What is the amount of unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

Thanks! So if my highest quarter was around $13,000, I'd get about $500 per week?

Exactly! $13,000 divided by 26 equals $500. That sounds about right for your income level.

Yes, the minimum weekly benefit amount in Washington is $295 for 2025. You need to have earned at least $7,670 in your highest quarter to qualify for any benefits at all.

oh ok good to know, thanks for clarifying that

I tried looking for that calculator but couldn't find it on their site. Do you have a direct link?

It's buried in their tools section. Sometimes their website is hard to navigate, honestly.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD or finding info on their site, I used Claimyr recently to get through to an actual agent. They helped me understand my benefit calculation when I was confused about my base period. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

How do you know which quarters they should use for the base period?

Your base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in March 2025, your base period would be October 2023 through September 2024.

Exactly! And they use your W-2s and employer reports to determine your earnings in those quarters.

Yes, all wages reported on your W-2 count including overtime, bonuses, commissions, tips if reported, etc. Basically any income that had unemployment taxes taken out.

Perfect, that should help my benefit amount since I got some decent bonuses last year.

Good to know! I don't have kids but that's useful info for others reading this.

wait really? i have two kids and never knew about this. how do you add dependents?

you have to call washington esd and request to add dependents to your claim. they'll need birth certificates and stuff to verify

26 weeks should hopefully be enough time to find something new. Thanks for the reminder though.

Yeah, just want people to plan accordingly. Job market is tough right now so it might take a while.

That's actually really good to know. So I could potentially do some freelance work while looking for a full-time job?

Yes, but you have to report all earnings when you file your weekly claims. They'll calculate how much to reduce your benefits based on what you earn.

Just make sure you report everything honestly. Washington ESD cross-checks with employers and tax records.

I agree it's complex, but the quarterly system is designed to base benefits on your recent work history rather than just your last paycheck. It's supposed to be more fair overall.

i guess that makes sense but its still a pain to figure out

How much does that service cost though? Kind of defeats the purpose if you're paying a lot just to find out your benefit amount.

It's worth it when you consider how much time you'd spend trying to get through on your own. Plus if there's an error in your calculation, fixing it early can mean hundreds more in benefits.

That's reassuring! Did you have any issues with the filing process itself?

Not really, just took a while to get my first payment because they had to verify my identity. Make sure you have all your documents ready when you file.

Good point! I hadn't thought about the tax implications. Probably better to have them withhold taxes upfront.

Yeah, it's 10% federal withholding if you elect it. Better than getting surprised with a big tax bill later.

Yes, Washington adjusts the maximum and minimum benefit amounts annually based on the state's average weekly wage. That's why the max went up to $999 this year.

ok cool, at least they try to keep up with rising costs somewhat

I'll have to check my employee handbook. That would be a nice bonus if they offer something like that.

It's not super common but worth looking into. Usually it's like an additional percentage of your salary for a few weeks.

Wait, so even if I'm eligible I don't get paid for the first week?

Correct, the first week is unpaid but you still have to file a claim for it. It's called the waiting week requirement.

And you have to be available for work and actively searching during that week too, just like any other week you're claiming benefits.

Same here! I feel much more confident about understanding how the system works now.

yeah everyone here explained it way better than the washington esd website does

Good reminder! I assume applying online counts as a job search contact?

Yes, online applications count. You can also include networking contacts, attending job fairs, working with recruiters, etc. Just keep detailed records.

I learned this the hard way - they can audit your job search log at any time. If you can't prove you were actively looking for work, they can make you pay back benefits.

Agreed! I feel like I actually understand the process now instead of just being confused by government websites.

And if you do run into issues or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD directly, remember that Claimyr option I mentioned. Sometimes you just need to speak with a real person to get your questions answered properly.

Thank you! I'm optimistic but it's nice to know the safety net is there if I need it.

That's exactly what unemployment insurance is for - peace of mind while you look for your next opportunity.

Perfect summary! This should be pinned at the top of unemployment forums everywhere.

Ha! I just got tired of seeing the same questions over and over. Figured a clear summary might help future readers.

Don't forget to mention that you need to be actively searching for work and available to accept suitable employment to continue receiving benefits.