When does unemployment go up in Washington - benefit increase timing?

Washington ESD typically adjusts the maximum weekly benefit amount once a year, usually effective in July. The increase is based on average wage data from the previous year. But your individual benefit amount depends on your earnings history from your base period, so it won't necessarily go up just because the maximum increases.

I think there might be cost of living adjustments too but I'm not 100% sure when those kick in. Last year mine went up like $15 in the summer.

If you're having trouble getting clear answers from Washington ESD directly, you might want to try calling them. I know the phone lines are crazy busy, but I recently found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually get through to an agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Might be worth checking out if you need specific info about your claim.

The maximum weekly benefit amount for 2024 was $999 and it went up from $929 the year before. So yeah, July seems to be when they do the annual adjustment. But like others said, most people don't get the maximum anyway.

I've been on unemployment for 8 months now and mine has never gone up. Getting really frustrated with this whole system tbh. Every time I call Washington ESD I either get hung up on or wait 2 hours just to get transferred to someone else.

There's also the extended benefits program that can kick in during high unemployment periods, but that's different from regular benefit increases. That adds extra weeks, not higher amounts.

just checked my account and im still getting the same $445 ive been getting since i started claiming in march. guess my wages were too low to benefit from any increases ugh

Does anyone know if there are any other ways to increase your weekly benefit amount once you're already on a claim? Or are you stuck with whatever they calculated initially?

I work for a temp agency and they told me that unemployment benefits are supposed to be reviewed every quarter, but I don't think that means the amounts change, just that they review eligibility and stuff.

Update: I tried calling Washington ESD again this morning and actually got through to someone! They confirmed that benefit increases happen in July and are based on the previous year's wage data. My current benefit won't change unless I file a new claim with higher wages in my base period. At least I have a definitive answer now.

For what it's worth, the July increase is usually pretty modest - maybe $20-40 increase in the maximum. It's not like a huge jump or anything.

This is good info. I was wondering the same thing because I heard some states do cost of living adjustments but I guess Washington just does the annual maximum increase.

Been claiming for 6 months and never knew about the July thing. Learn something new every day I guess!

Finally got off hold after 3 hours!! Agent confirmed everything that was said here about July increases. Also mentioned that if you think there was an error in calculating your benefit, you can request a redetermination within a year of filing.

So just to summarize for anyone else wondering: Washington unemployment benefits increase once per year in July, but it only affects the maximum benefit amount. Your individual benefit stays the same unless you file a new claim with higher wages. The increase is based on average wage data from the previous year.

i wish they would just send out notices when these increases happen instead of making us hunt for the information

For anyone still struggling to get through to Washington ESD for questions like this, I'll mention Claimyr one more time - it's really been a game changer for reaching agents when you need specific information about your claim. The waiting game with their regular phone system is just brutal.

Thanks everyone for the detailed explanations. This thread has been super helpful for understanding how the benefit increases work in Washington.

One thing to add - if you're getting partial unemployment (working part-time while claiming), your benefit calculation can change week to week based on your earnings, but that's different from the annual increase we're talking about here.

Does anyone know if they announce the new maximum benefit amount before July or do we just find out when it happens?

This whole thread has been super informative. I was getting worried that I was missing out on some increase I was supposed to apply for or something.