What Washington unemployment pays in 2026: the state's own formula run on your base-period wages, clamped to the official $383 minimum and $1,208 maximum, over up to 26 weeks.
up to 26 weeks (variable — see note)
| Weekly benefit | $543 |
| Official range | $383 – $1,208 |
| Maximum duration | 26 weeks |
| Maximum total | $14,118 |
3.85% of the average of the 2 highest quarters in the base period. The result is clamped to the official range of $383–$1,208 per week.
Source: official source (2026 figures).
Up to 26 weeks — but the actual number of weeks varies: many states scale weeks to your base-period earnings, and a few (Florida, North Carolina) scale them to the state unemployment rate. The total shown uses the maximum. Most states also impose a one-week waiting period before the first payment.
Source: USDOL Significant Provisions / state agency.
Dependents' allowances (several states add a fixed amount per dependent — noted in the official formula where it exists), partial earnings while claiming, severance offsets, and eligibility itself (job-separation reason, work-search rules, base-period minimums). The agency's monetary determination is the official figure.
Estimate first, determination decides.
Usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. States use your wages in that window — the highest quarter drives most formulas, which is why the inputs ask for it.
You hit the state maximum ($1,208 in Washington). High earners replace a smaller share of their pay — the cap is deliberate.
Yes — unemployment compensation is federal taxable income (and taxed by most states). Nothing here withholds it; plan for it in April.
Washington Unemployment Calculator for 2026: Washington pays $383 to $1,208 a week for up to 26 weeks. On $14,300 of high-quarter wages the formula gives $543 a week — $14,118 over the full duration. Formula from the state / USDOL.
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What Washington pays in unemployment benefits in 2026: the state formula on your base-period wages, with the official floor, ceiling and duration.
Washington pays $383–$1,208 a week for up to 26 weeks (2026 figures).
On the defaults the formula gives $543 a week.
Between $383 and $1,208 a week depending on base-period wages; the calculator runs the formula.
Up to 26 weeks, varying with your earnings history.
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