Making $1000 per week - how much Washington ESD unemployment will I get?

Washington ESD calculates your weekly benefit amount based on your highest earning quarter in your base period. Generally it's about 3.85% of your total wages in that quarter, but there's a maximum weekly benefit amount too. For 2025, the max is around $999 per week. Since you were making $1000 weekly, you might get close to the maximum depending on how long you worked at that wage.

The exact formula is: take your highest quarter wages, multiply by 0.0385, then divide by 13. But there's also a minimum and maximum. You need to have worked at least 680 hours in your base period and earned at least $7,000 total. If you were consistently making $1000/week for a full quarter, that's about $13,000 per quarter, so you'd likely qualify for a higher benefit amount.

I was in a similar situation last year and it took FOREVER to get through to someone at Washington ESD to ask about my benefit calculation. I kept calling the main number but could never get past the busy signal. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual person. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Ended up getting my questions answered in like 2 days instead of weeks of trying to call.

just go to the washington esd website and use their benefit calculator. its not that hard to figure out yourself

One thing to keep in mind - even if you qualify for the maximum benefit amount, you still have to meet all the other requirements like doing job searches and being able and available for work. And if you have any issues with your claim, like if your employer contests it, you could end up in adjudication which can take weeks or months to resolve.

The $1000/week you mentioned - was that gross or net? Because Washington ESD calculates benefits based on gross wages, not what you took home after taxes. If that was your take-home pay, your actual reportable wages were probably higher.

I've been on unemployment twice and the benefit amount can vary a lot depending on your work history. If you worked consistently at that wage for at least a year, you'll probably get a good amount. But if you just started that job recently, it might be calculated based on lower previous wages.

Don't forget you have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits too. I made that mistake my first time and owed money at tax time. You can have them withhold 10% or just set aside money yourself.

To give you a rough estimate - if you were making $1000/week for a full quarter, that's about $13,000 quarterly wages. Using the formula (13,000 × 0.0385 ÷ 13), you'd get around $384 per week. But if you had an even higher earning quarter in your base period, it could be more. The maximum is $999/week for 2025.

The Washington ESD system is so confusing with all these calculations. I spent hours trying to figure out my benefit amount when I filed. Ended up calling multiple times before I got someone who could explain it properly.

You should file as soon as possible even if you're not sure about the exact amount. Benefits start from the week you file, not when you were laid off. And it can take a week or two to process anyway.

I'm going through the same thing right now. Got laid off from a $950/week job and my benefit amount ended up being $367/week. Close to what the formula predicted but not exact. Every situation is different.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements too. You have to apply for jobs and keep a log. It's not just about getting the money - there are ongoing requirements to stay eligible.

ugh the washington esd website is so confusing. i tried to use their calculator thing and it just made me more confused. why cant they just give you a straight answer?

I used to work in HR and helped employees with unemployment questions. The base period calculation trips up a lot of people. If you have any pay stubs from your highest earning quarter, that can help you estimate your benefit amount more accurately.

Whatever you do, don't try to game the system or lie about anything. Washington ESD will find out and you'll have to pay back benefits plus penalties. Just be honest about your wages and work history.

File online if you can. It's faster than calling and you can do it anytime. The system walks you through everything step by step. Just have your employment info ready.

One more thing - if you get a new job while collecting unemployment, you have to report those wages. They'll reduce your benefits based on how much you earn. But you can still collect partial benefits in some cases.

Been there! Lost my $1100/week job last year and was so stressed about money. Unemployment definitely helped bridge the gap while I found something new. Don't be afraid to use the system - you paid into it with your taxes.

If you run into any issues with your claim or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier is actually pretty helpful. My sister used it when her claim got stuck and it saved her weeks of trying to get through. Worth keeping in mind if you need it.