What is max unemployment benefit amount in Washington 2025?

Thanks! So if I made $75k last year, would I automatically get the max amount?

Not automatically - it depends on how your earnings were distributed across quarters. Washington ESD looks at your base period which is the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file.

I thought it was longer than 26 weeks? My cousin was on unemployment for like 8 months during covid

That was different - during COVID there were federal extensions like PEUC that don't exist anymore. Regular state UI is typically 26 weeks max.

How much does that service cost? Seems like something that should be free

It's worth it when you consider the alternative is spending hours trying to get through on your own. The time saved alone makes it valuable.

That's helpful math, thanks. So it's not based on your total annual income but specifically your highest quarter?

Exactly. And there's also a minimum you need to earn in your entire base period - I think it's around $3,500 total to qualify at all.

Good point - can you have taxes withheld automatically or do you have to pay at tax time?

You can request 10% federal tax withholding when you file your weekly claims. It's optional but recommended to avoid a big tax bill later.

It would likely be based on your old job since the base period looks at completed quarters. Your 3 months at the new job probably wouldn't be included unless you use alternate base period.

What's alternate base period? This is getting complicated...

Alternate base period uses the most recent 4 quarters instead of the standard base period. Washington ESD automatically considers it if you don't qualify under the regular base period.

They do have a benefit estimator tool on their website, but it's pretty basic. For detailed questions, talking to an actual agent is better - that's where services like Claimyr really help.

I'll check out that estimator tool, thanks!

In Washington state it's the same statewide. Unlike some other states, we don't have regional variations in the maximum benefit amount.

Good to know, thanks for clarifying!

Exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. They specialize in getting you connected to ESD agents without the endless busy signals and hold times.

I might have to try that next time. Last time I called Washington ESD I was on hold for 3 hours just to get hung up on.

What exactly are the job search requirements? I keep hearing different things.

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. The contacts have to be legitimate job applications or networking activities.

And don't forget you might need to register with WorkSource Washington too depending on your situation.

That makes sense. So even with a good salary, if you had gaps in employment you might not qualify for the max?

Right. If you had periods of unemployment or part-time work in your base period, it could lower your weekly benefit calculation.

What kind of adjudication issue? I want to be prepared in case that happens to me.

They needed to verify my reason for separation from my employer. Even though it was clearly a layoff, Washington ESD still had to investigate.

Adjudication delays are super common. That's another situation where being able to reach an ESD agent directly through Claimyr can really help speed things up.

Washington adjusts the maximum annually based on the state's average weekly wage. It usually goes up a little each year, but not dramatically.

Good to know it at least keeps up with wage growth somewhat.

How strict are they about the weekly claim deadlines? What happens if you miss one?

Pretty strict. If you miss filing a weekly claim you generally lose that week's benefits unless you have a good reason and can get it backdated.

How long does it typically take to get that determination letter?

Usually within a week or two of filing your initial claim, assuming there are no issues that require adjudication.

Yeah it's definitely more livable than it used to be, though still not easy to get by on in expensive areas like Seattle.

True, $999 a week in Seattle doesn't go as far as it would in other parts of the state.

Thanks everyone for all the detailed info. This has been really helpful in understanding how it all works.

No problem! And remember, if you do end up filing and have questions about your specific case, don't hesitate to use resources like Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD directly.