What is the most you can get from unemployment in Washington ESD?

That's actually better than I expected! How do they calculate it exactly? Is it based on my last job or an average of multiple quarters?

It's calculated using your base period wages, which is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. They take your highest quarter and use a formula - roughly 3.85% of your total base period wages or 63% of your average weekly wage, whichever is less.

This is so confusing... I made $85k last year but only worked for 8 months because I switched jobs. Will that hurt my benefit amount?

Job switching shouldn't hurt you as long as the wages are in your base period. Washington ESD looks at all covered employment during that time frame, not just one employer.

Never heard of that before... does it actually work? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my claim status.

Yeah it worked for me. Check out claimyr.com - they basically handle the calling and waiting for you so you don't have to sit there hitting redial all day.

Oh really? I have two kids under 18. How much extra would that be?

I think it's like $24 per dependent per week, but there's a cap. You should definitely mention your dependents when you file your claim.

The dependent allowance is actually $32 per child per week in 2025, up to a maximum of 5 dependents. So potentially an extra $160 per week if you qualify.

That sucks man. What industry were you in? $400 seems really low for 15 years of work experience.

Construction. Problem is I had some gaps in employment due to seasonal work and it screwed up my base period calculations. The whole system is rigged against working people.

This is really helpful! So if I made $120k in my base period, that would be $4,620 using the 3.85% calculation?

No, that's not how it works. The 3.85% gives you your total potential benefits for the entire benefit year, not your weekly amount. You'd divide that by the number of weeks you're eligible for.

Actually, let me clarify - the calculation is more complex. They use the 3.85% to determine your weekly benefit rate, not your total benefits. It's based on your highest quarter wages in the base period.

Extended Benefits (EB) are still available but they're triggered by unemployment rates in the state. Right now Washington's unemployment is pretty low so EB probably isn't active.

Yeah, EB is only triggered when the state unemployment rate hits certain thresholds. During COVID there were also federal extensions but those ended in 2021.

Ugh, I didn't think about taxes. Do they withhold automatically or do I have to request it?

You have to request tax withholding when you file your claim or you can change it later. I think they withhold 10% for federal taxes if you elect it.

How many job searches do you have to do each week? I heard it was 3 but someone told me it might be more now.

It's 3 job search activities per week minimum, but they can require more depending on your situation. And they're pretty picky about what counts as a valid job search activity.

How much does something like that cost though? If I'm unemployed I don't want to spend money on services.

It's worth checking out their site at claimyr.com to see what they offer. For me it was worth it to actually talk to someone instead of wasting days trying to get through on my own.

What's the difference between standby and regular unemployment? My company said they might bring me back in a few months.

Standby means you have a definite return date within 4 weeks or you're attached to a union hiring hall. You don't have to actively search for work but you have to be available when your employer calls you back.

That's still decent money though. $580 a week is like $30k a year if you get the full 26 weeks.

True but $30k doesn't go very far in Washington, especially in Seattle area. Better than nothing though.

I only worked in Washington so that shouldn't be an issue for me. Good to know though.

Actually, you can sometimes file a combined wage claim if you worked in multiple states during your base period. It can increase your benefit amount in some cases.

How much do you have to earn to qualify again after a disqualification?

I think it's 6 times your weekly benefit amount in covered employment. So if your weekly benefit is $500, you'd need to earn $3000 in covered wages to requalify.

That's confusing. So if I collect benefits for 10 weeks, find a job for 3 months, then lose that job, I could still get 16 more weeks of benefits?

Potentially yes, as long as you're still within your benefit year and you meet the availability requirements. But it can get complicated depending on your specific situation.

Good to hear another positive review. I might try it if I can't get through to Washington ESD on my own.

Thanks everyone for all the info! This has been really helpful. I think I have a better understanding of what to expect when I file my claim.