What's the max unemployment benefit amount in Washington state 2025?

Thanks! That's higher than I expected. How do they calculate if you qualify for the maximum?

They look at your earnings over a 12-month base period and use a formula. If you made $95k consistently, you'll probably get close to the max but not necessarily the full $999.

Try calling right at 8am when they open, but honestly I gave up and used Claimyr to get through. It's a service that calls for you and connects you when an agent picks up. Saved me so much frustration.

Never heard of that. Does it actually work?

Yeah, check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Got me connected to Washington ESD in like 20 minutes instead of me wasting entire days calling.

Good point about taxes. What counts as job search activities?

Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, informational interviews. You need to log them in your WorkSourceWA account.

Yes, Washington adjusts the maximum annually based on state average wages. It's increased significantly over the past couple years.

Same boat here, got way less in 2022. Kinda wish I got laid off now instead lol

Yeah the pay cut is rough. When do weekly claims need to be filed?

You have to file every week by midnight on Saturday for the previous week. Miss it and you can't go back and claim that week.

I missed my first week because I didn't know this rule. Lost out on $850 because nobody told me about the deadline.

What's adjudication exactly? Should I be worried about that?

It's when they need to investigate something about your claim before approving benefits. Could be anything - job separation reason, wages, eligibility issues.

How much did that service cost you?

They don't really focus on cost, more about the value of actually getting through. Way better than losing days trying to call myself.

Yeah I tried that calculator and it was pretty vague. Didn't give me much confidence in the number.

The calculator is just an estimate. Your actual benefit is calculated from your reported wages in their system, which comes from your employers' quarterly reports.

Wait, so I lose a week of benefits automatically?

Yep, the first week is unpaid. It's called the waiting week. You still need to file the claim for that week though.

Correct, 26 weeks is the standard maximum. No federal extensions currently active.

26 weeks goes by fast when you're job hunting. Start looking immediately even if you think you might get called back.

How often do they actually audit people?

It's random but they do it. Better safe than sorry - just keep good records in WorkSourceWA.

What if it's just like $50 from freelance work? Do I really need to report that?

Yes, report everything. They'll reduce your benefits dollar for dollar over a certain threshold, but hiding income can get you in real trouble.

That's interesting. Where do I find info about training programs?

Check WorkSourceWA or ask about it when you talk to Washington ESD. They have partnerships with community colleges and trade schools.

Thanks for the encouragement. It's definitely a scary time but good to know I have some cushion.

Just remember you have to be actively looking and available for work. Can't be too picky or they might question your job search efforts.