Washington Unemployment Calculator.
Estimate your weekly benefit using Washington Employment Security Department's official 2026 formula.
2026 Update: Max WBA increased to $1,152 — highest in the US.
Washington Calculator
Washington Benefits — 2026
How Washington calculates your benefit.
Washington uses the 63% of Average Weekly Wage method to determine your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA). The calculation uses wages from your base period — typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file.
Formula
1. Sum all base period wages
2. Divide by 52 to get average weekly wage
3. Multiply by 63%
4. Apply min ($295) / max ($1152) caps
WBA = (Total Wages ÷ 52) × 63%
Base Period
Standard: First 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before filing. If you file in May 2026, your base period is Jan–Dec 2025.
Eligibility requirements.
Minimum earnings: You must have earned at least $3,400 during your base period.
Job separation: Must have lost your job through no fault of your own (layoff, reduction in force, position eliminated).
Able and available: You must be physically able to work and actively seeking employment.
Ready to file in Washington?
File online at Washington Employment Security Department
Estimates only. Actual benefits determined by Washington Employment Security Department based on official wage records. Data sourced from DOL Significant Provisions · Last verified 2026-01-15 · Not affiliated with any government agency.