What is the max weekly benefit for unemployment in Washington state?

Thanks! So with my salary of $65k, would I likely get close to the maximum amount?

Your weekly benefit amount is calculated as roughly 3.85% of your average quarterly wages during your base period, up to the maximum. With $65k annually, you'd likely receive somewhere around $480-520 per week, not the full maximum.

The $999 figure is correct for 2025. Washington ESD adjusts the maximum annually based on the state's average weekly wage. Your friend might be thinking of a different calculation or including other benefits.

Oh okay, maybe they were including some other payments or something. Good to know the actual number!

Yeah I've heard the phone lines are impossible. How long did it take you to get your claim processed?

My claim took about 3 weeks to get approved, which wasn't too bad. But when I had questions about my benefit amount calculation, I couldn't get through to anyone at Washington ESD for weeks. Eventually found this service called Claimyr that actually got me connected to an agent in like 20 minutes. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

The calculation can be confusing, but it's based on your highest earning quarter during your base period, not your annual salary. If your earnings were spread unevenly throughout the year, that could affect your weekly benefit amount.

That makes sense actually. I had a few months with lower hours due to a project ending. Wish they explained this stuff better upfront.

Good point! Do most people have taxes withheld or just pay at the end of the year?

I always have them withhold 10% for federal taxes to avoid a big tax bill later. You can change this setting in your Washington ESD account at any time.

What do you mean by 'right quarters'? I thought it was just the last four quarters?

It's the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in March 2025, your base period would be October 2023 through September 2024, not October 2024 through December 2024.

Wow, that's a much earlier period than I expected. That could definitely affect the calculation!

Yes, Washington state has been gradually increasing the maximum benefit amounts over the past few years. The increases are tied to changes in the state's average weekly wage.

How much does that Claimyr service cost? Seems like it might be worth it if you really need to talk to someone.

It was definitely worth it for me. The demo video I mentioned explains how it works, and getting actual answers about my claim was a huge relief compared to just guessing or waiting weeks to get through on my own.

What are the job search requirements? I know I need to look for work but wasn't sure about the specifics.

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. The contacts have to be substantial - not just browsing job boards but actually applying or contacting employers directly.

That sounds about right. The maximum benefit is designed for people with very high earnings, but the majority of claimants receive significantly less based on their actual wage history.

Makes sense. I guess I'll just have to wait and see what my actual calculation comes out to be.

Good to know! How do you request a redetermination?

You can do it through your online account or by calling Washington ESD. Just be prepared for potential delays if you need to call - that's where services like the one mentioned earlier can really help.

Yeah, the maximum is really only for high earners. Most regular folks get something more reasonable based on their actual work history.

How long after filing do you typically get that letter?

Usually within a week or two of filing your initial claim, assuming there are no issues that require adjudication. You'll get it both by mail and in your online account.

Do they usually increase it or can it go down too?

It's typically increased each year, but theoretically it could decrease if the state's average weekly wage went down significantly, which is pretty unlikely.

That's helpful advice. I'll need to dig up my old pay stubs to get a better estimate.

Yeah, having that information handy will also speed up your claim filing process since Washington ESD might ask you to verify your wages.

How would I check if my wages were reported correctly?

You can request a wage transcript from Washington ESD, or if you need to discuss discrepancies, that's another situation where getting through to an actual representative can be really helpful. The Claimyr service that was mentioned earlier could be useful for that kind of issue too.

Thanks everyone for all the detailed responses! This has been really helpful in understanding how the benefit calculation works.