What is the max amount you can collect on Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

Thanks! So with my salary I should qualify for close to the max. How do they calculate the base period exactly?

The 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.

Yeah that sounds about right. I collected max benefits last year when I got laid off from Amazon and it was definitely helpful during the job search.

Good to know there are multiple requirements. Sounds like I should be covered if something happens.

That's true, I remember when it was only like $790 max just a couple years ago

Exactly, Washington ESD adjusts the maximum benefit annually. The $999 figure is current for 2025 but will likely increase again next year.

Interesting, I'll check that out if I need to contact them. The phone system is notorious for being impossible to get through.

I used Claimyr too when I had issues with my claim. Worth it to avoid the endless busy signals and being hung up on.

Good point, I hadn't thought about the tax implications. Better to have them withhold I assume?

Usually yes, especially if you're getting the max benefit amount. That's about $26K over 26 weeks which could create a decent tax bill.

What counts as a valid job search contact? Just applying to jobs or other things too?

Job applications, networking events, career fairs, informational interviews, and even some online career workshops can count. Check the WorkSourceWA website for the full list.

That's helpful to know ahead of time. Better to understand the requirements before you need them.

What about if you get fired for poor performance? Does that disqualify you?

Poor performance usually doesn't disqualify you unless it was willful misconduct. There's a difference between not being able to do the job and deliberately violating company policy.

Oh that's good to know! I thought there was always a waiting period.

Nope, not anymore. You file your claim and if approved you get paid for that first week too.

What kind of information do they verify?

They check your wages with employers, reason for separation, availability to work, and whether you're actively seeking employment. Having your employment dates and wages correct from the start helps avoid delays.

Good tip, I'll remember that. File the weeklies no matter what's happening with the main claim.

Exactly, and make sure you answer all the weekly claim questions honestly. They cross-reference everything.

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

Yeah, they basically handle the calling and waiting for you. You don't have to sit on hold for hours or deal with busy signals. Check out their demo video to see how it works.

Definitely feeling more prepared now after reading everyone's responses. Hopefully won't need to use this info but good to know.

Better to know and not need it than the other way around. The unemployment system can be confusing enough without going in blind.

Great advice, I'm pretty good about keeping records anyway but will make sure to be extra careful with employment stuff.

Yeah documentation is key. I had to appeal a decision once and having all my paperwork organized made the process much smoother.

No problem! Glad others found it useful too. Always better when everyone can learn from the same discussion.