What's the max unemployment weekly benefit amount in Washington state right now?

Thanks! That's helpful. How do they calculate if you qualify for the max? Is it just based on your total earnings or something more complicated?

It's based on your highest earning quarter. They take that amount, divide by 26, and that's your weekly benefit rate up to the maximum of $999.

That sounds about right. I got $547 per week when I was on unemployment last year and I thought I made decent money.

The average is actually around $520 according to Washington ESD statistics, but it varies a lot depending on your work history.

Good point. I've been reading about the job search requirements. Is it still 3 job search activities per week?

Yes, it's still 3 job search activities per week unless you're on standby with your employer or have some other exemption.

How does that work exactly? Do they just call for you or what?

They handle the calling process and get you connected to an actual Washington ESD representative. Saved me hours of busy signals and getting hung up on.

Oh yeah I forgot about taxes. Can you have Washington ESD withhold taxes automatically?

Yes, you can elect to have 10% federal tax withheld when you file your weekly claims. There's no state income tax in Washington so you don't need to worry about that.

What's the maximum total benefits you can receive in a year? Is there a cap on that too?

Yes, the maximum total benefits for a standard unemployment claim is $25,974 for 2025, which is 26 weeks at the maximum weekly rate of $999.

Yeah their website is terrible. I've had better luck calling early in the morning but even that's hit or miss.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr - their website issues were driving me crazy and I needed to talk to someone about my benefit calculation.

The $999 maximum applies to all regular unemployment claims regardless of whether you're on standby or regular unemployment. Standby just affects your job search requirements, not your benefit amount.

That's good to know, thanks! I was worried standby claims got less money.

What kind of records do you need to keep? Just the companies you applied to?

Company name, date, method of contact, and position applied for. I kept a spreadsheet with all the details just in case they asked for it.

The $999 is the maximum base weekly benefit amount. If you qualify for the additional $25 dependency allowance (for having dependent children), that would be added on top, making your total $1,024.

Ah okay that makes sense. I don't have kids so $999 would be my max anyway.

Did they charge you for that? Seems too good to be true.

They do charge but it was worth not spending my whole day redialing. Check their website for details - claimyr.com

I hear you. At least we have unemployment benefits though - could be worse.

True, I shouldn't complain too much. Just frustrating when you need help and can't get through to anyone.

That's good to know. I was wondering if they could change your benefit amount mid-claim.

Nope, it stays the same for the duration of your benefit year unless there's some kind of error that needs to be corrected.

How much should you set aside if you don't have them withhold taxes?

I'd say at least 15-20% to be safe, depending on your other income and tax situation.

Washington ESD should have your wage information already from your employers, but it's good to have your own records just in case there are any discrepancies.

Good point. I'll gather everything up before I file just to be prepared.

They typically announce the new rates in October or November for the following year. The 2026 rates won't be available until later this year.

Makes sense. I'll keep an eye out for the announcement.

You can request a redetermination if you think there was an error in your benefit calculation. You'd need to provide documentation of your wages though.

I might look into that. I made good money at my last job so I'm surprised I'm not closer to the max.

Thanks for sharing the video link. I'll check it out.

No problem! It really helped me understand what I was getting into before I used their service.

Perfect summary. Thanks everyone for all the helpful info!

Agreed, this has been one of the most informative threads I've seen on unemployment benefits.