ESD claim ends in January 2025 but only got 13 weeks instead of 26 - can I extend my claim duration?

This sounds like you might be on a partial UI claim or possibly have some reduction in your weekly benefit amount based on your work history. The standard in WA is indeed 26 weeks, but the actual duration can vary based on your earnings during your base year. Log into your eServices account and check your 'Monetary Determination' letter - it should specifically show your maximum benefit amount and the calculated number of weeks. If you believe there's an error, you should request a redetermination through your eServices account or by contacting ESD directly.

same thing happened 2 my friend last yr... ESD messes up the calculations ALL THE TIME!! u need 2 call them & explain ur situation. good luck getting thru tho lol

I worked for ESD for 6 years and this sounds like you might have had a combined wage claim or possibly some disqualified weeks that affected your benefit duration. Although it could simply be a system error too. January 28th is only about 13 weeks from late October, so that timeline checks out with what you're seeing. The question is whether that's correct for your situation. You should check a few things: 1. Look at your past employment - was some of it out of state? That can affect your claim. 2. Check if you have any weeks marked as "disqualified" in your payment history. 3. Look at your wage information - sometimes not all employers are properly included. If everything looks correct to you, you absolutely need to speak with an ESD agent to review your claim. And yes, unfortunately the phone lines are still a disaster in 2025.

I had something similar happen to me! After weeks of trying to call ESD with no luck, I finally tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to an agent in like 20 minutes. They have this service that calls ESD for you and then connects you when they get through. Saved me so much time and frustration. They have a video demo too if you want to see how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent I spoke with was able to fix my claim duration issue right away - turned out there was a system flag on my account that was limiting my weeks.

Before you pay for any services, try calling right when they open at 8:00 AM. That's when I've had the most success getting through. Also, your issue sounds like it could be a combined wage claim situation if you worked in multiple states during your base year. Did you work outside of Washington in the 18 months before you filed your claim? If so, ESD might only be calculating based on your WA wages, which would explain the reduced benefit duration.

Your definitely getting screwed by esd. happened to me 2. i was only approved for like 3 months of benefits even though i worked for 5 years straight!!!! the whole system is designed to cheat us out of our benefits that WE PAID INTO!!!

Based on what you've shared and your comment about working in Oregon, I think you have a Combined Wage Claim situation that wasn't properly processed. When you work in multiple states during your base year, you can choose to combine those wages to potentially qualify for a higher benefit amount or longer duration. Here's what you need to do: 1. Contact ESD specifically about filing a Combined Wage Claim (CWC) 2. Request that they include your Oregon wages in your claim calculation 3. Be prepared to provide details about your Oregon employment This process can take 2-3 weeks to complete since ESD has to coordinate with Oregon's employment department. But it could significantly increase your benefit duration. If you can't get through on the phone, try the secure message system in your eServices account. Use the subject line "Request for Combined Wage Claim - URGENT" to draw attention.

i used that claimyr thing someone mentioned above when i couldn't get thru for 3 weeks straight. it worked but just know u gotta pay for it. seemed worth it to me tho cuz i was going crazy trying to talk to someone!

Just to close the loop on your question - yes, a properly filed Combined Wage Claim would potentially give you more weeks if your Oregon wages are substantial enough to impact your total. The good news is that if ESD approves your CWC request, they'll recalculate your claim and potentially backdate the adjustment, so you shouldn't lose any benefits you're entitled to. One more tip: when you get through to ESD, ask specifically for an agent who handles Combined Wage Claims. Not all agents are familiar with the process, and you want someone who knows exactly what to do.