Washington ESD unemployment benefit amounts - how much is unemployment payment?

Washington ESD calculates your weekly benefit amount (WBA) based on your highest earning quarter in your base period. It's roughly 3.85% of your highest quarter earnings, but there's a maximum cap. For 2025, the maximum weekly benefit is $999.

the amount varies alot depending on what you made. i was getting like $350 a week when i got laid off from retail but my friend who worked construction was getting over $700

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check your benefit amount, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach an agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

The weekly benefit amount also depends on if you're working part-time while claiming. Washington ESD has an earnings deduction formula where they subtract a portion of your part-time wages from your weekly benefit. You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount before they start reducing it significantly.

UGH the whole system is so confusing!! I've been trying to figure out my benefit amount for weeks and the Washington ESD website is terrible. Why can't they just tell you upfront how much you'll get?

Don't forget about the waiting week! Your first week of unemployment doesn't get paid - it's just a waiting period. So even though you file right away, your first payment will be for your second week of benefits.

For anyone still struggling to get through to Washington ESD about benefit amounts, definitely check out Claimyr. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked. Got connected to an agent in like 20 minutes instead of calling all day.

The maximum weekly benefit amount in Washington is pretty decent compared to other states. But remember you also have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits, so factor that in when budgeting.

been on unemployment twice in the past 5 years and the benefit amounts have gone up each time due to wage increases. if you filed recently your amount should be higher than people who filed a few years ago

Make sure you understand the difference between your weekly benefit amount and your maximum benefit amount. The weekly is what you get each week, but the maximum is the total you can collect during your benefit year (usually 26 weeks worth).

Does anyone know if the benefit amount changes if you're collecting while on reduced hours vs. completely unemployed? My hours got cut to 20 per week but I'm still employed.

Just want to add that if you're having issues with your benefit calculation or think it's wrong, you can appeal the determination. I had to do this when they miscalculated my base period wages and it got sorted out.

Pro tip: if you worked in multiple states during your base period, you might be able to file a combined wage claim to get a higher benefit amount. Washington ESD can combine wages from other states in some cases.

The benefit amount also depends on when you file. If you wait too long after becoming unemployed, you might lose some weeks of eligibility. File as soon as possible after your last day of work.

For anyone still having trouble reaching Washington ESD, I used Claimyr last month and it was a lifesaver. Finally got my benefit amount sorted out after weeks of busy signals. The video demo on their site shows exactly how it works.