How do I file for unemployment benefits in Washington?

Q: How do I file for unemployment benefits in Washington?

Washington unemployment is administered by the Employment Security Department (ESD) under RCW Title 50 . 1. How and When to File - File online at esd.wa.gov through eServices , or by phone. - File the first week of unemployment. - A one-week waiting period applies. 2. Weekly Benefit Amount - Range: $342 to $1,019 per week (2025) — Washington has both the highest minimum and one of the highest maximums in the country (cap is 63% of state average weekly wage). - Calculated as 3.85% of two highest base-quarter wages, ÷ 2 . - Maximum 26 weeks of regular benefits. 3. Eligibility Requirements (RCW 50.04.030) - Worked at least 680 hours in the base period. - Lost work through no fault of your own — not discharged for misconduct (RCW 50.20.066) or voluntary quit without good cause (RCW 50.20.050). - Be able to work, available, and actively seeking work . 4. Work Search Requirement - Must make at least 3 job search activities per week . - Must register at WorkSourceWA.com within the first week. - Keep a written log; ESD audits randomly. 5. Submitting Weekly Claims - Submit a weekly claim online or by phone. - Earnings up to 1/4 of WBA + $5 are disregarded. 6. Appeals - Appeal a denial within 30 days to the Office of Administrative Hearings . - Further appeal to the Commissioner's Review Office. This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

Washington unemployment is administered by the Employment Security Department (ESD) under RCW Title 50.

1. How and When to File

File online at esd.wa.gov through eServices, or by phone.

File the first week of unemployment.

A one-week waiting period applies.

2. Weekly Benefit Amount

Range: $342 to $1,019 per week (2025) — Washington has both the highest minimum and one of the highest maximums in the country (cap is 63% of state average weekly wage).

Calculated as 3.85% of two highest base-quarter wages, ÷ 2.

Maximum 26 weeks of regular benefits.

3. Eligibility Requirements (RCW 50.04.030)

Worked at least 680 hours in the base period.

Lost work through no fault of your own — not discharged for misconduct (RCW 50.20.066) or voluntary quit without good cause (RCW 50.20.050).

Be able to work, available, and actively seeking work.

4. Work Search Requirement

Must make at least 3 job search activities per week.

Must register at WorkSourceWA.com within the first week.

Keep a written log; ESD audits randomly.

5. Submitting Weekly Claims

Submit a weekly claim online or by phone.

Earnings up to 1/4 of WBA + $5 are disregarded.

6. Appeals

Appeal a denial within 30 days to the Office of Administrative Hearings.

Further appeal to the Commissioner's Review Office.

This is legal information, not legal advice.