for hours.

Whatever you do dont trust the automated estimate they give you when you first file! Mine was way off and I had to call to get it corrected. Took 3 weeks to fix

For 2025, here are the key numbers to know: Minimum WBA is $295, maximum is $999. Most people fall somewhere in between based on their work history. If you worked part-time or had inconsistent hours, your benefit might be lower than you expect.

The thing that trips people up is they look at their gross pay vs net pay. Washington ESD uses your gross wages for the calculation, so don't use your take-home pay when trying to estimate your benefits.

also keep in mind you can only collect for 26 weeks max unless theres some special extension program. and you have to do the job search stuff too or they'll cut you off

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS SO CONFUSING why can't they just have a simple calculator that actually works??? I spent forever trying to figure out what I'd get and the estimate was totally wrong

Just remember you'll owe taxes on unemployment benefits so don't spend it all assuming it's tax-free money. You can have them withhold 10% or pay quarterly estimated taxes.

One more important thing - if you worked in multiple states recently, you might need to file an interstate claim. Washington ESD will coordinate with other states to determine your benefit amount if you have wages from elsewhere.

Since you're just starting the process, definitely call Washington ESD once you file to confirm your benefit calculation is correct. Like I mentioned before, I had success using claimyr.com to actually get through to someone instead of waiting on hold forever.

been on unemployment twice in the past 5 years and both times my benefit amount was different even though i was making similar wages. depends a lot on which quarters they use for your base period

whatever you end up getting make sure to certify every week on time or you'll lose those benefits. learned that the hard way when i missed a week

To summarize for your situation: making $18/hour retail, you probably earned around $37,500 annually if you worked full-time. Your highest quarter might be around $9,500-10,000, which would put your weekly benefit around $600-650, assuming you don't hit any caps or minimums that adjust it.

Don't forget that if you get any severance pay or vacation payout from your employer, that might affect when your benefits start. Washington ESD has rules about separation pay that can delay your first payment.

honestly the hardest part isnt figuring out how much youll get its actually getting approved and staying on top of all the requirements. keep track of everything!

The Washington ESD benefit calculator on their website should give you a rough estimate, but as others mentioned, it's not always accurate. The actual determination comes after they process your claim and verify your wage history with your employers.

One thing nobody mentioned - if you have a pension or retirement income, that can reduce your weekly benefit amount. Not sure if that applies to you but worth knowing.

Final tip - if you end up needing to talk to Washington ESD about your benefit calculation or any other issues, seriously consider using claimyr.com. Saved me hours of frustration trying to get through their phone system. The peace of mind was worth it.