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

Thanks! That helps a lot. I think I should qualify for close to the max since I was working steady hours all last year.

Just remember you'll get 26 weeks of benefits max, unless there are any extensions available.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of redialing!

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How does it actually work?

It basically handles all the redialing for you and gets you connected to an actual person. I was skeptical at first but it worked within a few hours when I'd been trying for days on my own.

Good point, I totally forgot about taxes. Is it better to have them withheld upfront?

I usually recommend having them withheld so you don't get hit with a big tax bill later. It's 10% federal withholding.

The amount gets adjusted annually based on the state's average wage. Your benefit amount is calculated based on your earnings during your base period, not the current maximum. If you earned less during your base period, you'll get less than the max.

Oh that makes sense. I had some months where I wasn't working full time last year so that probably affected it.

Yeah, I'm worried about making my mortgage payments. $999 is better than nothing but it's still a big cut from my regular pay.

That's why they push you to look for work actively. The job search requirements are pretty strict now.

Close - you need at least $3,850 in your base period AND at least $2,750 in your highest earning quarter. Plus earnings in at least two quarters of your base period.

Thanks for the correction! These requirements are so specific.

It's the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through December 2024.

Got it, that makes sense. So recent earnings matter more than older ones.

You can request a redetermination if you think there's an error. I had to do this when they missed some of my quarterly earnings. Took forever to get through to them though - ended up using Claimyr to actually talk to someone about it.

What's Claimyr? Is that some kind of service?

Yeah, it helps you get through to Washington ESD on the phone. Way better than spending hours trying to call yourself.

What exactly do I need to do for job search? I heard it's three applications per week?

Yes, three job search activities per week. Can be applications, networking, job fairs, etc. You have to log them on your weekly claim.

Adjudication can take forever, especially if there's any question about why you left your job. I waited 6 weeks for mine to get resolved.

Did you do anything to speed it up or just wait it out?

I tried calling every day but could never get through. Finally used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and got connected to an adjudicator who explained what was happening with my case.

I did get a small severance. Will that delay my benefits?

It might push back your start date depending on how much it was. You'll need to report it when you file your claim.

Good to know! When do I file the weekly claims?

You can file starting Sunday for the previous week. I always do mine on Sunday morning so I don't forget.

I hear you. The system definitely has problems but the benefits are there if you can navigate it all.

Yeah, just wish it was more user-friendly. Dealing with this stuff when you're already stressed about losing your job is rough.

That's true, I should be grateful it's as high as it is. Still a big adjustment from my regular paycheck though.

Yeah, Washington's benefits are definitely on the higher end nationally. The cost of living here justifies it though.

Good tip! I'll make sure to set that up right away.