Washington ESD unemployment max weekly benefit amount 2025?

Thanks! So it's based on quarterly earnings not just my hourly wage? I made around $18,000 last quarter so probably won't get the max.

Exactly, it's your highest quarter earnings divided by 26, then they take that amount and calculate your weekly benefit rate from there. You'll probably get somewhere around $650-700 per week based on those earnings.

26 weeks goes by fast when you're job searching. I burned through 18 weeks of benefits before finally landing something.

Good to know about the 26 week limit. Hopefully I won't need that long but at least I know what I'm working with.

How much does that cost? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days about my benefit amount calculation.

It's worth it honestly, way less stress than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected. Helped me get my adjudication issue resolved in one call.

I'll keep that in mind if I run into issues. Right now just trying to understand the basics before I file.

Yes, Washington adjusts the maximum annually based on the state's average wage. The $999 maximum for 2025 is definitely an increase from 2024.

Finally some good news about unemployment lol. Every other state seems to have lower max amounts.

I've been working steady for over two years so should be fine there. Just want to make sure I understand what I might get approved for.

Yeah the base period thing confused me too when I first filed. Make sure you have all your pay stubs ready when you apply.

Yes, unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have 10% federal taxes withheld when you file your weekly claims, or you can pay quarterly estimated taxes.

Ugh I didn't think about that. So the $999 max isn't really $999 after taxes.

Exactly, plus you'll still owe state income tax at the end of the year. Washington doesn't have state income tax but federal taxes definitely apply.

No, Washington doesn't provide additional benefits for dependents. The $999 maximum is the absolute highest weekly benefit amount regardless of your family situation.

That sucks, I have three kids and was hoping for some kind of additional help.

Good point about timing. I'm still employed but expecting a layoff next month so good to know about the waiting period.

You can't file until you're actually unemployed though, don't try to file early or you'll get in trouble with Washington ESD.

What kind of job search requirements? Like how many applications per week?

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. Can be applications, networking, job fairs, etc. Washington ESD is pretty strict about this.

yeah they audit those logs too so dont try to fake it

How long did adjudication take for you? I keep seeing horror stories about people waiting months.

Mine took about 6 weeks but this was during a busy period. Some people get approved faster, others wait longer depending on their situation.

Yes, all wages reported to Washington ESD count including overtime, bonuses, commissions, etc. Anything your employer paid unemployment taxes on will be included in your base period calculation.

Great! I put in tons of overtime hours so hopefully that bumps up my weekly benefit amount.

Good to know. I might pick up some gig work while unemployed so I'll need to watch those earnings.

Yeah you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount plus $5 before they start reducing your benefits. So if you get $700/week in UI, you can earn up to $705 in wages without any reduction.

You can see an estimate in your online account once you start the application process. It's not perfect but gives you a ballpark figure.

I'll check that out, thanks for the tip.

I'm getting desperate enough to try anything. Been calling for two weeks about my benefit amount and keep getting hung up on.

That's exactly why I tried it. The phone system is terrible but they got me connected to an actual person who could answer my questions.

That's a good point. Even $999/week is only about $52K annually which is less than what most people were making at their jobs.

Exactly why you need to treat unemployment as temporary and keep actively job searching. It's not meant to replace your full income long-term.

Thanks for confirming! Did they tell you how they calculate if you qualify for the maximum amount?

They said it's based on your highest quarter earnings being at least $62,500. If you made less than that in your best quarter, you'll get a proportionally lower weekly amount.

Good advice. I'll make sure to file the day after my last day of work.

Smart move. Every week you wait is money you can't get back later.

That makes sense. I figured not everyone would get the maximum but good to know what the average looks like.

Yeah the maximum sounds great but you need to have been making really good money to qualify for it.