If you've been laid off in Washington State, you're likely eligible for unemployment insurance benefits through the Employment Security Department (ESD). Washington offers the highest maximum unemployment benefit in the nation at $1,079 per week—essential support for the state's high cost of living. This guide covers everything you need to know about filing for and receiving Washington unemployment benefits.

Washington Unemployment Benefits Overview

Benefit Amounts

How Benefits Are Calculated:

Your weekly benefit amount is based on your total wages in the two highest quarters of your base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters).

Formula: (Two Highest Quarter Wages ÷ 2) × 0.0385 = Weekly Benefit

Minimum: $323/week
Maximum: $1,079/week (adjusted annually)

Example: If your two highest quarter earnings total $40,000:
($40,000 ÷ 2) × 0.0385 = $770/week

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Washington unemployment:

1. Earned sufficient wages in your base period (at least 680 hours worked)
2. Lost your job through no fault of your own (layoff, reduction in force)
3. Be able and available to work full-time
4. Actively seek suitable work each week
5. Register with WorkSourceWA
6. Be legally authorized to work in the United States

How to File for Washington Unemployment

Before You File

Gather the following information:

• Social Security number
• Washington driver's license or ID number (or other state ID)
• Mailing address, email, and phone number
• Last employer information:
  • Company name, address, phone number
  • Dates of employment
  • Reason for separation
  • Manager's name
• Work history for past 18 months (all employers)
• Direct deposit information (routing and account numbers)
• Alien registration number (if not a U.S. citizen)

Filing Online (Recommended)

Step 1: Create a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) Account

• Visit esd.wa.gov
• Click "Apply for unemployment benefits"
• Create a SAW account or log in

Step 2: File Your Claim

• Complete the online application
• Answer all questions accurately
• Provide detailed separation information
• Review before submitting

Step 3: Register with WorkSourceWA

• Required to receive benefits
• Visit worksourcewa.com
• Create a complete profile and upload resume

Step 4: File Weekly Claims

• You must file a claim every week
• Available through eServices portal
• Report any work and earnings
• Confirm work search activities

Filing by Phone

Call ESD: 1-800-318-6022

Hours:

• Monday-Friday: 8 AM - 4 PM

Tip: Phone lines can be busy. Online filing is typically faster and available 24/7.

Filing Timeline

After You File

The Waiting Week

Washington has a one-week unpaid waiting period. Your first week of unemployment serves as the waiting week—you must meet all requirements but won't receive payment.

Filing Weekly Claims

Washington requires weekly claims:

When to File:

• Available Sunday through Saturday
• File for the previous week (Sunday-Saturday)
• Must complete each week to receive benefits

What You'll Report:

• Were you able and available to work?
• Did you work or earn money?
• Did you complete work search activities?
• Did you refuse any work?
• Did you attend school or training?

Important: Missing a weekly claim forfeits benefits for that week.

Work Search Requirements

Washington requires at least 3 job search activities per week:

Acceptable Activities:

• Applying for jobs
• Submitting resumes to employers
• Interviewing for positions
• Attending job fairs
• Registering with employment agencies
• Attending approved training programs
• Using WorkSource services
• Networking with job leads

You Must Also:

• Register on WorkSourceWA
• Keep detailed records of job search activities
• Enter activities in the eServices job search log
• Accept suitable work offers

Receiving Your Benefits

Payment Methods

Direct Deposit:

• Fastest payment method
• Set up during application
• Funds available within 24-48 hours of processing

Washington Debit Card (US Bank ReliaCard):

• Default if no direct deposit
• Card mailed after claim approval
• Takes 7-10 days to arrive
• Can use at ATMs or for purchases

Payment Schedule

• File weekly claims
• Payments processed within 24-48 hours of filing
• Direct deposit arrives 1-2 business days after processing

Taxes on Unemployment

Unemployment benefits are taxable income at the federal level. Washington has no state income tax.

Federal Tax:

• Optional 10% withholding
• Can elect during application or change later
• If no withholding, you'll owe at tax time

Use our Tax Impact Calculator to estimate your tax situation.

Working While Receiving Benefits

Partial Benefits

Washington allows part-time work while receiving reduced benefits:

Earnings Formula:

• You can earn up to 25% of your weekly benefit without reduction
• Earnings above 25% reduce your benefit dollar-for-dollar
• If you earn more than your weekly benefit, no payment

Example:

• Weekly benefit: $800
• 25% earnings allowance: $200
• Your earnings: $400
• Excess: $200 ($400 - $200)
• Benefit paid: $600 ($800 - $200)
• Total income: $1,000

Reporting Requirements

When filing weekly claims:

• Report all work, including part-time, gig, and freelance
• Report gross earnings (before deductions)
• Report for the week worked, not when paid
• Report job offers and refusals

Common Issues and Solutions

Claim Under Review (Adjudication)

Your claim may need review if:

• Your employer disputes the separation
• You quit or were fired
• Wages need verification
• There are eligibility questions

What to Do:

• Respond promptly to all ESD requests
• Attend scheduled phone interviews (fact-finding)
• Provide documentation (termination letter, etc.)
• Continue filing weekly claims during review

Benefit Denial

If your claim is denied:

1. You'll receive a Determination letter
2. You have 30 calendar days to appeal
3. File appeal online through eServices
4. A hearing will be scheduled with an Administrative Law Judge
5. Many denials are reversed on appeal

Identity Verification

Washington uses ID.me for identity verification:

• You may need to verify identity before benefits are paid
• Have driver's license and documents ready
• Can verify online or via video call

Special Situations

Seattle Tech Workers

If you were laid off from Seattle's tech industry (Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, etc.):

• Your wages likely qualify you for maximum $1,079/week
• Washington's benefit is the highest in the nation
• Seattle's tech scene continues to have opportunities
• Consider remote positions nationally
• See our Tech Industry Guide

Amazon-Specific

If you were laid off from Amazon:

• Standard eligibility rules apply
• Severance doesn't affect unemployment
• RSU vesting schedules may continue
• Many Amazon alumni networks can help with job search

Gig Economy and 1099 Workers

Traditional unemployment is for W-2 employees:

• If you believe you were misclassified, file anyway
• ESD will investigate your employment status
• Some pandemic-era programs may still apply
• See our Gig Worker Guide

Severance Pay

In Washington:

• Severance is generally not deducted from benefits
• You can file immediately upon separation
• Report severance when filing
• ESD will determine impact

Vacation Pay

• Vacation pay may be allocated to specific weeks
• Report all final paycheck components
• ESD will determine impact on specific weeks

Paid Family and Medical Leave

Washington also offers separate Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML):

• Different from unemployment
• Available for family bonding, caregiving, or medical needs
• Can be used strategically in combination with unemployment
• Visit paidleave.wa.gov for details

WorkSource Services

WorkSource offers free career services:

Available Services:

• Job listings and matching
• Resume and cover letter help
• Interview preparation
• Skills assessments
• Training program referrals
• Career counseling
• Job fairs and hiring events

Locations: WorkSource centers throughout Washington

Online: worksourcewa.com

ESD Contact Information

Online: esd.wa.gov

Phone:

• UI Customer Service: 1-800-318-6022
• TTY: 1-800-833-6384

Hours:

• Monday-Friday: 8 AM - 4 PM

Mail:
Employment Security Department
P.O. Box 9046
Olympia, WA 98507-9046

Related Resources

• Unemployment Benefits Overview
• Tech Industry Layoffs Guide
• COBRA vs ACA Calculator
• Budget Planner Tool
• Unemployment Calculator
• First 24 Hours After Layoff

Key Takeaways

1. Washington pays up to $1,079/week—the highest in the nation
2. Duration is 26 weeks—full standard duration
3. No state income tax on unemployment benefits
4. File immediately during your first week of unemployment
5. One waiting week before benefits begin
6. File weekly claims—not biweekly
7. Complete 3 job search activities per week
8. Register on WorkSourceWA immediately
9. Appeal if denied—you have 30 days
10. Use direct deposit for fastest payment

Washington's unemployment program is among the best in the nation. Take full advantage of the high benefits, file promptly, and maintain your weekly claims.