How to calculate how much unemployment you will receive from Washington ESD?

Washington ESD uses your highest quarter earnings from your base period. Take that amount, divide by 26, then that's roughly your weekly benefit amount. But there's also a minimum and maximum - I think max is around $999 per week in 2025. You can also use the benefit calculator on their website.

The calculation is actually your highest quarter divided by 26, but you also need to make sure your total base period wages are at least 1.5 times your highest quarter. With your numbers ($52k total, $18.5k highest) you definitely qualify. Your weekly benefit amount would be $711 before taxes.

I was struggling to get through to Washington ESD to ask about my benefit calculation and kept getting hung up on after waiting forever. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an actual person who walked through my specific situation. Way easier than trying to call on your own. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Just remember that your benefit amount also depends on when you worked. The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be October 2023 through September 2024. Make sure you're looking at the right time period for your wages.

does washington esd have a calculator on their website? seems like that would be easier than trying to do the math yourself

One thing to keep in mind is that your weekly benefit amount might be reduced if you have any part-time work while collecting unemployment. Washington ESD has specific rules about how they deduct earnings from your weekly benefit, so make sure you report any work accurately.

The maximum weekly benefit in Washington for 2025 is $999, but most people don't get that much unless they were making really high wages. Your calculation of around $711 sounds reasonable for your income level.

I had a similar situation last year and the online calculator was pretty accurate. My actual weekly benefit ended up being within $10 of what the calculator estimated. Just make sure you have accurate wage information from all your employers during the base period.

dont forget that unemployment benefits are only temporary - you get 26 weeks max in most cases. so while the weekly amount is important, also plan for what happens after that runs out

When I was trying to get details about my benefit calculation, I kept getting conflicting information from different ESD reps. Finally got frustrated and tried Claimyr to get connected properly. The agent I spoke with was actually knowledgeable and could access my specific wage history to give me an exact calculation.

Also remember that if you quit your job voluntarily, you might not be eligible for benefits at all, regardless of how much you would get. Washington ESD is pretty strict about the reason for separation from employment.

The benefit amount calculation is just the starting point. You also need to factor in the waiting week, any deductions for things like child support, and the job search requirements. It's not as simple as just getting a check every week.

Whatever amount you calculate, just be prepared for potential delays in actually getting your money. Even straightforward claims can take several weeks to process, and if there are any issues it can take much longer.

I'd recommend applying as soon as possible after you lose your job. Even if you're not sure about the exact benefit amount, you don't want to delay and miss out on weeks of potential benefits while you're figuring out the calculation.

For what it's worth, when I had questions about my benefit calculation that the website couldn't answer, I ended up using Claimyr to get through to ESD. The rep was able to pull up my exact wage history and walk through the calculation step by step. Much better than trying to guess based on the general formula.