How long can I be on unemployment benefits in Washington?

In Washington state, regular unemployment benefits (UI) typically last up to 26 weeks, but it can vary based on your work history and earnings. The exact duration depends on your base period wages - basically how much you earned in the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed. If you worked steadily for 2 years, you should qualify for close to the full 26 weeks.

I was on unemployment last year and got the full 26 weeks. But honestly, trying to get through to Washington ESD to ask questions was impossible - always busy signals or getting hung up on after waiting forever.

The 26 weeks is the standard maximum, but some people get less depending on their work history. Washington ESD calculates your benefit year based on when you file, and within that year you can collect up to your maximum benefit amount or 26 weeks, whichever comes first. Make sure you're filing your weekly claims every week even if you don't get paid right away due to the waiting week.

ugh the whole system is so confusing!! I've been trying to figure this out too because I might lose my job soon. Why can't they just give a straight answer on their website instead of all this complicated language about base periods and benefit years?? Makes my head spin

Been through this system multiple times unfortunately and here's what you need to know: 26 weeks is the max for regular UI benefits in Washington. But your actual duration depends on your base period wages. If you didn't earn much or worked part-time, you might only qualify for 10-15 weeks. The formula is complicated but basically higher earnings = more weeks of benefits.

Don't forget you also have to be actively looking for work the whole time! Washington has job search requirements - I think it's 3 job contacts per week now. You have to log them in your WorkSourceWA account or they can deny your benefits.

I thought unemployment was only like 16 weeks? Shows what I know lol. Good thing I haven't needed it yet but this is helpful info to have just in case.

Just want to add - if you do run into issues with your claim or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, seriously consider using that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. I wasted so many hours trying to call on my own before I found them. Made dealing with my benefit questions so much easier.

The 26 weeks goes by faster than you think, especially if you're in a competitive field. I used up my full benefit period last year and had to scramble at the end. Start looking for work immediately, don't wait around thinking you have plenty of time.

One thing to keep in mind - even though you can get up to 26 weeks, Washington ESD can deny or suspend your benefits if you turn down suitable work. They define 'suitable' based on your skills and experience, but after a certain point they expect you to take jobs that might pay less than your previous job.

Washington's system is actually pretty decent compared to some states. 26 weeks is on the higher end nationally. Some states only give you 12-16 weeks max. Plus our benefit amounts are relatively generous too.

If you're thinking about going back to school while on unemployment, be careful. You can't just enroll in any program - it has to be approved by Washington ESD or you could lose your benefits. There are specific training programs that are allowed.

Just make sure you understand the difference between your benefit year and your claim period. Your benefit year is 12 months from when you first file, but you might exhaust your 26 weeks of benefits before that year is up. If you find work and then lose it again within the same benefit year, you might not have any benefits left.

The waiting period at the beginning is such bs. Like you just lost your job and they make you wait a whole week before you get any money. I know it's only one week but when you're stressed about bills every day counts.

For what it's worth, I had a really positive experience with Washington ESD when I was on unemployment a few years ago. Yes, it was hard to get through on the phone, but once I did the agents were helpful. The online system worked fine for my weekly claims and I got my money on time every week.

If you end up needing to call Washington ESD for any reason and can't get through the normal way, I had success with Claimyr too. It's worth checking out their site at claimyr.com if you run into phone issues. Sometimes you really need to talk to an actual person and their regular phone system is just impossible.

Good luck with your claim! The 26 weeks should give you enough time to find something decent if you stay active in your job search. Don't get discouraged if the first few weeks are slow - sometimes it takes time for the right opportunity to come up.