What is the max unemployment benefits in Washington state right now?

Thanks! That's higher than I expected. How do they calculate what quarter counts as my highest earnings quarter?

Your base period is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim. They look at each quarter separately and use whichever one had your highest wages.

It was $929 in 2024, so yes it went up for 2025. The amount increases each year based on the state's average wage calculations.

oh ok that makes sense, thanks for clarifying

Good point. I've been reading about the job search requirements. Is it still 3 job search activities per week?

Yes, minimum 3 activities per week and you have to log them in your WorkSourceWA account. Make sure you understand what counts as a valid activity.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Basically they handle the calling for you and connect you when an agent picks up.

That's the gross amount before taxes. You can choose to have federal taxes withheld (10%) and state taxes aren't taken from unemployment benefits in Washington.

ok so i should expect to pay taxes on it at the end of the year then

I understand the frustration but the system is designed as temporary assistance, not full wage replacement. The job search requirements exist to help people get back to work.

easy for you to say, some of us are in industries that got decimated and there just aren't jobs out there that pay what we used to make

Yes, since $65,000 is above the $59,940 threshold, you should qualify for the maximum weekly benefit amount of $999, assuming you meet all other eligibility requirements.

Perfect, that's what I was hoping to hear. Thanks for all the detailed info!

You can request a benefit calculation breakdown from Washington ESD. Log into your eServices account and look for benefit calculation details, or you may need to call them to get the specifics of how they calculated your amount.

Great, I'll check my online account first. If I can't find it there I guess I'll have to join the club of people trying to call them.

Standard unemployment benefits in Washington are still up to 26 weeks, but the exact number of weeks you qualify for depends on your earnings history and the unemployment rate. Some people may qualify for fewer weeks.

Got it, so it's not automatically 26 weeks for everyone. I'll need to check what my specific entitlement is.

Definitely apply as soon as possible. Benefits don't pay retroactively from when you became unemployed, only from when you file your claim. And there's a one-week waiting period before benefits start.

thanks for the push, i'll file this weekend

Really? You're the second person to mention it working. Maybe I should try it too since I'm getting nowhere with regular calling.

Yeah I was skeptical at first but honestly it saved me so much time and frustration. Worth checking out their demo video if you're on the fence about it.

They use just your single highest quarter for the weekly benefit calculation, not an average. But they do look at your total base period wages to determine how many weeks of benefits you qualify for.

That's actually good news for me since I had one really good quarter. Thanks for explaining that!

Don't forget you have to pay taxes on it and it's only temporary. Plus all the stress of dealing with Washington ESD bureaucracy.

True, but it's still something while I look for a new job. Better than nothing I guess.

They look at all wages from all employers during your base period. It doesn't matter which job was most recent - they calculate based on total quarterly wages from all sources.

Good to know. I had a job change mid-year so that helps clarify things.

No, Washington state doesn't provide additional benefits for dependents. The $999 maximum is the absolute cap regardless of family size or other circumstances.

bummer, was hoping there might be extra help for families

Oh that's helpful! I'll look for that on their website. Would save me from having to call and wait on hold forever.

Yeah it's pretty useful for getting a rough idea. Just keep in mind the actual calculation might vary slightly.

Glad we could help! The unemployment system can be confusing but once you understand how it works it makes more sense.

Definitely. Now I just need to make sure I keep up with all the weekly requirements so I don't lose my benefits.

Good point. So if I made $100 in a week from odd jobs, they'd reduce my $999 benefit by $95?

Exactly. You'd get $904 that week instead of the full $999. But you still have to report all earnings honestly.

OK you've convinced me. Three people now saying it works. I'm going to check out that demo video and probably give it a try.

Yeah it's worth it just for the peace of mind of knowing you'll actually get to talk to someone instead of wasting hours calling.

You're welcome! Feel free to come back if you have more questions once you start the claims process. Lots of helpful people here.

Will do. This community seems really supportive compared to some other forums I've looked at.