OLYMPIA — The weekly check for most people receiving unemployment benefits in Washington is going up about $70, beginning May 11.
A spokesman for the state Employment Security Department, Mark Varadian, says $25 is federal money and $45 is state.
Both increases use temporary stimulus money. Eligibility for the state and federal increases runs to the end of 2009. In addition, checks will have a lump sum for retro federal payments to February.
Changes in state law also mean that the minimum weekly jobless benefit in Washington will rise to $225 and the maximum to $611. The exact amount depends on previous wages.
About 190,000 people in Washington currently receive unemployment benefits.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
