What is the maximum amount Washington ESD unemployment pays in 2025?

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

They look at the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in January 2025, they'd look at quarters ending in September, June, March, and December of the previous year.

Good to know! I don't have dependents but that's useful info for others.

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 how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How does it actually work?

It basically calls for you and waits on hold, then connects you when an agent picks up. I was skeptical too but it actually worked - got through in about 30 minutes instead of spending all day redialing.

The amounts get updated annually. It was lower in previous years but Washington adjusts the maximum based on average wages in the state. You can verify this on the Washington ESD website under benefit calculator.

Oh wow, I had no idea they updated it that much. Thanks for the correction!

True, but it's good to know what the ceiling is. Even if I don't hit the max, at least I know the range.

Yeah exactly. I think the average benefit is somewhere around $500-600 per week for most people.

Good point about the duration limit. Hopefully I won't need it for that long if I do end up filing.

26 weeks goes by faster than you think when you're job hunting. Make sure you're actively looking because Washington ESD requires 3 job contacts per week.

That's still a good amount! The calculation is weekly benefit = (highest quarter earnings ÷ 52) × 0.85, with the $1,019 cap.

Thanks for the formula! That helps me understand how they got to my number.

Good reminder. So if I'm getting benefits I can only work part-time up to a certain amount before it affects my claim.

exactly, and you have to report ALL work and earnings when you file your weekly claim or you could get in trouble for overpayment

I'll check that out. Do you know if it asks for gross or net wages?

Gross wages - they use what's reported to Washington ESD by your employers, which is gross income before taxes and deductions.

Great point. I'll make sure to verify the current numbers when I actually need to file.

Which service did you use? I'm getting desperate trying to reach them about my adjudication.

Claimyr - found them online and they got me through to an agent the same day. Way better than wasting time redialing constantly.

That's a really good point I hadn't considered. I did get some stock payouts last year that would count as wages.

Yeah, Washington ESD counts all compensation reported on your paystubs, including RSU vestings and bonuses. Could bump up your quarterly earnings significantly.

That's the gross amount before taxes. You can choose to have federal and state taxes withheld or pay them later when you file your tax return.

Thanks! I'll probably have them withhold taxes to avoid a big bill next year.

That's reassuring to hear. I was worried it wouldn't be enough to cover basic expenses in Seattle.

It's definitely not going to replace a tech salary but it's better than nothing while you job hunt

Good reminder. I assume they expect you to apply for jobs in your field but also be open to other opportunities?

Generally yes, though after a certain period they might expect you to expand your search to lower-paying or different roles if work in your field isn't available.

That's exactly the kind of thing you need to call about. I used Claimyr to get through and talk to someone about my benefit calculation issues. Much easier than trying to figure it out through their website.

I'll look into that service. I've been trying to call for weeks with no luck getting through.

Perfect summary, thanks! This thread has been really helpful for understanding the benefit structure.

Agreed, lots of good info here. Bookmarking this thread in case I need to reference it later.

Any specific tips for the weekly claims? I've heard they're pretty detailed.

Keep detailed records of your job search activities. You need to log 3 job contacts per week and they can audit your records at any time. Also be accurate about any work or income - even small amounts need to be reported.