What is the max on unemployment weekly benefit amount in Washington?

Thanks! So if I made $55k, what would my actual weekly amount be roughly?

With $55k, you'd probably get around $650-700 per week, depending on exactly how your earnings were distributed across your base period quarters.

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

That's interesting, I'll definitely check that out. I'm so frustrated with sitting on hold for hours.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true with how impossible it is to reach anyone at Washington ESD.

That's helpful to know. Did you have any issues with your claim getting approved initially?

Yeah, it took about 3 weeks because they had to verify my employment history. Make sure all your employer info is accurate when you file.

They adjust it annually based on the state's average wage. It's been $999 since the beginning of 2025.

damn i should have waited to get laid off lol

Good point. Do I need to start doing job searches right away or can I wait until my claim is approved?

You should start immediately. The job search requirement begins the week you file your initial claim, even if you haven't been paid yet.

This is so confusing. I wish Washington ESD would make this clearer on their website.

The calculation can be tricky because they use your highest earning quarters and there are minimum thresholds you have to meet. If you're still confused, you might want to call and ask them to explain your specific calculation.

I've tried calling dozens of times. Never get through.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr when I had questions about my benefit amount. They got me connected to a Washington ESD agent in like 10 minutes instead of me wasting hours trying to call myself.

It depends on when you worked and how your earnings were distributed. If you had irregular work or worked part of the year, that affects your base period calculation.

I worked the full year though. This is so frustrating.

Oh wow, I didn't think about taxes. Should I have them withhold taxes from my weekly payments?

You can choose to have 10% withheld for federal taxes when you file your weekly claims. It's probably worth it so you don't get hit with a big tax bill next year.

What industry are you in? Just curious since I'm also in tech.

Software engineering. I was making $85k before I got laid off last month.

Did your claim get approved right away or did you have to go through adjudication?

As long as you worked consistently during your base period, you should be fine. The key is having enough wages in at least two quarters of your base period.

Good to know. I'm planning to file next week after my last day of work.

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

That makes sense. So they don't count the most recent quarter?

Right, they need time for employers to report wages, so the most recent quarter usually isn't included unless you specifically request an alternate base period.

Adjudication delays are the worst. When I was stuck in adjudication, I used Claimyr to get through to someone who could actually check my case status. Way better than sitting on hold forever.

I might have to try that. I'm running out of savings waiting for this to get resolved.

I tried that calculator but it asked for information I don't have readily available. Do I need to gather pay stubs first?

You'll need your quarterly wage information, which you can get from your tax documents or by calling your previous employers' HR departments.

Yeah, I'm getting $999 per week but I'll only get it for about 20 weeks instead of the full 26 weeks that some people get.

How do they determine how many weeks you get benefits for?

It's based on your total base period wages divided by your weekly benefit amount, up to a maximum of 26 weeks.

Glad we could help! Make sure you file as soon as you're eligible - there's no benefit to waiting.

Agreed, this thread answered all my questions. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences.