What is the maximum you can get on unemployment in Washington state?

Thanks! So if I made $65k last year, would I qualify for the maximum?

You'd need to have earned at least $19,980 in your highest quarter to get the max. So roughly $20k in a 3-month period.

Wait, I thought it was based on your total annual income? This is confusing.

Nope, it's quarterly based. They look at your base period which is the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. You can check them out at claimyr.com and they even have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Really? That actually works? I'm so desperate at this point I'll try anything.

Actually, the $999 is the base maximum. The dependent allowance is separate and adds $25 per dependent child up to 5 kids max.

oh ok thanks for clarifying that

That's actually a decent safety net if you lose your job. Better than I expected.

Yeah but good luck actually getting approved without jumping through a million hoops. Washington ESD makes it so difficult.

That's helpful to know! So even without hitting the maximum, you can still get a decent amount.

Exactly. And the process was pretty smooth once I got my initial claim approved. Just had to file weekly claims online.

Good point! You can have taxes withheld from your weekly payments if you want, or just pay quarterly estimated taxes.

Yeah, I recommend having them withhold 10% federal tax to avoid a big bill at tax time.

Yes, it gets adjusted annually based on average wages in the state. It was $929 in 2024 and went up to $999 for 2025.

Thanks! So it does increase to keep up with inflation and wage growth.

Right, they deduct your earnings from your weekly benefit amount after allowing for a small earnings disregard.

Exactly. So if you're getting $999/week and earn $400 part-time, you'd still get some unemployment but not the full amount.

It depends on when you file. They look at the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters, so recent wages might not count if the quarters aren't complete yet.

That's frustrating. So timing really matters when you file for unemployment.

I used it when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD after calling for days. It actually worked - got connected to an agent who helped resolve my adjudication issue. Sometimes it's worth it when you're stuck.

How much does it cost though? I'm already struggling financially.

I think the value is in not wasting days trying to call. Time is money when you're unemployed and need answers about your claim.

That's super helpful! I'll check my pay stubs to get an idea before I file.

Yeah, it helps you plan your budget if you know approximately what to expect.

And you have to log them in WorkSourceWA! I almost missed a week of benefits because I forgot to record my job searches.

Exactly. The requirements don't change based on how much you're getting - everyone has to follow the same rules.

Agreed! The website is so hard to navigate. Even finding the current maximum benefit amount shouldn't be this difficult.

Right? And when you try to call for clarification, good luck getting through to anyone who can actually help.

How quickly did you get through to an agent?

Much faster than trying on my own. Instead of calling hundreds of times, I got connected within a reasonable timeframe and got my issue resolved.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! This thread has been way more useful than the Washington ESD website.

You're welcome! Good luck with your claim if you end up filing.

That's a great point about federal extensions and veteran resources! I didn't know about the WorkSource supplemental programs. Are those automatic or do you have to apply separately? Also, how do you find out if extended benefits are available during your claim period?

You typically have to apply separately for most supplemental programs through WorkSource, though they should automatically notify you if extended benefits become available during your claim period. For veterans, there are specific programs like DVOP (Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program) that can provide additional job placement services and sometimes training allowances. I'd recommend visiting your local WorkSource office or checking their website - they have counselors who can walk you through what you might qualify for based on your specific situation.

This is really valuable information! I had no idea there were supplemental programs through WorkSource. For someone like me who might be filing soon, would you recommend visiting a WorkSource office before filing for unemployment, or is it better to get the basic claim started first and then explore additional resources? I want to make sure I don't miss out on any programs I might qualify for.