How long are Washington ESD unemployment benefits - confused about duration

Thanks! So my 26 weeks started when my benefit year began in January? That would put me through July if I need the full amount.

Exactly right. Your benefit year runs for 52 weeks from when it was established, but you can only collect up to 26 weeks of benefits within that year (unless extended benefits become available).

I was having the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. I tried their website at claimyr.com and watched their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ - they actually got me connected to an agent within a day when I couldn't get through for weeks on my own.

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

They handle the calling process for you. Instead of spending hours trying to get through yourself, they do the work and connect you when an agent is available. Saved me so much frustration.

Wait, so if I use 10 weeks of benefits then find a job, I still have 16 weeks left if I get laid off again within the same benefit year?

Correct, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements again and it's within your benefit year. You'd need to reopen your claim and meet the job search requirements.

Yes I've been keeping track of my job applications. The WorkSourceWA website is helpful for logging job search activities.

The job search requirement is actually really important. Washington ESD can request your job search log at any time and if you can't provide proof of 3 job contacts per week, they can disqualify you and demand repayment of benefits.

Extended Benefits (EB) can kick in when state unemployment rates are high enough to trigger them. As of early 2025, Washington hasn't triggered EB, but it's worth checking the Washington ESD website regularly as this can change.

Thanks, I'll keep an eye on that. Really hoping something comes through soon job-wise.

Yeah, I'm getting about $520 per week which is roughly half of what I was making at my warehouse job.

That sounds about right. The formula is complex but generally you get about 50% of your average weekly wages up to the maximum.

Adjudication delays are the worst! I had a similar issue and ended up using Claimyr to finally get through to someone who could explain what was holding up my claim. Worth checking out their service if you're still having contact issues.

Wish I'd known about that earlier. The stress of not knowing what was happening with my claim was terrible.

Yes, I make sure to file every Sunday. Even when my claim was pending initially, I kept filing weekly claims.

Smart approach. I've seen people lose weeks of benefits because they thought they didn't need to file while their claim was being processed.

Yeah, those pandemic programs like PUA and PEUC ended in 2021. Now it's back to the regular system.

Got it, so I should plan for 26 weeks and hope extended benefits become available if I need more time.

I tried that approach for weeks with no luck. Finally gave up and used Claimyr instead - they got me through to an agent the same day I signed up. Sometimes you just need a different strategy.

That's good to know. The early morning calling worked for me but I know everyone's situation is different.

Mine is regular unemployment since I was permanently laid off, not seasonal or standby.

Good clarification. Standby claims have their own set of rules and requirements that are quite different from regular UI claims.

Perfect summary, thank you! This thread has been really helpful in understanding how it all works.

Glad we could help clear things up. Washington ESD's website has good info too, but sometimes it's nice to hear from real people who've been through the process.