Washington Unemployment Calculator
The maximum weekly unemployment benefit in Washington is $1,208 for up to 26 weeks — the 1st-highest in the US. Estimate a rough weekly benefit from your prior wage below.
Rough estimate only This is a simplified approximation, not the Washington formula. Your actual benefit is calculated from your base-period earnings and depends on your work history and the year. Most people receive less than the state maximum. Check with your state unemployment office for your real amount.
Note This is a rough estimate of the Washington maximum and standard duration. Your actual benefit depends on your earnings history and is calculated by the state — check with your Washington unemployment office. Do not treat any figure here as your guaranteed amount.
Estimated Washington weekly benefit by prior salary
| Prior salary | Est. weekly | Rough total |
|---|---|---|
| $30,000/yr | $288 | $7,500 |
| $45,000/yr | $433 | $11,250 |
| $60,000/yr | $577 | $15,000 |
| $80,000/yr | $769 | $20,000 |
| $100,000/yr | $962 | $25,000 |
Estimate = ~50% of prior weekly pay, capped at the $1,208 Washington maximum, over up to 26weeks. “max” means the cap is reached. Real amounts vary.
How to estimate unemployment benefits in Washington
- 01 Enter the wage you earned before losing your job.
- 02 Pick per year or per week — the tool takes about half of your weekly pay.
- 03 Read the estimated weekly benefit, capped at the Washington max of $1,208, and a rough total over 26 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
How much is unemployment in Washington?
In Washington the maximum weekly benefit is $1,208, paid for up to 26 weeks. That is the cap — most people get less. Your actual weekly benefit is calculated from your base-period earnings (roughly your recent wage history), so it depends on what you earned. Check with the Washington unemployment office for your exact amount.
What is the maximum unemployment benefit in Washington?
$1,208 per week is the Washington maximum in 2026, the 1st-highest in the US. The standard maximum duration is 26 weeks. A claimant only reaches the cap with high enough prior earnings.
How is my Washington unemployment benefit calculated?
Washington, like all states, bases your weekly benefit on your earnings during a "base period" — typically a recent ~12-month window — not on a single flat rate. This calculator uses a rough rule of thumb (about 50% of your prior weekly pay, capped at the $1,208 state maximum) to give a ballpark. The real formula, minimums and any dependency allowances are set by the state, so treat the result as an estimate only.
How long do unemployment benefits last in Washington?
Regular Washington benefits last up to 26 weeks in a standard economy. Additional weeks may be available during federally declared extended-benefit periods, but those are not guaranteed.
Why is my Washington benefit different from this estimate?
Because this tool is a simplified approximation, not the Washington formula. The state uses your specific base-period wages, applies its own minimum and maximum, and updates the numbers periodically. Two people who earned the same headline salary can receive different amounts. Always verify with your state unemployment office.
Is this Washington unemployment calculator free?
Yes — it is completely free, needs no sign-up, and runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you enter is uploaded anywhere.
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