Washington Unemployment Benefits Estimator

Applies RCW 50.20.120: 3.85% of the average of your two highest base-year quarters, between $383 and $1,208 for claims opened on or after July 5, 2026 — but never more than your own weekly wage — with total benefits of the lesser of 26 times the weekly amount or one-third of base-year wages, and the 680-hour test with the alternate base year. The part-time tab applies RCW 50.20.130. Estimates only — ESD determines actual amounts.

When was (or will) your claim be opened?

Quarter 1 wages ($)

Hours

Quarter 2 wages ($)

Hours

Quarter 3 wages ($)

Hours

Quarter 4 wages ($)

Hours

Quarter 5 wages ($)

Hours

How this tool works. You need at least 680 hours of work in your base year — the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters — or, if you fall short, in the alternate base year of the last four completed quarters (ESD). Your weekly benefit is 3.85% of the average of your two highest-paid quarters, rounded down (RCW 50.20.120(2)). If that is below the minimum, you receive the lesser of the minimum or your weekly wage — the average of your two highest quarters times four, divided by 52 — because no weekly benefit may exceed your own weekly wage (RCW 50.20.120(3)(c)). Total benefits are the lesser of 26 times the weekly amount or one-third of base-year wages, rounded down (RCW 50.20.120(1)). In a part-time week, 75% of earnings above $5 is deducted and the result is rounded down (RCW 50.20.130).

Limitations. The $383 minimum and $1,208 maximum apply to claims opened on or after July 5, 2026; ESD recalculates both each year from the state average wage. Washington has a one-week unpaid waiting period and requires three job search activities each week. Separation issues, strike rules and the reduced deduction during approved training are decided separately. This is a calculation, not a determination.

Sources: RCW 50.20.120; RCW 50.20.130; ESD benefit estimate; ESD news release, June 10, 2026. Rules last verified: October 22, 2026.

This tool provides estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. RemoteLaws is not a law firm. © 2026 RemoteLaws.