What is the maximum unemployment benefit in Washington?

$1,208 a week as of July 1, 2026; the minimum is $383.

How many weeks of unemployment can you get in Washington?

Up to 26 weeks (1-26 weeks depending on base-period wages).

Does Washington have a waiting week for unemployment?

Yes. The first eligible week is an unpaid waiting week.

How do I file for unemployment in Washington?

File an initial claim with the Washington State Employment Security Department at https://esd.wa.gov/get-financial-help/unemployment-benefits/applying-unemployment-benefits/how-apply-unemployment-benefits.

Washington unemployment benefits

In Washington, unemployment benefits last up to 26 weeks and pay up to $1,208 a week (as of July 1, 2026). There is an unpaid waiting week, and you file with the Washington State Employment Security Department.

By Justin KullaLast updated October 6, 2026

Last verified October 6, 2026 against official sources.

File a claim with the Washington State Employment Security Department →

Washington benefits at a glance

Washington unemployment insurance facts, with sources
Maximum weekly benefit	$1,208source, July 1, 2026
Minimum weekly benefit	$383source, July 1, 2026
Maximum weeks of benefits	26 weeks (1-26 weeks depending on base-period wages)source, July 1, 2026
Weeks depend on the state unemployment rate	Nosource, July 1, 2026
Unpaid waiting week	Yessource, October 6, 2026
Severance pay	Washington ESD says severance pay does not usually affect benefits, as long as it is not assigned to a period after separation, you are not on call, benefits do not keep accruing, and a new job does not affect the severance. RCW 50.04.320(4)(b) excludes severance pay from assigned remuneration.source, October 6, 2026
Pay in lieu of notice	The weekly benefit is reduced by the weekly prorated amount of the payment.source, January 1, 2023
Work-search requirement	Claimants must complete at least 3 work search activities per week. Registering with employment services, using reemployment services, attending a job-seeking workshop, or taking part in job search activities may count.source, January 1, 2023
Extended benefits	Not available nowsource, October 4, 2026
How to file	the Washington State Employment Security Department source, October 6, 2026

Weekly amounts exclude dependents’ allowances. Severance, pay in lieu of notice and work-search entries dated January 1, 2023 come from the Department of Labor’s latest Comparison of State UI Laws, which reflects state law on that date; confirm them with the Washington State Employment Security Department.

Severance and unemployment in Washington

Severance pay: Washington ESD says severance pay does not usually affect benefits, as long as it is not assigned to a period after separation, you are not on call, benefits do not keep accruing, and a new job does not affect the severance. RCW 50.04.320(4)(b) excludes severance pay from assigned remuneration.

Pay in lieu of notice (including WARN Act pay): The weekly benefit is reduced by the weekly prorated amount of the payment.

File as soon as you are out of work even if you received severance. The agency decides how payments affect your claim, and most states pay only from the week you file.

Local workforce boards in Washington

Public workforce boards run American Job Centers, which offer free help with job search, training and benefits.

If you’re a laid-off professional

Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Significant Provisions of State Unemployment Insurance Laws and Comparison of State Unemployment Insurance Laws, the DOL Extended Benefits trigger notice, and the Washington State Employment Security Department. Where official sources disagree or a figure could not be confirmed, this page says to check with the agency rather than estimate. Rules change; the agency’s decision on your claim is what counts. See our editorial standards.