Washington ESD what is the maximum unemployment benefit amount for 2025?

Thanks! So if I made $80k last year I should get close to the maximum?

Not necessarily - it depends on how your wages were distributed across quarters in your base period. Washington ESD looks at your highest quarter, not your annual total.

It's actually $999 now. They update it annually based on the state's average wage calculations.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They actually got me connected to a Washington ESD agent in like 20 minutes. There's a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me hours of calling.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How does it work exactly?

It's legit - they basically call for you and get past the busy signals. Once they reach an agent, they connect you. Way better than trying to get through yourself.

What if you worked in multiple states? Does that affect the maximum benefit calculation?

If you worked in multiple states, you might be able to combine wages through Interstate benefits, but you'd still be subject to Washington's maximum if you file here.

That's the gross amount before taxes. You can choose to have 10% federal tax withheld when you file your weekly claims, but it's optional.

Good to know, thanks! I definitely want to have taxes taken out so I don't get hit with a big bill later.

yeah the delays are crazy right now. mine took almost a month to get approved

That's concerning. I haven't filed yet but was hoping it would be faster than that.

Yes, the minimum weekly benefit amount is $295 in 2025, assuming you meet all the eligibility requirements.

Ok that makes sense. So it ranges from $295 to $999 depending on your previous wages.

No, the maximum weekly benefit amount is the same whether you're on standby or regular UI. Standby just means you don't have to do job searches because you have a definite return-to-work date.

Perfect, that's what I hoped. Thanks for clarifying!

It could actually help! Washington ESD uses your highest quarter earnings to calculate benefits, so a high-earning quarter with a bonus might bump up your weekly benefit amount.

That's great news. I was worried the uneven distribution would work against me.

Your base period is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be July 2023 through June 2024.

Ah ok that makes sense. So recent wages might not even count depending on when you file?

Exactly. That's why timing your claim can matter, especially if you had higher wages in more recent quarters.

No, Washington doesn't provide additional benefits for dependents. The $999 maximum is the same regardless of family size.

Bummer. I know some states do that but I guess Washington isn't one of them.

How much does that service cost? I'm already strapped for cash while waiting for my claim to process.

It's worth checking out their website for details. For me, the time saved was definitely worth it compared to the frustration of calling over and over.

It's typically set for the entire calendar year. Washington ESD announces the new rates in December for the following year.

With partial unemployment, your benefit is reduced based on your part-time earnings. You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount plus $5 before they start reducing your UI payment.

So if my weekly benefit was $800, I could earn up to $805 in part-time work and still get some unemployment?

Right, but anything over $805 would reduce your unemployment benefit dollar for dollar in that scenario.

Same here! I feel much more prepared now to file my claim next week.

Good point. So the most you could get in a year would be $999 x 26 weeks = about $26k total.

Correct, though extended benefits sometimes kick in during high unemployment periods, but those aren't available right now in Washington.

Good to hear another success story. I've been putting off calling because I know it'll be a huge hassle.

Yeah, this definitely beats spending your whole day redialing. Check out their demo video if you want to see how it works first.

Perfect summary! This gives me everything I need to know before filing. Thanks everyone!

Definitely saving this thread for reference. Washington ESD's website makes this way more complicated than it needs to be.