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

That's helpful, thanks! So if I made around $8,000 in my best quarter, that would be about $308 per week?

Yes, that sounds about right. You can also use the benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website to get a more precise estimate.

Did you have any trouble getting through to Washington ESD when you filed? I keep hearing the phone lines are always busy.

Yeah, calling was a nightmare. Took me weeks to get through when I had questions about my claim.

Is that service legit? I'm always skeptical of third-party services for government stuff.

I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They just help you navigate the phone system more efficiently.

I might try this if I can't get through the normal way. The hold times are ridiculous.

You're right, there's a dependent allowance. It's $32 per dependent child under 18, up to 5 children maximum.

I don't have kids so that won't apply to me, but good to know for others.

Oh wow, I didn't realize unemployment was taxable income. That's important to know.

Yeah, a lot of people get surprised by that at tax time. You can have 10% withheld or just pay it later.

How do you know which quarters they use? Is it automatic?

They use the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, they'd look at quarters from July 2023 through September 2024.

That's correct. It's called your 'base period' and the timing of when you file can affect which earnings they consider.

Yes, part-time workers can qualify as long as you meet the earnings requirements during your base period. The minimum is earning at least $3,737 in your base period.

Thanks! I should definitely meet that threshold then.

That's exactly why services like Claimyr are helpful - you can actually talk to Washington ESD staff to get clarification on your specific situation instead of guessing.

Yeah I might look into that if I have issues with my next claim.

26 weeks should hopefully be enough time to find something new. That's about 6 months right?

Yep, exactly 6 months. Though you have to keep doing job searches and reporting them each week.

It's not 'free money' - unemployment insurance is funded by employer payroll taxes. You don't have to pay it back unless you get overpaid due to fraud or errors.

oh ok that makes sense. i was wondering how that worked

That's good to know. I had a different part-time job before this one so that might help my benefit amount.

Exactly, every bit of covered employment helps build up your benefit calculation.

Good point. So even if I don't get laid off until next month, I should file right away when it happens?

Yes, file immediately. The sooner you file, the sooner your claim starts processing and the waiting period begins.

If you're laid off through no fault of your own and meet the earnings requirements, you should qualify. Even if there are issues, you can appeal any negative decisions.

And if you do run into problems or need to appeal, that's another situation where Claimyr can help you actually reach Washington ESD staff to discuss your case instead of waiting weeks for responses.

How many job searches do you need to do per week?

The standard requirement is 3 job search activities per week, but it can vary based on your situation and any workshops or training you're attending.

Do you file them online or do you have to call in?

Online is much easier. The website works pretty well for weekly claims, it's just the phone system that's a nightmare when you need to talk to someone.

Thanks everyone, this has been really helpful! I feel much more prepared now if I do end up needing to file.

Good luck! Hopefully the layoffs don't happen, but at least you know what to expect now.