Washington ESD max unemployment benefit amount - what is max unemployment rate?

Thanks! So the $844 doesn't include the dependent allowance - that's added on top? I have 2 kids so that would be an extra $50 per week potentially.

Exactly right. The dependent allowance is calculated separately and added to your weekly benefit amount if you qualify for it.

That's helpful to know! Did you have any issues getting through to Washington ESD to confirm your benefit amount calculation?

Actually yeah, I couldn't get through on the phone for weeks. Someone on here mentioned Claimyr.com which helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

It depends on your quarterly earnings, not your annual salary. They look at your base period (first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters) and use your highest earning quarter. If you made 60k evenly throughout the year, your highest quarter would be around 15k, so your weekly benefit would be around $577.

oh ok that makes more sense. so its not just based on yearly income

Good point about the 26 week limit. I'm hoping to find work before then but it's good to know the total potential amount.

Is the 26 weeks still accurate? I thought they might have extended it again with all the layoffs happening lately.

As of now it's still 26 weeks for regular unemployment. Extended benefits would only kick in if Washington's unemployment rate triggers the federal extensions, which hasn't happened recently.

I know right? The whole system is needlessly complicated. I spent hours trying to figure out my base period quarters.

There actually is a benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website, but it's buried pretty deep in their resources section. Search for 'benefit calculator' on their site.

Correct, the $844 is your gross weekly benefit amount. You can choose to have 10% federal tax withheld, or you can receive the full amount and pay taxes when you file your return.

Thanks, I'll probably have them withhold the taxes to avoid a big surprise next year.

Yes, Washington adjusts the maximum benefit amount annually based on the state's average weekly wage. It's been increasing gradually each year.

That makes sense. At least it keeps up with inflation somewhat.

Good reminder. I need to make sure I'm logging my job search activities properly in WorkSourceWA.

Exactly. You need to complete at least 3 job search activities per week and report them when you file your weekly claim.

Not a dumb question at all! Your weekly benefit amount stays the same for your entire benefit year (52 weeks), but you can only collect for up to 26 weeks total during that year.

ok cool so if i qualify for 500 per week ill get 500 every week until i hit the 26 week limit

The base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through December 2024. They use the quarter with your highest earnings to calculate your weekly benefit.

That helps a lot, thank you. I was worried my medical leave would hurt my calculation but it sounds like they use the best quarter.

Like I mentioned earlier, I used Claimyr to get through. It saved me hours of calling and I was able to speak with an agent the same day I tried it.

I saw that mentioned - is it legit? I'm desperate to talk to someone about my claim status.

Yeah it's totally legitimate. They basically call for you and get you connected when an agent becomes available. Way better than sitting there hitting redial all day.

Hang in there! The initial processing can take a while but once it's approved the payments usually come through consistently.

I hope so. I'm running out of savings and really need these benefits to start.

This is super helpful! I wish Washington ESD explained it this clearly on their website.

Agreed, this thread has been way more helpful than trying to navigate the official resources.

Correct, $844 is the absolute maximum regardless of how much you earned. Unemployment is designed to replace a portion of your income, not all of it. Higher earners do get proportionally less replacement income.

Makes sense I guess, but still stings when you're used to a much higher income.

Exactly why I'm having them withhold 10% for federal taxes. Better to be safe than sorry come tax time.

smart move. i learned that lesson the hard way a few years ago

The maximum is adjusted annually based on Washington's average weekly wage data. If wages increased statewide, the maximum could go up, but I haven't seen any announcements about 2025 changes yet.

Hopefully it gets adjusted upward. Everything else is getting more expensive.

Good to hear another success story with that. I might give it a try if I need to talk to someone about my claim.

Do they charge for that service? Seems too good to be true.

They do charge but it was worth it for me to actually get through and resolve my issue quickly instead of wasting days trying to call.

Same here! At least now I have realistic expectations for what my weekly benefit will be.

Glad this discussion helped clarify things. The unemployment system can be confusing but understanding the basics makes it much easier to navigate.

This is good advice. I had to submit additional wage documentation and it delayed my claim by 2 weeks.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll make sure I have all my pay stubs and W2s organized before I submit everything.

Perfect, thanks for the confirmation. This gives me a good baseline for budgeting while I job search.