Washington Unemployment Calculator
Estimate your Washington weekly unemployment benefit, duration, and total payout. Washington pays up to $1,152 a week for up to 26 weeks. This is an estimate, not a determination.
An estimate, not a determination.
This estimates your Washington weekly unemployment benefit from your wages. The state agency makes the actual decision based on your full wage record and why your job ended. File your claim with Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) to get your real amount.
More exact? Enter your highest-paid quarter
Most states base your benefit on your highest-earning quarter of the base period (the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters). Enter it for a closer estimate; leave blank to use your annual income.
Estimated Weekly Benefit
$500/week
≈ 50% of your weekly wage · Washington · estimate only
Max Duration
26 weeks
Max Total Benefit
$13,000
Maximum total benefits = the lesser of 26 x WBA or one-third of total base-year gross wages, so duration can be under 26 weeks. The 26-week cap is not indexed to the unemployment rate.
Washington has a one-week unpaid waiting period before benefits begin.
This is an estimate, not a determination. The state agency calculates your actual benefit from your full base-period wage record, and eligibility also depends on why your job ended and your ongoing work search.
Your weekly benefit is based on your wages in the "base period" (usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters), replaced at roughly 50% up to Washington's $1,152 maximum. Eligibility also depends on earning enough in the base period and on why your job ended (generally you must be out of work through no fault of your own). This is an estimate, not legal advice or a determination, and RecordingLaw.com is not a government agency.
How Washington Calculates Your Weekly Benefit
WBA = 0.0385 x (average of the two highest quarters of base-year wages), i.e. add the two highest quarters, divide by 2, multiply by 0.0385, rounded down. Clamped to the state min/max. (If below the minimum, an alternate calc of (high-quarter average x 4) / 52 is compared and the lesser applies.)
The result is capped at Washington's $1,152 maximum and floored at its $366 minimum (2026). You can collect for up to 26 weeks. Maximum total benefits = the lesser of 26 x WBA or one-third of total base-year gross wages, so duration can be under 26 weeks. The 26-week cap is not indexed to the unemployment rate.
Source: Washington Employment Security Department (ESD).
Who Qualifies in Washington
To draw benefits you generally must have earned enough during the base period (Standard base year: first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters. Alternate base year (last 4 completed quarters) available.), be unemployed through no fault of your own (laid off, not fired for misconduct and generally not quitting without good cause), and be able, available, and actively looking for work. At least 680 hours of work in the base year. Washington also has a one-week unpaid waiting period before benefits begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is unemployment in Washington?
Washington pays roughly 50% of your average weekly wage, from a $366 minimum up to a $1,152 maximum per week (2026). Use the calculator above to estimate your amount from your wages.
How many weeks of unemployment can I get in Washington?
Up to 26 weeks. Maximum total benefits = the lesser of 26 x WBA or one-third of total base-year gross wages, so duration can be under 26 weeks. The 26-week cap is not indexed to the unemployment rate.
How is my Washington weekly benefit calculated?
WBA = 0.0385 x (average of the two highest quarters of base-year wages), i.e. add the two highest quarters, divide by 2, multiply by 0.0385, rounded down. Clamped to the state min/max. (If below the minimum, an alternate calc of (high-quarter average x 4) / 52 is compared and the lesser applies.)
What is the maximum unemployment benefit in Washington?
$1,152 per week in 2026. The maximum is set by the state and usually updated each year.
Is this calculator official?
No. It is a free estimate based on Washington's published 2026 formula and caps. Your actual benefit is determined by Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) from your complete wage record and the reason your job ended. It is not legal advice and RecordingLaw.com is not a government agency.
Disclaimer
This calculator is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice, a benefit determination, or a guarantee of eligibility. Unemployment formulas and maximums change (often annually); figures are current as of 2026-06-02. Only Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) can determine your actual benefit and eligibility. RecordingLaw.com is not a government agency.