ESD only granted me 13 weeks instead of 26 weeks despite having enough hours - why?

Did you have a prior UI claim in the last year that you collected on? Thats usualy why - if you already used some of ur benefit year they subtract it from the new claim.

This sounds like you might have a combined wage claim or your base year earnings are affecting your benefit duration. In WA, while 26 weeks is typical, your actual benefit duration depends on several factors: 1. Your earnings distribution across your base year quarters 2. If you worked in multiple states (combined wage claim) 3. Whether you have part-time earnings reported in your base period Call ESD directly to ask about your specific situation. Unfortunately, the calculation method is complex and specific to your earnings history.

I had this EXACT same issue last year! Turned out they were only looking at my WA wages and not including my Idaho work history. Once I got them to process a combined wage claim with both states, my benefit duration went up to the full 26 weeks. You need to specifically request them to investigate this - they won't automatically do it. BTW, I wasted weeks trying to get through on the phone until I found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an ESD agent in about 25 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Totally worth it since I was able to get my issue fixed and received the additional 13 weeks of benefits I was entitled to.

Did you check if you're on a "regular unemployment insurance" claim or some other type? Sometimes they put people on different programs that have shorter durations. Check your Determination Letter carefully - it should say what type of claim they processed and why you got 13 weeks.

THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN! I had the SAME EXACT THING happen and spent HOURS trying to get it fixed. ESD claimed my hours in my base year weren't enough BUT I HAD PAYSTUBS PROVING OTHERWISE. They just make up rules as they go along to save money. Good luck getting anyone on the phone who knows what they're talking about!!!

So a similar situation happened to me! I had to request a combined wage claim because I had worked in both WA and OR during my base year. After I got through to someone and explained, they filed the interstate request and within 3 weeks my benefit duration was corrected to the full 26 weeks. But yeah, the trick is actually getting through to someone. I called 47 times in one day before getting through!

my cousin works at esd and says they're doing a new thing where they start everyone at 13 weeks and then add more later if you keep doing your weekly claims without any issues. might be that

UPDATE: Finally got through to ESD today! The agent confirmed it was because of my work in Oregon. She's processing a combined wage claim that will include both states, and said my benefit duration should increase to the full 26 weeks once that's complete. She said it typically takes 2-3 weeks for the interstate verification. Thanks everyone for your help!