Washington ESD max unemployment benefit amount 2025 - how much can I get?

Thanks! That's way higher than I expected. So it's calculated from my highest quarter earnings, not my annual salary?

Exactly. They look at your base period which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. Then they use your highest earning quarter to calculate your weekly benefit amount.

Good to know it's not too complicated. I've never filed for unemployment before so I'm not sure what to expect.

just make sure you have all your employment history ready when you apply online. saves time later

Same problem here! I've been calling since 7am every day and can never get through. Super frustrating when you need answers about your claim.

I actually found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Basically they handle the calling and waiting for you so you don't have to sit on hold.

Interesting, never heard of that before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It worked for me. I was skeptical too but I was desperate after weeks of trying to reach them myself. They got me connected to an actual agent who helped resolve my benefit calculation issue.

What counts as a job search activity? Is it just applying to jobs or are there other things?

Job applications, networking events, career fairs, informational interviews, and some training activities count. You log everything in your WorkSourceWA account.

this job search requirement is such a pain... like we're not already stressed enough about being unemployed

That math helps a lot. I was trying to figure out what I'd get with my $60k salary.

With $60k annually, if it was spread evenly, you'd have about $15k per quarter, which would give you around $577 weekly. But it depends on how your pay was distributed throughout the year.

Good point. I was laid off last Friday so I should probably file this week.

Yes, file immediately. Even if you think you might find something soon, you can always stop claiming if you get a job. But you can't go back and claim weeks you didn't file for.

learned this the hard way... waited 3 weeks thinking I'd find something and lost out on those weeks of benefits

That's before taxes. You can choose to have federal and state taxes withheld from your benefits, or you can pay them when you file your tax return. Most people have taxes taken out to avoid a big bill later.

Thanks, so probably looking at around $750-800 after taxes then. Still better than nothing while job hunting.

What day do you usually file your weekly claims? Is there a best time?

You can file starting Sunday for the previous week. I always do mine Sunday morning to get it out of the way. The system can be slow if you wait until later in the week.

How does that work exactly? Do they just call for you or is there more to it?

They handle all the calling and waiting. You give them your information and they get you connected when an agent is available. Much better than sitting on hold for hours.

Good reminder. I'll make sure to set up tax withholding when I file my claim.

Yeah I forgot about this my first time on unemployment and got hit with a big tax bill. Learn from my mistake!

With 3 years of steady work I should definitely meet that requirement. Thanks for the info!

What causes claims to go into adjudication? Trying to avoid any issues when I file.

Usually it's something like conflicting information about why you left your job, or if your employer contests the claim. Sometimes it's just random verification stuff. Most get resolved eventually but it can take weeks.

adjudication is the worst... been waiting 3 weeks for mine to clear. definitely going to look into that calling service

That's reassuring to know. Makes me feel better about filing rather than just burning through savings immediately.

exactly! that's what the system is for. you paid into it through your taxes so don't feel bad about using it when you need it