What is the highest amount you can receive from Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

The maximum weekly benefit amount in Washington for 2025 is $999 per week. This is based on your highest earning quarter from your base period. To qualify for the max, you need to have earned at least $74,925 in your highest quarter during the base period.

i think its like $800 something? not sure about the exact amount but its def not $1000

The $999 maximum is correct for regular UI benefits. However, getting through to Washington ESD to verify your benefit calculation can be a nightmare with their phone system. I spent weeks trying to reach someone about my benefit amount calculation. Finally used Claimyr.com to get through - they have this system that calls Washington ESD for you and connects you when an agent picks up. Here's their demo video: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Made all the difference in getting my questions answered.

DON'T EXPECT TO GET THE MAXIMUM UNLESS YOU MADE SERIOUS MONEY! Most people get way less than $999. I made $65k last year and only get $487 per week. The system is designed to keep payments low.

Important to note that the maximum duration is typically 26 weeks of benefits in Washington, unless there are special circumstances or extensions. So even at the maximum $999/week, you're looking at about $25,974 total if you use all 26 weeks.

Here's how to check if you might qualify for the maximum: Log into your Washington ESD account and look at your monetary determination letter. It shows your base period wages by quarter. If your highest quarter was $74,925 or more, you should get the max weekly benefit of $999.

my cousin got like $600 something and she thought she was getting ripped off but turns out thats normal for her salary range

Also worth mentioning that your benefit amount affects your job search requirements. Higher benefit amounts sometimes come with stricter job search documentation requirements, though the basic requirement is still 3 job search activities per week.

I tried calling Washington ESD last month to ask about my benefit calculation and it was impossible. Kept getting busy signals or hung up on after waiting forever. Someone mentioned Claimyr earlier - I actually tried it and it worked. Got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of the usual hours of trying.

The maximum has been going up over the years. I remember when it was like $600 something a few years back. $999 is actually pretty decent compared to other states.

Just remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. That $999 per week will be reduced when tax time comes around if you don't have taxes withheld.

been unemployed for 3 months and getting $720/week. its helping but definitely not enough to maintain my previous lifestyle. budget tight!

For anyone wondering about the calculation: Washington uses a formula based on your two highest quarters in the base period. They add those quarters together, divide by 2, then divide by 25. The result is your weekly benefit amount, capped at the maximum of $999.

Quick update on the Claimyr service I mentioned earlier - I used it again this week to get through to Washington ESD about extending my claim, and it worked perfectly again. If you're having trouble reaching them about benefit amounts or any other questions, definitely worth checking out claimyr.com.

PSA: Make sure your base period wages are calculated correctly! I had an employer that didn't report my wages properly and it affected my benefit amount. Took months to get it sorted out with Washington ESD.

honestly the whole system is confusing. took me forever to understand how they calculate everything. wish it was more transparent

Important reminder: Even if you qualify for the maximum weekly amount, you still need to meet all the other requirements - filing weekly claims, doing job searches, being able and available for work. The money isn't automatic.

For what it's worth, I qualified for close to the maximum ($920/week) and the process was pretty smooth once I got my initial claim approved. The hardest part was just getting through to someone when I had questions.

Bottom line: $999/week maximum, 26 weeks duration, based on your highest earning quarters. Most people won't get the max but it's there if your wages qualify. And yes, it's taxable income so plan accordingly!