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Washington Unemployment Benefit Calculator – How Weekly Benefits Are Determined

Washington provides weekly unemployment benefits based on the wages you earned in your two highest‑earning quarters, subject to state minimum and maximum limits and a 26‑week benefit period.

Reviewed 2026-08-27 · Estimates only — not legal or financial advice.

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

How Washington calculates it

  • Take the wages from your two highest‑earning quarters in the base year.
  • Compute the average of those two quarters and multiply by 3.85%, or equivalently add the two amounts and multiply by 1.925%.
  • The resulting weekly benefit is bounded by a minimum of $383 per week and a maximum of $1,208 per week.
  • Benefits can be paid for up to 26 weeks.
  • The minimum and maximum amounts are effective July 5 2026 and are indexed to Washington’s average weekly wage each July.
  • You must have worked at least 680 hours in the base year to qualify.

Worked example

In the worked example, the two highest‑earning quarters are $18,000 and $16,000. Adding them together and multiplying by 1.925% yields $655, which is the weekly benefit. This benefit can be received for up to 26 weeks, for a total possible payment of $17,030 if the full 26 weeks are drawn.

Frequently asked questions

What earnings do I need to provide to calculate my benefit?

You need to enter the wages you earned in your highest‑earning quarter and in your second‑highest quarter.

How is the weekly benefit amount calculated?

The weekly benefit equals the average of the two quarters multiplied by 3.85%, which is the same as the sum of the two quarters multiplied by 1.925%.

What are the weekly benefit limits?

The weekly benefit cannot be less than $383 or more than $1,208, based on the July 5 2026 bounds.

How long can I receive benefits?

Benefits are payable for up to 26 weeks.

Is there a work‑hour requirement to qualify?

Yes, you must have worked at least 680 hours in the base year.

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