What do you get from unemployment benefits in Washington state?

Your weekly benefit amount depends on your earnings during your base period, which is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. Washington ESD uses a formula based on your highest quarter earnings. The maximum weekly benefit in 2025 is around $1,015, but most people get significantly less. With restaurant work and variable hours, you'll want to gather all your pay stubs from the last 18 months.

The amount varies a lot but restaurant workers often get decent benefits if they worked consistently. I got laid off from my server job last year and was getting about $380/week. Not amazing but it helped cover rent while I looked for something new. The job search requirements aren't too bad either - you need to apply to 3 jobs per week and keep a log.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD for questions about your potential benefits, I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helps people connect with ESD agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. I used it when I couldn't figure out my benefit calculation and it saved me hours of calling.

Washington unemployment isn't bad compared to other states. You get up to 26 weeks of benefits, and the weekly amount is calculated as about 3.85% of your total base period wages divided by 52, with some minimum and maximum limits. Restaurant workers sometimes qualify for higher amounts if they had good tip reporting.

dont expect much tbh. i worked retail for 3 years and only got like $280 a week. better than nothing but not enough to live on really. plus they make you jump through hoops with the job search stuff

The benefit calculation is based on your highest earning quarter in your base period. If you made good money during busy restaurant seasons, that could help your weekly amount. Also make sure you understand the difference between gross and net - they calculate based on gross wages but you'll pay taxes on the benefits.

I just went through this process after getting laid off from my bartending job. Made about $22/hour with tips and ended up qualifying for $445/week. The key is having consistent work history and making sure all your wages were properly reported to Washington ESD. The online application took about 30 minutes.

Something to keep in mind - if your hours are cut significantly but you're not completely laid off, you might qualify for partial unemployment benefits. Washington has a partial benefits program if you're working reduced hours. Worth looking into before you get fully laid off.

MAKE SURE YOU APPLY RIGHT AWAY AFTER YOUR LAST DAY. I made the mistake of waiting a week thinking I'd find something quick and lost out on benefits for that week. Washington ESD doesn't pay for the waiting period anymore but you still can't get benefits for weeks before you file.

The restaurant industry has some quirks with unemployment. If you were fired for misconduct or quit without good cause, you won't qualify. But layoffs due to lack of work are usually straightforward. Also, seasonal workers sometimes have different rules if the restaurant has a pattern of temporary layoffs.

I used Claimyr when I had questions about my benefit amount calculation and couldn't get through to ESD. Really helped me understand why my benefits were lower than expected - turns out one of my previous employers hadn't reported all my wages correctly.

Just a heads up - the online system for Washington ESD can be glitchy sometimes. Keep screenshots of everything you submit and make note of confirmation numbers. I had to resubmit my weekly claim twice because of system errors.

Your timing might actually be good. I've heard the job market is picking up again, especially in food service. Even if you get laid off, you might not need the full 26 weeks of benefits. But it's definitely worth having as a safety net.

Don't forget about WorkSource Washington too. They have job search resources and sometimes job training programs that can help while you're on unemployment. The counselors there can be really helpful for career planning.

One more thing - if you end up needing to appeal any decisions about your benefits, don't wait. You only have 30 days to appeal most Washington ESD decisions. I learned that the hard way when I got a disqualification notice I disagreed with.

Overall the Washington unemployment system is pretty decent compared to other states I've heard about. The benefits last longer and the amounts are usually reasonable. Just be prepared for some bureaucracy and make sure you follow all the rules for weekly claims and job search.