What is the max unemployment benefits in Washington - need to know weekly amount

Thanks! So even though I made $85K, I might not get the full $999 if my quarterly earnings weren't high enough?

Exactly. You'd need to have earned at least $64,935 in your highest quarter to qualify for the maximum $999 weekly benefit.

Where did you find the calculator? I looked on the Washington ESD website but couldn't locate it.

its under the 'before you apply' section, think its called weekly benefit estimator or something like that

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works. Finally got my questions answered after weeks of frustration.

Good point. I worked full-time for the past 3 years so I should be fine on the hours requirement.

Wait I'm confused - I thought it was just based on earnings, not hours? My last job was contract work so I didn't track hours.

For contractors and some other situations, they look at earnings instead of hours. As long as you made at least $1,155 in your highest quarter, you should meet the minimum threshold.

I feel your frustration but that's how the system is designed - it's based on quarterly earnings stability, not annual totals.

at least you got approved quickly, my claim has been in adjudication for 5 weeks now

The $999 is just the regular state unemployment insurance. There are no additional federal supplements right now - those ended in 2021.

Got it, thanks for clarifying. So $999 is the absolute maximum you can get per week in Washington right now.

This is helpful! I've been trying to figure out my expected amount before applying.

Just did this calculation and looks like I'll get around $650/week. Not bad considering I was worried it would be much less.

This calculation method is really helpful! I just tried it with my numbers and it looks like I should qualify for around $780/week. Makes me feel more confident about filing my claim knowing what to expect.

Good advice. What kind of employment history documentation did you need?

Mostly just dates of employment, employer names and addresses, and reason for separation. They can verify wages through their system so you don't need pay stubs unless there's an issue.

Yes, Washington ESD adjusts the maximum weekly benefit amount annually based on the state's average weekly wage. It's usually announced in the fall for the following year.

Makes sense. So the $999 for 2025 is probably higher than what it was in 2024?

Correct. The 2024 maximum was $929, so there was a $70 increase for 2025.

Good point. I elected to have 10% withheld for federal taxes to avoid a big bill later.

Wait, unemployment benefits are taxable? I had no idea!

Yes, unemployment benefits are considered taxable income at the federal level and in Washington there's no state income tax, so just federal taxes apply.

Your maximum weekly benefit amount doesn't change, but working part-time can reduce your weekly payment. You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount plus $5 before they start reducing your benefits.

So if I'm getting $800/week, I could earn up to $805 without any reduction?

Exactly. Anything over $805 would be deducted dollar-for-dollar from your weekly benefit payment.

Try using Claimyr - I mentioned it earlier in this thread. It's been a game changer for actually getting through to speak with someone at Washington ESD. Much better than the endless hold times and disconnections.

You can also try calling right when they open at 8am or during lunch hours around 12-1pm. Sometimes better luck then.

Wow, $65K in one quarter is impressive! That explains how you hit the maximum.

Yeah, it was an unusual quarter with a big project bonus. Most people won't hit the maximum unless they have similar spikes in earnings.

How many job contacts do you need per week in Washington?

It's 3 job search activities per week, which can include applying for jobs, networking, attending job fairs, etc. You log them in your WorkSourceWA account.

Same here. Getting decent benefits but finding actual job openings in my field is challenging.

At least the job search activities are pretty flexible. I've been counting informational interviews and LinkedIn networking as part of my 3 weekly activities.