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

Thanks! So if I made around $11,000 in my best quarter, that would be about $423 divided by 26? Then 60% of that?

Not quite - you divide your highest quarter by 26 first, then take 60% of that result. So $11,000 ÷ 26 = $423, then $423 × 0.6 = about $254 per week.

ugh the phone situation is ridiculous! I called 47 times last week and only got through once before they hung up on me

Have you tried using Claimyr? I found out about it from someone here - it's claimyr.com and they actually get you through to Washington ESD agents. There's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Never heard of that but anything's better than redialing all day. Does it actually work?

Good to know the minimum went up. When do benefits typically start after filing?

Usually takes 1-2 weeks if there are no issues with your claim. You won't get paid for your first week (waiting week) but if you're eligible, payments start after that.

That's helpful thanks. Did you have any issues with the application process?

nah pretty straightforward, just had to wait for them to verify my employment. took about 10 days total

Wait, so if I get a part-time job making $300/week and my benefit is $400, do I still get the full $400?

No, Washington ESD will reduce your benefits. Generally they subtract your earnings minus $5 from your weekly benefit. So you'd get $400 - ($300 - $5) = $105 that week.

That's confusing but makes sense I guess. Better than losing all benefits.

The $999 is the absolute maximum for regular unemployment insurance in Washington for 2025. But very few people actually qualify for that amount - you'd need to have earned over $42,000 in your highest quarter.

Damn, that's like $168k per year. Yeah I'm nowhere near that lol

Claimyr seriously helped me with this exact problem. I was stuck in adjudication for weeks and couldn't reach anyone. Used their service and finally got through to an agent who explained my claim was held up over a small documentation issue.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already stressed about money.

It's totally worth it when you're stuck like that. Check out the demo video first - https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Way better than calling hundreds of times.

That's encouraging! Were there any surprises in the process?

Just that they counted some overtime from last year that I forgot about. Made my highest quarter higher than I thought.

Wait, so if I just got laid off, they won't look at this year's wages?

Depends when you file, but generally no. If you file in early 2025, they'll look at wages from Jan 2023 - Dec 2023 for your base year. It's called the 'base period.

That seems weird but okay. I guess I need to dig up my 2023 pay stubs.

I tried that but some of my employers aren't showing up correctly. Should I be worried?

Definitely contact Washington ESD about missing wage records. That could affect your benefit amount significantly.

I feel you. The phone system is absolutely awful. Have you tried the online messaging system?

Yes! They take 2 weeks to respond with generic copy-paste answers that don't help at all.

This is exactly why I started using Claimyr. Got tired of the runaround and actually needed to talk to someone who could access my account. Worth every penny when you're dealing with benefit calculations or claim issues.

Good point. I already filed my initial claim, when should I expect to file my first weekly claim?

they'll send you info about when to file weekly claims, usually starts the week after you file your initial application

How long was your gap? I was unemployed for about 3 months in 2023.

Mine was about 4 months. It just meant fewer quarters with wages, so my average was lower.

What kind of additional programs? I haven't heard about those.

Things like job training assistance, childcare support if you're looking for work, stuff like that. Ask about it when you talk to Washington ESD.

Ugh I didn't think about taxes. How much do they typically withhold?

I think it's 10% federal withholding if you elect it. Washington state doesn't have income tax so that's not an issue.

Same boat here. The busy signal is basically my ringtone at this point.

Try calling right when they open at 8am. Sometimes you can get through faster.

So if I qualify for $300/week, I could potentially get $300 x 26 weeks = $7,800 total?

Exactly, assuming you remain eligible and keep filing weekly claims. But if you find work before 26 weeks, benefits stop.

That's good to know. I had two jobs for part of last year so hopefully that helps my calculation.

It should definitely help since they'll use your total wages from all employers in each quarter.

Same here! This has been really helpful. Good luck with your claim.

Thanks! Hope yours goes smoothly too.

Perfect summary, thanks! I think I have a much better idea of what to expect now.

This should be pinned or something. Clearest explanation I've seen anywhere.