Washington ESD unemployment benefits - how much can you get weekly in 2025?

Washington ESD calculates your weekly benefit amount (WBA) based on your highest earning quarter from your base period. The minimum is $295 per week and maximum is $999 per week as of 2025. With your salary of $52k, you'd probably get somewhere around $650-750 per week depending on how your earnings were distributed throughout the year.

the formula is kinda complicated but basically they take your two highest quarters from your base period and divide by 2, then multiply by 0.0385. thats your weekly amount but it cant be more than $999 or less than $295

I was in a similar situation last year and couldn't get through to Washington ESD for weeks to ask questions about my benefit amount. The phone lines are absolutely terrible - I probably called 200+ times. Finally used Claimyr.com to get connected to an actual agent who explained everything clearly. They have this video demo (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ) that shows exactly how it works. Saved me so much frustration!

DEFINITELY file even if you think the amount might be low! I made the mistake of waiting 3 weeks after getting laid off because I thought it wouldn't be worth it. You can't get benefits for weeks you don't file, so don't delay like I did. Plus you need the work search credits on your record.

Your base period matters a lot for the calculation. Washington ESD uses the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, they'd look at your wages from January 2024 through September 2024. If you had a big raise or bonus in Q4 2024, that won't count toward your benefit amount.

idk why people stress so much about the exact amount before filing. just file and see what you get! took me like 30 minutes online and i found out my benefit amount right away

Just want to clarify something about the maximum benefit - the $999 per week includes any additional benefits like partial unemployment if you're working part-time. The base maximum for regular unemployment is still $999 though. Also remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income in Washington state.

The Washington ESD system is so frustrating when you're trying to get basic information. I spent hours on hold just to ask about dependent allowances (spoiler alert: Washington doesn't have them). Their website has some info but it's scattered all over the place.

Just a heads up that if you quit your job voluntarily you probably won't qualify for benefits unless you had good cause. Washington ESD is pretty strict about that. But if you were laid off like you mentioned, you should be fine as long as you meet the wage requirements.

For what it's worth, I was making about $48k when I got laid off last year and my weekly benefit was $687. So your estimate from the earlier poster seems about right. The money definitely helps while job hunting but don't expect to maintain your full lifestyle on it.

make sure you apply asap because there's a waiting week where you don't get paid. well technically you do get paid for it but only after your claim ends or you go back to work. stupid system if you ask me

The benefit amount calculation can be confusing but Washington ESD has improved their online tools recently. When you file your initial claim, it shows your potential weekly benefit amount right there on the screen. Takes the guesswork out of it.

One thing nobody mentioned is that your benefit amount stays the same for your entire benefit year, even if you start working part-time. They just reduce your weekly payment based on how much you earn, but your base benefit rate doesn't change.

honestly the whole ui system is designed to discourage people from filing. between the confusing calculations, phone system from hell, and all the hoops you have to jump through it's like they don't want to pay anyone

Quick update for anyone still reading - that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier? Just used it again to check on a friend's claim status and it's still working great. Honestly worth it just to avoid the stress of calling Washington ESD directly.

Just remember that Washington ESD can take up to 21 days to process your initial claim if it goes into adjudication. Even straightforward layoffs sometimes get flagged for review. Don't panic if you don't hear back immediately.

For OP's original question about whether it's worth filing - at your salary level you're looking at probably $2600-3000 per month in benefits. That's definitely worth the time to file, especially since you can job hunt while collecting.

Last thing - if your claim gets approved, you'll get back pay for all the weeks you were eligible, including that first waiting week eventually. So even if there are delays in processing, you won't lose money you're entitled to.