what is the max unemployment benefit amount in Washington state 2025?

Thanks! Do you know how much I need to have earned to get the full $999?

You'd need to have earned at least around $77,922 in your highest quarter of your base period to qualify for the maximum benefit. Washington ESD calculates it as roughly 3.85% of your highest quarter earnings.

The previous poster is correct - it's $999 for 2025. Your benefit amount depends on your earnings history. If you're only getting $487, that suggests your highest quarter earnings were around $12,637.

that sounds about right actually. i was only working part time for most of last year

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Good to know it keeps going up with inflation at least.

yeah but everything else is going up faster than unemployment benefits unfortunately

That's helpful context. I wasn't sure if there was a total dollar limit too.

The 26 weeks can sometimes be extended during high unemployment periods but right now it's just the standard 26 weeks maximum.

Washington ESD uses your gross wages (before taxes) for the benefit calculation. They look at the wages reported by your employers through their quarterly reports.

ok good to know, that makes sense why my estimate was off then

Yeah I'm expecting a big pay cut from my salary but hopefully it'll cover the basics until I find something new.

The job search requirements are pretty reasonable in Washington at least. You only need to do 3 job search activities per week.

The Washington ESD website has a benefit calculator tool but it's not super user friendly. Sometimes calling is the only way to get a clear answer.

Good luck getting through on the phone though. I gave up after trying for 2 weeks straight. That Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier might be worth trying.

The $999 is before taxes. You can choose to have federal and state taxes withheld from your unemployment benefits, or you can pay them when you file your tax return. Most people choose to have taxes withheld.

Oh ok that makes sense. So the actual amount I'd get would be less than $999 if I have taxes taken out.

How much does that cost? I'm already tight on money.

It's worth it to get your questions answered quickly instead of wasting weeks trying to call. The time saved is definitely worth the cost.

No, the maximum weekly benefit amount is the same regardless of your claim type. Whether you're on regular unemployment, standby, or SharedWork, the calculation is based on your earnings history using the same formula.

Good to know, thanks for clarifying that!

True, though cost of living here is also higher than most places so it balances out somewhat.

Yeah rent alone eats up most of that $999 in Seattle area

Yes, $999 is the maximum weekly benefit amount for 2025 in Washington state. This gets updated annually based on the state's average weekly wage.

thanks for confirming! now i know what to expect when i file my claim

Washington ESD typically announces the new benefit year rates in late fall/early winter, usually around November or December. The new rates go into effect January 1st each year.

Perfect, that's helpful timing info. Thanks!