What is maximum unemployment benefit amount in Washington state?

Thanks! So if I made more than what would calculate to $999, I'd still only get the max amount?

Exactly. The state sets that ceiling regardless of how much you earned. It's updated annually based on the state average weekly wage.

You might be thinking of last year's amount. Washington ESD updates the maximum each year, and 2025 saw an increase.

oh ok that makes sense, thanks for clarifying

How does that service work exactly? Do they just help you get through on the phone?

Yeah, they handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when they get an agent on the line. Saved me hours of trying to call myself.

That actually sounds useful. I've been trying to reach them for weeks about my adjudication status.

Good to know! So someone getting the max would receive $25,974 total over 26 weeks?

That's correct, assuming they're eligible for the full 26 weeks and don't find work before then.

Wait, what? So my current salary doesn't matter for the calculation?

Not if you just started the job recently. They look at quarters that are already completed when you file your claim.

This is why timing matters when you file. I waited an extra month to include a high-earning quarter in my base period.

Standby benefits use the same calculation and maximum as regular UI. The difference is in the work search requirements, not the benefit amounts.

oh ok thanks, that helps

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. Adjudication issues are one of the main reasons people need to actually talk to an ESD agent, not just check online.

I might have to try that. This waiting is killing me financially.

Adjudication can take forever unfortunately. Mine took 7 weeks last year and there was no way to speed it up.

That's really helpful! I'll try calculating it myself to get an idea.

Just remember this is an estimate. Washington ESD might have different wage information than what you think.

Right, it's tied to the state's average weekly wage calculations. They announce the new maximum each January.

Better than some states that haven't updated their maximums in years.

Correct. Unemployment is designed as temporary partial wage replacement, not full replacement. The maximum applies regardless of how much you earned.

wow ok, definitely need to budget carefully then

This is why high earners often have private unemployment insurance or emergency funds. The state system has limits.

Good point. What are the current job search requirements?

You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. Washington ESD can audit this anytime.

Benefit calculation errors definitely need to be resolved with an actual agent. That's another perfect use case for Claimyr - they specialize in getting you connected for these kinds of issues.

at this point i'm willing to try anything. the online system doesn't show enough detail about how they calculated my amount

Oh right, I forgot about taxes. So the actual take-home would be less.

Exactly. I'd recommend having them withhold 10% federal tax when you set up your claim.

How do you check which quarters they're using for your base period?

It should show on your monetary determination letter when your claim is processed. If you can't access it online, you'd need to call.

It's because they need completed quarters for the calculation to be accurate. Using partial quarters would make the math more complicated.

i guess that makes sense but its still confusing for regular people

Congrats! That's a relief. Was your claim pretty straightforward or did you have any complications?

Pretty straightforward layoff, no issues with eligibility. I think that helped speed things up.

Good reminder. I'll make sure to read all the requirements carefully once I get approved.

Yeah, the amount doesn't matter if you can't keep the benefits coming. Follow all the rules.

Good luck with your claim! Make sure to file as soon as you're eligible and keep detailed records of everything.

And remember, if you run into any issues that require talking to an agent, services like Claimyr can save you a lot of time and frustration with the phone system.

will definitely keep that in mind, thanks again everyone!