Washington State Unemployment Benefits: Complete Filing Guide

Washington's Employment Security Department (ESD) administers unemployment insurance for workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. This guide covers eligibility, filing, benefit amounts, and ongoing requirements for Washington State unemployment benefits.

Washington Unemployment at a Glance

Detail	Information
Maximum weekly benefit	$1,019 (one of the highest in the US)
Maximum benefit duration	26 weeks
Waiting period	1 week (unpaid)
Filing method	Online at esd.wa.gov
Administering agency	WA Employment Security Department

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Washington unemployment benefits, you must:

Earnings Requirements

Base period: Washington uses your wages from the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed.

Minimum earnings:

• At least 680 hours of work in your base period

Work Requirements

• Lost job through no fault of your own (layoff, reduction in force, lack of work)
• Physically able to work and available for work
• Actively seeking employment each week you claim benefits
• Ready to accept suitable work if offered

Who Is NOT Eligible

• Workers who quit without good cause
• Workers discharged for misconduct
• Self-employed individuals (generally)
• Independent contractors (generally)
• Workers who refuse suitable work

How to File in Washington

Online Filing (Recommended)

Website: esd.wa.gov

Steps:

1. Create a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account
2. Log into eServices at ESD
3. File your initial unemployment claim
4. Provide employment and wage information
5. Submit your application

By Phone

Phone: 800-318-6022

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM

Information You'll Need

Gather this before you start:

• Social Security Number
• Driver's license or state ID
• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all employers in the last 18 months
• Dates of employment
• Reason for separation
• Total gross earnings from each employer
• Bank account information for direct deposit
• Alien registration information (if applicable)

Benefit Amounts in Washington

Calculating Your Weekly Benefit

Washington calculates your weekly benefit based on your total base period wages.

Formula:

• Find your two highest quarters
• Take 3.85% of those two quarters' wages
• This equals your weekly benefit, subject to min/max

Minimum weekly benefit: $324 Maximum weekly benefit: $1,019

Washington has one of the highest maximum weekly benefits in the country.

Example Calculations

Two Highest Quarters (Total)	Weekly Benefit
$10,000	$385
$15,000	$578
$20,000	$770
$26,467+	$1,019 (maximum)

Total Benefit Duration

You can receive up to 26 weeks of benefits. Your maximum benefit amount is limited to 33% of your total base period wages.

The Waiting Period

Washington has a one-week unpaid waiting period. This is the first week of your claim when you are unemployed but not yet receiving benefits.

• File your claim as soon as you're unemployed
• Your waiting week is served automatically
• Benefits begin the second week (if eligible)

Weekly Certification (Filing Weekly Claims)

You must file weekly claims to continue receiving benefits.

How to File

Online (recommended): Log into eServices and file your weekly claim

By phone: 800-318-6022

When to File

File weekly claims for the previous week. Claims are due by the following Saturday.

Claim Questions

Each week you'll answer:

• Were you able to work?
• Were you available for full-time work?
• Did you look for work?
• Did you refuse any job offers?
• Did you work or earn any money?
• Did you receive any other income?

Answer honestly and completely.

Receiving Your Payments

Direct Deposit (Recommended)

Set up direct deposit for fastest payment. Add your bank account through eServices.

Debit Card

If you don't set up direct deposit, benefits are loaded onto a Washington unemployment debit card (US Bank ReliaCard).

Payment Timeline

Payments are typically processed within 2-3 business days after you file your weekly claim successfully.

Work Search Requirements

Washington requires active work search while receiving benefits.

Requirements

• Conduct at least 3 job search activities each week
• Keep a detailed log of job search activities
• Register with WorkSourceWA.com
• Accept suitable work if offered

Qualifying Activities

• Applying for jobs
• Attending interviews
• Registering with staffing agencies
• Attending job fairs
• Networking for job opportunities
• Completing online applications

Documentation

Keep records including:

• Date of activity
• Employer name and contact information
• Type of work sought
• Method of contact
• Result

ESD may audit your job search records.

Working While Receiving Benefits

You can work part-time and still receive partial benefits.

How It Works

Washington allows generous earnings:

• You can earn up to 25% of your weekly benefit without any reduction
• Earnings above 25% reduce benefits by 75 cents per dollar earned

Example

Weekly benefit: $800 25% earnings allowance: $200

• Part-time earnings of $150: Full $800 benefit
• Part-time earnings of $400: $800 - [($400-$200) × 0.75] = $650 benefit
• If your earnings exceed your benefit amount, no payment that week

Report all gross earnings for the week worked.

Severance Pay and Unemployment

Washington's treatment of severance:

• Lump-sum severance: Generally does not reduce benefits
• Severance paid over time: May affect benefits for weeks covered
• Vacation pay: May affect benefits depending on how allocated

Report all severance payments. ESD will determine the impact.

Special Situations

Quit with Good Cause

You may qualify if you quit for good cause:

• Unsafe working conditions
• Domestic violence situations
• Medical reasons (with documentation)
• Following a spouse to a new job location
• Significant reduction in hours or pay

Discharged for Misconduct

Misconduct disqualifies you from benefits:

• Violation of employer policies
• Insubordination
• Excessive absenteeism without good cause
• Dishonesty
• Drug/alcohol violations

You can appeal a misconduct determination.

Seasonal Workers

Washington has significant agricultural and seasonal employment. Special provisions may apply.

Tech Workers (Seattle Area)

Washington is a major tech hub. Stock options and equity are generally not counted as wages for unemployment purposes.

Appeals Process

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal.

How to Appeal

1. You have 30 days from the mailing date of the determination to file an appeal
2. File online through eServices or by mail
3. A hearing will be scheduled
4. Attend your telephone hearing
5. Receive a written decision

Preparing for Appeal

• Review the denial reason
• Gather evidence and documents
• Prepare your testimony
• You may have legal representation

Further Appeals

If you disagree with the Administrative Law Judge's decision, you can appeal to the Commissioner of the Employment Security Department.

Tips for Washington Filers

1. File immediately — Benefits aren't retroactive before your filing date
2. Use eServices online — It's faster and provides claim tracking
3. File weekly claims — Missing a week means losing that week's benefits
4. Register with WorkSourceWA — Required for benefits
5. Make at least 3 job search contacts per week — Document everything
6. Report all earnings — Even small amounts must be reported
7. Check your eServices account — Important messages are sent there
8. Appeal within 30 days — Don't miss the deadline

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to receive benefits?

With no claim issues, expect your first payment 2-3 weeks after filing (including the waiting week).

Why is Washington's benefit so high?

Washington has one of the highest maximum weekly benefits ($1,019) in the country, reflecting the state's high wages and cost of living, especially in the Seattle metro area.

Can I get unemployment if I was fired?

It depends on why. If fired for misconduct, you're disqualified. If let go for other reasons (performance not rising to misconduct, downsizing), you may qualify.

What if I worked in Oregon but live in Washington?

You generally file in the state where you worked. If you worked in multiple states, you may file a combined wage claim.

Is unemployment taxable?

Yes. Washington unemployment benefits are subject to federal income tax. Washington has no state income tax.

How do stock options and RSUs affect unemployment?

Generally, stock options and RSUs are not counted as wages for unemployment purposes in Washington.

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Key Takeaways

1. Maximum benefit is $1,019/week — One of the highest in the US
2. Need 680 hours of work in base period to qualify
3. File online at esd.wa.gov through eServices
4. File weekly claims to receive benefits
5. Make 3 job search contacts per week and document them
6. Report all earnings when you file
7. Appeal within 30 days if denied

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Related Resources:

• Main Unemployment Guide →
• Tech Industry Layoffs →
• Emergency Budget Planning →
• Unemployment Appeals →