What is max unemployment benefit amount in Washington state for 2025?

Thanks! That's higher than I expected. How do they calculate the base period exactly?

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

What happens if you don't meet that requirement?

then you dont qualify for regular unemployment benefits at all

I had the same problem until I discovered Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

Never heard of that before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit. I used it last month when my claim was stuck in adjudication and I needed to speak with someone urgently. Got connected to an agent within a few hours instead of spending days trying to call.

So if my two highest quarters were $25,000 each, my weekly benefit would be $50,000 divided by 25 = $2,000? But capped at $999?

Exactly right. The formula would give you $2,000 but you'd be capped at the state maximum of $999 per week.

thats a pretty big difference, seems unfair to high earners

You should request a redetermination if you think your benefit amount is incorrect. You can do this through your SecureAccess Washington account or by calling Washington ESD.

I've tried calling for weeks! The phone system is impossible. This is so frustrating.

This is exactly the kind of situation where Claimyr really helps. When you need to reach Washington ESD about benefit calculations or redeterminations, their service can get you connected to an agent who can review your case.

The maximum weekly benefit amount is adjusted annually based on the state's average weekly wage. It typically increases each year but the exact amount varies.

ok cool thanks for clarifying that

Your benefit duration (up to 26 weeks) depends on your total base period earnings, not just your weekly amount. You need substantial earnings throughout your base period to qualify for the full 26 weeks.

That makes sense. So someone could get the max weekly amount but only for like 12 weeks if they didn't work much?

Correct. The weekly amount and duration are calculated separately based on different aspects of your earnings history.

How much part-time work can you do before it affects your benefits?

You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount minus $5 before they start reducing your benefits. So if you get $999, you can earn up to $994 in a week.

wait that doesn't sound right, i thought any earnings reduce your benefits dollar for dollar

Thanks for the correction! I was definitely misinformed about that rule.

that makes way more sense, thanks for clearing that up

What are the current job search requirements in Washington?

You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and register with WorkSource Washington. The activities have to be documented in your job search log.

The system is designed to replace a percentage of your previous wages, which is why it's based on your earnings history. A flat amount wouldn't adequately help people who had higher living expenses based on their previous income.

i guess that makes sense but its still confusing

Can you have taxes automatically withheld from unemployment benefits?

Yes, you can elect to have 10% federal income tax withheld when you file your initial claim or anytime after through your online account.

Employers can contest claims, but this usually affects your eligibility rather than your benefit amount. If they contest successfully, you might be disqualified entirely rather than just getting a reduced amount.

That's what I was worried about. My former employer wasn't too happy when I left.

The maximum weekly benefit amount is the same regardless of the type of unemployment benefits you're receiving. Standby, regular UI, and other programs all use the same $999 maximum for 2025.

Good to know, thanks!

Currently there are no federal extension programs active. Once your regular 26 weeks are exhausted, you would need to requalify for a new claim if you have sufficient earnings in a new base period.

That's scary. Hopefully I can find something before then.

Moving to another state doesn't change your benefit amount, but you need to notify Washington ESD of your address change and continue to meet all eligibility requirements including job search activities.

Thanks, that's helpful to know!

I might have to try that if I run into any issues with my claim. Thanks for the recommendation!

Same here, the regular phone system is basically unusable

Perfect, thanks everyone for all the detailed information. This has been really helpful!

good luck with your claim!