What's the maximum unemployment benefit in Washington state - 2025 rates?

Wow that's higher than I expected! My highest quarter was around $65k so I should get close to the max then.

Wait, how do they calculate the exact amount? Is it just based on that one quarter or do they look at the whole base period?

Good point about taxes. Should I have them withhold or just pay it all at tax time?

I'd recommend having them withhold 10% federal tax to avoid a big bill later. You can change this anytime through your online account.

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

I tried calling at 7:58 AM right before they open and got through after about 20 minutes. Early morning seems to be the best time.

Yes, Washington adjusts the maximum benefit annually based on the state's average weekly wage. It's gone up significantly over the past few years due to wage growth in the tech sector.

It was $844 maximum in 2023 and $929 in 2024, so the jump to $999 this year is pretty substantial.

They combine all covered wages from all employers during your base period. So if you had multiple W-2 jobs, all that income counts toward calculating your benefit amount.

That's good to know. I had a main job plus some contract work that paid through W-2s.

It's up to 26 weeks of regular benefits, but the exact number depends on your total wages during the base period. Higher earners who qualify for max benefits usually get the full 26 weeks.

And don't forget you have to keep filing weekly claims and doing your job search activities to keep getting benefits.

The base period is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed your claim. So if you filed in January 2025, it would be January 2024 through September 2024.

Oh that makes sense. So they're not using my most recent earnings then.

Right, which is why some people get less than they expect. If your recent earnings were higher, you might want to wait to file if you can afford to.

Adjudication can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks depending on the issue. Are you able to see what specific issue they're reviewing?

This is exactly why I used Claimyr when I had adjudication issues. Being able to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD made all the difference in getting my claim resolved quickly.

Thanks for the math! I earned about $180k so I should be close to max then.

That formula is really helpful. Wish Washington ESD explained it that clearly on their website.

What about if you did both? I had a regular job plus some Uber driving that was 1099.

Only the W-2 wages from your regular job would count for regular UI benefits. The 1099 Uber income wouldn't be included in the calculation.

No, the dependent allowance is separate. You can get an additional $25/week for each dependent child under 18, up to 5 dependents, on top of your regular benefit amount.

So theoretically someone could get $999 + $125 = $1124 per week with 5 kids?

Exactly right. The dependent allowance doesn't count against the maximum benefit cap.

Definitely file ASAP if you're eligible. Benefits are dated from when you file, not when you lost your job, so waiting just costs you money.

And make sure you file your weekly claims every week even if your initial claim is still processing. Missing weeks can cause issues later.

What are the current job search requirements? I heard they changed recently.

You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep detailed records in your WorkSource account. They can audit your job search at any time.

I got audited last month and had to provide proof of every job application. Keep good records!

You can actually see an estimate once you start the application process. It shows your potential weekly benefit amount before you submit.

I never got that far because I kept getting error messages. That's when I ended up using Claimyr to get help from an actual person at Washington ESD.