What's the maximum unemployment benefit amount in Washington ESD?

Thanks! So if I made $95k last year, I should qualify for close to the maximum then?

It depends on how your earnings were distributed across quarters. Washington ESD uses your highest quarter earnings, not your annual total. Check your wage statement when you file.

They adjust it annually based on the state's average weekly wage. It increased for 2025 from the previous year's amount.

damn wish i knew that when i filed my claim 6 months ago lol

Interesting, how does that work exactly? Do they just call for you?

They use some automated system to get through the queue and then connect you when an agent picks up. Worked great when I needed to clarify my wage calculation.

Sounds too good to be true but if it works...

26 weeks seems short when the job market is rough. Is there any way to extend benefits?

Only if federal extended benefits kick in during high unemployment periods, which isn't the case right now.

Adjudication delays are the worst! Have you tried calling first thing in the morning at 8am when they open?

Tried that, tried lunch time, tried afternoons. Always get the busy signal or disconnected after waiting forever.

This is exactly when Claimyr helped me out. I was stuck in adjudication hell for weeks until I used their service to actually reach someone.

That sounds about right. Remember to file your weekly claims on time and keep detailed job search records.

$560 is still good money for unemployment. Some people get way less.

Washington doesn't have dependent allowances for unemployment benefits. The maximum is the same regardless of family size.

That sucks. Other states give extra for dependents.

Yeah Washington's system is pretty bare bones compared to some states

Unfortunately yes. They look at earnings from 15-18 months ago, not your most recent job. It's one of the frustrating things about the UI system.

That's ridiculous! So people who just got better jobs get penalized?

Pretty much. The system assumes your recent earnings don't represent your typical wages yet.

True but cost of living here is way higher too

Fair point. $999 doesn't go as far in Seattle as $275 goes in Jacksonville

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying or other stuff too?

Applications, networking events, job fairs, even informational interviews. Keep detailed logs with dates, company names, and contact info.

The work search thing is so stressful. I spend more time documenting my job search than actually looking for jobs.

You'll need to participate in a fact-finding interview. Make sure you have documentation to support your side of the story.

ugh this is going to be such a hassle. how long does that process take?

Can take weeks or even months if it goes to a hearing. But don't let false misconduct claims slide - fight it.

You can have them withhold 10% for federal taxes when you set up your account. Saves you from a big tax bill later.

Good advice. I learned that the hard way my first time on unemployment.

This is exactly the situation where I used Claimyr again. Their system actually works for getting through to ESD agents when you need corrections made.

At this point I'm willing to try anything. The regular phone system is completely broken.

Same here. Spent literally 40+ hours trying to reach someone at ESD over the past month.

Wait, seriously? So I lose a whole week of benefits just because?

Yep, it's called a waiting week. Every state does it differently but WA makes you wait.

The waiting week is so dumb. Like we're not already stressed enough about losing our jobs.

Yes, all wages reported to Washington ESD count, including overtime, bonuses, and commissions.

Sweet, I worked a ton of overtime last year so that should help my benefit amount.

How does that work exactly? I might be able to pick up some freelance work.

They subtract 75% of your earnings from your weekly benefit amount. So if you earn $100, they only reduce your UI by $75.

That's actually not terrible. At least there's some incentive to work part-time.

How do you update your address? Through the online portal?

Yeah, you can do it online but sometimes it glitches and you have to call. Which brings us back to the phone problem everyone's talking about.

And that's where services like Claimyr come in handy - when you actually need to reach a human to fix technical issues.

That makes sense. I'm just glad I'll have something coming in while I job hunt.

Exactly. Any income is better than zero income when you're between jobs.

Agreed! Way more useful than trying to decipher the official ESD website.

For sure. Now I feel way more prepared to file my claim properly.