For how long can I collect Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

Thanks! What exactly is the base period? I worked pretty consistently for the past 2 years at the same job.

The base period is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim. So if you filed in January 2025, it would typically be January-December 2024. Since you worked consistently, you should be fine for the full duration.

Extended benefits (EB) are only available when the state unemployment rate meets certain triggers. Right now Washington doesn't qualify for EB. The pandemic programs like PEUC ended in 2021.

Good to know, thanks for clarifying that!

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr. They help you get through to Washington ESD agents by handling all the calling for you. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. It was so much easier than spending hours on hold.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How does it actually work?

You just give them your info and they call Washington ESD for you until they get through to an actual person. Then they connect you to the agent. Saved me probably 20+ hours of calling myself.

How do I find out exactly how many weeks I qualify for? Is there somewhere in my account that shows this?

Yes, once your claim is processed you should see your benefit year end date and weekly benefit amount in your Washington ESD account. The benefit year is typically 52 weeks from when you filed, but you can only collect for up to 26 weeks during that period.

I feel you. The paperwork and requirements are overwhelming when you're already stressed about being unemployed.

Exactly! And don't even get me started on the job search requirements...

What happens if you find part-time work? Do you lose all your benefits or can you still collect something?

You can work part-time and still collect partial benefits. Washington has a partial benefit formula - they deduct 75% of your gross earnings from your weekly benefit amount. So if you earn $200 in a week, they'd deduct $150 from your weekly benefit.

After regular UI benefits end, you might qualify for other assistance programs like SNAP (food assistance), medical coverage through Apple Health, or workforce training programs. Check with DSHS for other state assistance programs.

Thanks, I'll look into those options. The job market is still pretty tough in my field.

What counts as a job search contact? Is applying online enough or do they want more?

Online applications count, but they also accept things like attending job fairs, networking events, contacting employers directly, or working with WorkSource. You need to keep detailed records in case they audit your search activities.

Good advice. I'm already starting my job search but good to know I need to document everything.

Yeah, they're pretty strict about the documentation. Better to over-document than under-document!

Yes, you can file a new claim if you've worked and earned enough wages since your last claim. You'd need to meet the eligibility requirements again based on your new work history. The benefit year from your old claim would need to be expired too.

That makes sense. Hopefully I won't need to use that information!

How much does something like that cost? I'm already tight on money.

It's worth checking their site for current info, but for me it was worth it just to avoid the stress and wasted time of calling repeatedly. The peace of mind was huge.

I'll check that out. Is it on the main esd.wa.gov site?

Yeah, I think it's under the 'Apply for Benefits' section or you can search for 'benefit calculator' on their site.

This is important to know. Better to plan for the 26 week limit rather than hope for extensions.

Exactly. Treat it like a countdown and use every week wisely.

That's a good point. The benefit year vs. duration thing confuses a lot of people.

Yeah, it's one of those details that's not explained well in the initial filing process.

This is getting complicated. Is there a simple way to keep track of all these dates and requirements?

Your Washington ESD account shows all the important dates - benefit year begin/end dates, weeks remaining, etc. Check it regularly and set reminders for important dates like your weekly filing deadline.

Good advice. Did you find work before or after your benefits ended?

Found something in week 24, thankfully. But I was actively searching from week 1 and had several interviews along the way.

Is that through WorkSource or directly through Washington ESD?

It's administered by Washington ESD but you usually work with WorkSource to get approved for training programs. They have to approve the training as likely to lead to employment in your area.

Thanks everyone for all the detailed info. This gives me a much better understanding of what to expect.

Good luck with your job search! The 26 weeks will give you time to find something good if you stay focused.