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Washington Unemployment Benefits Calculator (2026)

Under RCW 50.20.120, the Washington Employment Security Department sets the weekly unemployment benefit at a minimum of $383 and a maximum of $1,208—the highest state cap in the nation, effective July 5 2026. To qualify you must have worked at least 680 hours in the base year, and the benefit is derived from the two quarters in which you earned the most.

Reviewed 2026-08-27 · Estimates only — not legal or financial advice. · Ver esta página en español

Before taxes.
Before taxes.
The law behind this calculator: Washington Employment Security Department — RCW 50.20.120; Washington ESD.

How Washington calculates it

  • Identify the two quarters in the base year where you earned the highest wages.
  • Add the wages from those two highest‑earning quarters together.
  • Multiply the sum by 1.925% (the same as taking the average of the two quarters and applying 3.85%).
  • If the calculated amount is below $383, the weekly benefit is set to $383; if it exceeds $1,208, the weekly benefit is capped at $1,208.
  • The resulting weekly amount is payable for up to 26 weeks.
  • You must have worked at least 680 hours in the base year to be eligible for benefits.

Worked example

In the worked example, the two highest‑earning quarters are $18,000 and $16,000. Their sum multiplied by 1.925% yields $655, which becomes the weekly benefit. At $655 per week for up to 26 weeks, the total possible benefit is $17,030.

Frequently asked questions

How is my weekly unemployment benefit amount calculated in Washington?

Washington uses the average of your two highest‑earning quarters multiplied by 3.85% (or the sum of those quarters multiplied by 1.925%). The result is then bounded by the statutory minimum of $383 and maximum of $1,208 per week.

What is the maximum weekly unemployment benefit I can receive in Washington in 2026?

The maximum weekly benefit is $1,208, effective July 5 2026, which is the highest state maximum in the country.

Do I need a minimum number of work hours to qualify for unemployment in Washington?

Yes. You must have worked at least 680 hours during the base year to be eligible for benefits.

How many weeks of unemployment benefits can I receive in Washington?

Benefits are payable for up to 26 weeks once you qualify.

Has Washington changed its unemployment benefit limits recently?

Yes. As of July 5 2026 the weekly minimum is $383 and the weekly maximum is $1,208, indexed each July to the state’s average weekly wage.

Is the calculation different in Seattle, Spokane or Tacoma?

No. Benefits are set by the Washington Employment Security Department under one statewide formula, so a claim filed from Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma is computed exactly like one from anywhere else in Washington. Only your wages — not your city or county — change the result.

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StateTally. (2026). Washington Unemployment Calculator 2026: up to $1,208/week. Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://statetally.com/unemployment/washington/