What's the max unemployment benefit amount Washington ESD pays weekly?

The maximum weekly benefit amount in Washington is $999 per week as of 2025. It's calculated based on your highest quarter of earnings in your base period, but there's that cap so even high earners can't get more than $999/week. You also need to have earned enough in your base period to qualify for the maximum.

i think its actually higher than that now, wasnt there an increase this year?

The calculation is 60% of your average weekly wage during your highest earning quarter, but capped at the maximum. So if you made $100,000 in your best quarter, that's about $1,923 per week, and 60% would be $1,154, but you'd only get the $999 maximum. The minimum is $295 per week if you qualify.

Just a heads up - actually getting through to Washington ESD to verify your benefit amount can be nearly impossible with their phone system. I spent weeks trying to get someone on the line to explain my calculation. Finally used Claimyr.com to get connected to an agent who walked through my specific situation. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process so much easier than calling hundreds of times.

The maximum changes every year based on the state's average wage calculations. For 2025 it's definitely $999 but it was lower in previous years. Your actual amount depends on what you earned during your base period, which is usually the first four of the last five completed quarters before you filed your claim.

I got $847/week when I was unemployed last year and I thought that was pretty good. Didn't realize the max was higher. Makes me wonder if Washington ESD calculated mine wrong...

The whole system is ridiculous. $999 maximum when rent alone is like $2000+ in Seattle. How are people supposed to survive on that?

Don't forget you can potentially get additional weeks beyond the standard 26 weeks if unemployment rates are high enough to trigger extended benefits. Though I don't think we're at that point right now in Washington.

OP if you haven't filed yet make sure you do it as soon as possible. Benefits don't backdate to when you lost your job, only to when you actually file the claim. I learned that the hard way and lost two weeks of benefits.

also remember you have to file your weekly claims every week even if you havent heard back about your initial application. missing those weekly filings can mess up your benefits

I tried using that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier and it actually worked great. Got connected to a Washington ESD rep in like 20 minutes instead of calling for hours. They explained my benefit calculation and confirmed I was getting the right amount. Worth checking out if you're having trouble reaching them.

The $999 max seems decent until you realize it comes out to like $860 after taxes if you elect withholding. Still better than nothing though.

Keep in mind the maximum is also tied to the job search requirements. You need to be actively looking for work and document your job search activities to keep receiving benefits. Washington ESD is pretty strict about that.

If anyone is wondering about partial unemployment benefits (like if you're working reduced hours), the calculation is different and more complicated. But the weekly maximum still applies.

Just wanted to add that if you have questions about your specific benefit amount, the monetary determination notice they send explains exactly how they calculated it. Mine broke down my base period wages by quarter and showed the math.

For what it's worth, Washington's maximum benefit is one of the higher ones compared to other states. Some states cap it way lower. Still not enough to live on comfortably but could be worse.

I had to use Claimyr when my benefits got held up in adjudication and I couldn't reach anyone at Washington ESD for weeks. The agent they connected me with was super helpful and got my issue resolved quickly. Sometimes you just need to talk to an actual person instead of dealing with the automated system.

One more thing - make sure your address is up to date with Washington ESD because they mail important notices including your monetary determination. If you miss those notices it can cause delays in your benefits.