2026 · Washington
Washington unemployment benefits
Washington pays up to $1,208 a week for up to 26 weeks, one of the highest maximums in the country (#1 of 51). Estimate yours below.
Washington's 2026 figures
| Weekly benefit range | $383 - $1,208 |
| Maximum duration | 26 weeks (max $1,208 for claims on/after 2026-07-05) |
| Waiting week | Yes, one unpaid week |
| How it's figured | two high quarters |
| Taxed by Washington? | No, state-tax-free |
Worked example: a $60,000 earner in Washington
On a $60,000 prior wage, the estimate is about $577 a week (within Washington's $383-$1,208 range). Over 26 weeks that's up to $15,002 in total. Washington has an unpaid one-week waiting week, so your first payment covers the second week you claim.
Washington against its neighbors
Washington's $1,208 weekly cap is the highest among its bordering states. Benefits come from the state where your wages were reported, so a recent move doesn't change which formula applies to you.
Worked in a bordering state? Its rules apply instead: Idaho , Oregon .
Questions about Washington unemployment
How much does Washington pay in unemployment?
Between $383 and $1,208 a week in 2026, based on your prior wages (two high quarters). The $1,208 maximum is one of the highest maximums in the country (#1 of 51).
How long does Washington unemployment last?
Up to 26 weeksmax $1,208 for claims on/after 2026-07-05. At the $1,208 weekly maximum that caps total potential benefits at $31,408. The duration and the weekly amount are set separately, Washington sizes the check off two high quarters but counts weeks on its own rules, so low earners may qualify for fewer weeks, and two people with the same weekly benefit can exhaust at different times.
Is Washington unemployment taxed?
Federally, yes, it's ordinary income (elect 10% withholding on Form W-4V). Washington does not tax it, it's state-tax-free.
Does severance affect my Washington unemployment?
Filing timing can matter. Some states delay or reduce unemployment while severance is being paid, and the rule varies. Washington's treatment is not modeled here, confirm the timing with Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) before you file, since it is a real-money decision. Confirm the timing with Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) before you file rather than after, a difference of one week in when the claim starts can change whether a severance payment offsets the benefit. The tax side of the severance itself is on the Washington severance page.
File with Washington Employment Security Department (ESD). This is an estimate, Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) determines your actual benefit.
Your Washington layoff toolkit
- Washington severance tax the tax on your severance
- Runway calculator how long your money lasts
- Washington paycheck calculator your take-home when you're back at work
- Washington 1099 tax if you go freelance or contract
An estimate, Washington's agency determines your actual benefit. Figures from the verified 2026 dataset, last verified 2026-07-24. Nothing you enter is stored. Not tax or legal advice.