How is the weekly benefit amount calculated in Washington?

Washington takes the average of your two highest-earning base-period quarters and multiplies it by about 3.85% (roughly 1/26 of the two-quarter average), then caps the result between the state minimum and maximum weekly benefit amounts.

What is Washington's maximum weekly benefit?

Washington has one of the higher maximum weekly benefit amounts in the country — over 1,000 dollars per week — and it is recalculated each year based on the state's average weekly wage. The minimum is a few hundred dollars.

How long can I receive Washington unemployment?

Standard claims provide up to 26 weeks of benefits. Your exact maximum is the lesser of 26 times your weekly benefit amount or one-third of your total base-period wages, so lower earners may have a shorter duration.

What is the base period?

The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. Washington uses your wages in that window — specifically your two highest quarters — to set your benefit.

Is this an official determination?

No. This is an estimate using the standard formula. Your actual benefit is determined by Washington's Employment Security Department from your reported wages and eligibility, which can differ from this estimate.

Washington Unemployment Benefit Estimator

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If you lose your job in Washington, the state’s Employment Security Department pays a weekly benefit based on how much you earned during your base period. The formula rewards your two highest-earning quarters, then caps the result between a state minimum and a generous maximum. This estimator applies that formula so you can plan around an approximate weekly benefit and duration.

How it works

Washington’s weekly benefit amount (WBA) is built from your two best quarters:

Two-quarter average. Add your two highest-earning base-period quarters and divide by 2.
Percentage. Multiply that average by about 3.85% — equivalent to 1/26 of the two-quarter total — to get the raw weekly benefit.
Caps. The result is held to no less than the state minimum and no more than the state maximum weekly benefit amount.
Duration. Standard claims pay up to 26 weeks, but your maximum total is the lesser of 26 × WBA or one-third of your total base-period wages.

Tips and example

Suppose your two highest quarters were $15,000 and $13,000. The average is $14,000; multiplying by 3.85% gives about $539 per week, which falls between the minimum and maximum, so that is your estimated WBA. Over a full claim that is up to 26 × $539 ≈ $14,000 in total benefits.

This is an estimate only. The exact weekly maximum changes each year with Washington’s average weekly wage, and your real determination depends on your reported wages, separation reason, and ongoing eligibility, all assessed by the Employment Security Department.