What is the most you can get unemployment benefits in Washington State?

The maximum weekly benefit amount in Washington for 2025 is $999 per week. This is based on your highest earning quarter in your base period. You need to have earned at least $74,925 in your highest quarter to qualify for the maximum amount.

Wow that's higher than I expected! Do you know how they calculate that based on your wages?

It's based on your average weekly wage in your highest earning quarter. They take your highest quarter earnings, divide by 13 weeks, then calculate your weekly benefit as a percentage of that amount.

i think its around $850 something? not sure tho

No, that was the old amount. It gets adjusted annually. The person above is correct - it's $999 for 2025.

Just be aware that even if you made enough to qualify for the max, you still have to meet all the other requirements like being able and available for work, actively seeking employment, and doing your weekly claims correctly.

Good point. What are the job search requirements now?

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a detailed log. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities at any time.

I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks to ask about my benefit calculation and can never reach anyone. The phone system is impossible.

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. Made my life so much easier.

Really? How does that work exactly? I'm desperate at this point.

They basically handle the calling process for you and connect you when an agent becomes available. No more sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.

The maximum changes every year based on the state's average wage. In 2024 it was like $930 something, so $999 sounds about right for this year.

Do you know when they announce the new amounts each year?

Usually around October or November for the following year. They base it on wage data from the previous year.

DON'T COUNT ON GETTING THE MAX!!! Most people don't qualify because you need to have made a lot of money consistently. The average person gets way less.

What would be a more realistic amount for someone making around $60K annually?

For $60K annually, you'd probably get somewhere in the $400-600 range per week, depending on how your earnings were distributed across quarters.

Also remember that unemployment is taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay them when you file your return.

Good reminder! I forgot about that part.

I got the maximum amount when I was laid off from my tech job last year. But honestly, even $999 a week doesn't go very far when you're used to a higher salary. Better than nothing though.

How long can you collect the maximum amount?

Same as everyone else - up to 26 weeks in most cases. The amount doesn't affect the duration.

My friend said there are different calculations if you're on standby status. Is that true?

Standby status uses the same benefit calculation. The difference is in the work search requirements - you don't have to look for other work if you're expecting to be recalled by your employer.

be careful about working part time while on UI. they reduce your benefits dollar for dollar after you earn more than your weekly benefit amount

So if I get $500 a week in benefits, I can earn up to $500 without it affecting my UI?

Not exactly. In Washington, you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount plus $5 before they start reducing your benefits. So if your benefit is $500, you can earn up to $505 before deductions start.

The whole system is confusing. I wish Washington ESD would make their website clearer about all these calculations and rules.

I agree! I spent hours trying to figure out my potential benefit amount before filing.

Just filed my claim last week and still waiting to hear back about my benefit amount. The adjudication process is taking forever.

If you need to check on your adjudication status, that's another situation where Claimyr can help you reach an agent quickly. Much better than waiting weeks for a callback.

I might have to try that. This waiting is driving me crazy.

Remember that your base period matters a lot for the calculation. It's usually the first four of the last five completed quarters before you file.

So if I file in January 2025, what would my base period be?

For January 2025, your base period would be October 2023 through September 2024. That's why timing your claim filing can sometimes matter.

I qualified for the max but then got disqualified for a stupid reason. Now I'm appealing and it's been months.

Appeals can take a long time unfortunately. Make sure you have all your documentation ready and consider getting help preparing for your hearing if it goes that far.

For appeal questions, talking to a Washington ESD agent can really help clarify what you need. That's where Claimyr has been a lifesaver for me - actually getting through to someone who can explain the process.

Does anyone know if they're planning to increase the maximum again next year?

It depends on average wage growth in the state. If wages continue to increase, the maximum will likely go up again for 2026.

Just want to add that even if you don't qualify for the maximum, any unemployment benefit is better than none. Don't be discouraged if your amount is lower than expected.

True! Thanks everyone for all the helpful info. This thread has been really informative.

The maximum of $999 is before taxes too, remember that. If you have taxes withheld it'll be less in your actual payment.

Good point. I think they withhold 10% federal if you choose that option.

I still think the whole calculation system is too complicated. Why can't they just have a simple chart showing salary ranges and corresponding benefit amounts?

Because it's not just based on annual salary - it's based on your quarterly earnings pattern. Someone making $60K all in one quarter would get different benefits than someone making $15K each quarter.

That's a great explanation of how the quarterly earnings pattern affects benefits! I'm starting to understand why my coworker who made the same annual salary as me got a different benefit amount. She had more consistent quarterly earnings while mine were higher in some quarters due to bonuses and overtime. It makes sense now that they use your highest quarter divided by 13 weeks as the basis for the calculation.