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Unemployment calculator  →  Washington

Washington Unemployment Calculator (2026)

Washington pays some of the highest unemployment benefits in the country. In 2026, weekly benefits range from $366 to $1,152, and most people can collect for up to 26 weeks. Your exact amount depends on what you earned in the year before you were laid off.

Data verified 2026-07-04Source: US DOL + state statuteEffective 2026-01-01
Weekly benefit range
$366 – $1,152
Duration
1–26 weeks
Formula
3.85% × avg of two highest quarters
Apply with
Washington's unemployment agency official
The actual rule

How Washington calculates it

Washington looks at your two highest-earning quarters in your base period and averages them. Your weekly benefit is 3.85% of that average. For example, if you earned $15,000 in each of your two best quarters, your average is $15,000, and 3.85% of that comes to about $578 per week.

For 2026, the weekly benefit can't go below $366 or above $1,152. If the formula gives you more than $1,152, you get the cap. At the maximum, 26 weeks adds up to $29,952 in total possible benefits ($1,152 x 26). Your total payout is the lesser of one-third of your base period wages or 26 times your weekly benefit, so lower earners may run out before 26 full weeks.

Your base period is a roughly one-year window of past wages that the state uses to set your benefit. If you don't qualify using the standard window, Washington can also look at an alternate base period that counts more recent wages. Within the min and max, higher wages in your two best quarters mean a bigger weekly check.

3.85% × avg of two highest quarters, clamped to $366 – $1,152
Source: US DOL “Significant Provisions of State UI Laws” (Jan 2026) + state statute · verified 2026-07-04
Qualifying

Do you qualify in Washington?

To qualify on wages, you need at least 680 hours of work during your base period. If you fall short under the standard base period, Washington can check an alternate base period that uses more recent quarters.

You also need to meet the non-monetary rules that apply in every state: you lost your job through no fault of your own (a layoff counts), you're able to work, you're available for work, and you're actively looking for a job each week you claim.

Maximum total benefit: Lesser of 1/3 BPW or 26 x WBA.

Common questions

Washington unemployment, in plain language

How much unemployment will I get in Washington? +
In 2026, Washington pays between $366 and $1,152 per week. Your amount is 3.85% of the average of your two highest-earning quarters in your base period. Washington's $1,152 maximum is one of the highest in the country.
How long does unemployment last in Washington? +
Up to 26 weeks. Your total benefit is capped at the lesser of one-third of your base period wages or 26 times your weekly amount, so if your work history is thin, your benefits may run out sooner. Extensions can add weeks during periods of high unemployment, but those aren't guaranteed.
How is the weekly benefit calculated in Washington? +
Take your two highest-earning quarters from your base period, average them, and multiply by 3.85%. If you earned $20,000 in each of your two best quarters, that's 3.85% of $20,000, or about $770 per week. The result is then held between the 2026 minimum of $366 and the maximum of $1,152.
Can I work part-time while on unemployment in Washington? +
Yes, but earnings reduce your weekly check. Washington generally disregards the first $5 you earn plus one-quarter of anything over $5; earnings beyond that lower your payment. Report all work and earnings for each week you claim so your benefit is figured correctly.
Do I qualify for unemployment in Washington? +
You need at least 680 hours of work in your base period, and you must be out of work through no fault of your own, able to work, and actively job searching. There's no minimum dollar amount of wages, so part-time workers can qualify if they hit the 680-hour mark.
Is unemployment taxable in Washington? +
Yes, unemployment benefits count as taxable income on your federal return. You can ask to have 10% withheld from each payment by filing Form W-4V, which helps you avoid a surprise bill at tax time. State tax treatment varies, so check your state's rules.
When should I apply for unemployment in Washington? +
Apply as soon as you can after your last day of work. Waiting to file can cost you weeks of benefits, since payments are tied to when your claim starts. Check with Washington's unemployment agency for current filing steps and what documents you'll need.
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