What percent of your income do you get on Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

It's not exactly a percentage - Washington ESD uses a formula based on your highest earning quarter from your base period. Generally you'll get around 50-60% of your average weekly wage, but there's a maximum weekly benefit amount that changes each year. For 2025 I think the max is around $999 per week.

i got laid off last year and was making about 55k. my weekly benefit was $548 so that worked out to about 55% of my gross pay. but like the other person said theres a cap so higher earners dont get the full percentage

The Washington ESD benefit calculator on their website can give you an estimate, but here's the basic breakdown: Your weekly benefit amount is calculated as 3.85% of your average quarterly wages during your base period. The minimum is $295/week and maximum is $999/week for 2025. Most people end up getting between 40-50% of their gross income.

Just a heads up - even if you qualify for the maximum amount, you still have to do the job search requirements and file your weekly claims on time. I made the mistake of filing late one week and it delayed my payment by like 10 days.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD by phone (which you probably will), I found this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach an agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.

keep in mind the percentage varies a lot depending on your earnings history. if you had irregular income or gaps in employment your benefit might be lower than expected. also if you get any severance pay that could affect your eligibility

The system is so confusing! I've been trying to figure out my base period for weeks. Why can't they just tell you what percentage you'll get like other states?

Boeing layoffs have been rough this year. Are you planning to look for work in the same field or branching out? The job search requirements are pretty flexible about what industries you apply to.

Whatever you do, don't wait to file your claim. The sooner you file, the sooner your waiting week starts. I made the mistake of waiting a few weeks thinking I'd find something quickly.

The Washington ESD website has gotten better but it's still not great. Make sure you set up your SecureAccess Washington account ahead of time - that always seems to cause problems for people.

just filed my weekly claim this morning and it reminded me how much of a pain the whole system is. at least the percentage question is easier to answer once you actually get approved and see your first payment

Don't forget you'll owe taxes on unemployment benefits. They don't automatically withhold federal taxes unless you request it, so you might want to set aside some money for tax season.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A JOKE! They make it so complicated on purpose. I've been waiting 6 weeks for my adjudication to clear and still no word from them. Can't get anyone on the phone, can't get responses to messages. It's like they don't want to pay benefits!

For what it's worth, once you get through the initial filing process, the weekly claims are pretty straightforward. Just answer the same questions each week and you're done in like 5 minutes.

my cousin works at Washington ESD and she says the percentage thing confuses everyone. most people expect it to be like 60-70% of their income but its usually closer to 45-50% for most people

One thing to remember is that your benefit amount is based on your earnings during your base period, not your most recent job. So if you had a lower-paying job before Boeing, that could affect your benefit calculation.

Does anyone know if the 26 times rule still applies? I heard if you don't find work within 26 weeks you have to reapply or something?

Just wanted to add that if you're thinking about doing any freelance or part-time work while collecting, make sure you report it on your weekly claims. They'll reduce your benefit but you won't lose it entirely as long as you stay under a certain threshold.

Good luck with everything! The uncertainty is the worst part, but at least unemployment benefits will help bridge the gap while you find your next opportunity. Boeing's loss is someone else's gain!