How long can I get unemployment benefits in Washington - duration limits?

Thanks! What exactly is the base period? Is that just the last year I worked?

The base period is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through September 2024.

Extended benefits aren't available right now in Washington. The unemployment rate has to hit certain triggers for that program to activate.

Oh okay, didn't realize they had ended. Good to know!

Interesting, never heard of that. How does it work exactly?

Basically they handle the calling part and wait on hold for you, then connect you when an agent is available. Saved me tons of time and frustration.

Thanks! I worked steadily for 2 years so I should qualify for the full 26 weeks then?

Most likely yes, but Washington ESD will calculate your exact entitlement based on your wage history when you file your claim.

Were you able to find work before your benefits ran out?

yeah found something at week 22, cutting it close lol

What exactly do I need to do for the job search requirements?

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. This includes applying for jobs, networking, attending job fairs, etc. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities.

Is that legit? I'm always suspicious of third-party services for government stuff.

Yeah it's real - they just help you get through the phone queue to talk to Washington ESD directly. You're still dealing with the actual agency, not some middleman.

I might try this if I can't get through. The phone lines are always busy when I call.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs?

Job applications, networking events, career fairs, WorkSource appointments, even some training programs can count. Check the Washington ESD website for the full list.

I got dinged for not having enough variety in my job search activities. They want you to mix it up, not just apply online to the same types of jobs every week.

What do they consider 'suitable work'? Does it have to be in the same field as my previous job?

Generally suitable work is something that pays at least 70% of your previous wage and matches your skills and experience. But the longer you're on unemployment, the broader their definition becomes.

That's the current limit for regular unemployment. During high unemployment periods, Congress sometimes authorizes extended benefits, but nothing like that exists right now.

You might qualify for other assistance programs through DSHS after your unemployment runs out, but that's welfare not unemployment insurance.

I know the frustration. Try calling right at 8am when they open, that's your best shot.

I've tried that multiple times. Either it's busy or I get disconnected after waiting an hour.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - it solved this exact problem for me. No more wasted hours on hold.

How do I file the weekly claims? Is it online?

Yes, through your SecureAccess Washington account. You can also do it by phone but online is faster.

I always set a reminder on my phone for Sunday mornings to file my weekly claim. Easy to forget otherwise.

I only worked in Washington so shouldn't be an issue for me, but good to know.

Yes, that's correct. The minimum is usually around 10-12 weeks if you barely qualify. The 26 weeks is the maximum, but you need sufficient earnings in your base period to get the full duration.

How do I know what my base period earnings were? I've had this job for 2 years but before that I was part-time.

Your base period is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. Washington ESD will look up your earnings when you apply.

Benefits start from when you file, not when you were laid off. You should file as soon as possible - there's a waiting week anyway so any delay just pushes everything back further.

Ugh, so I already lost 2 weeks of potential benefits?

Unfortunately yes. Always file immediately when you become unemployed, even if you think you might find work quickly.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. They cut through all that phone maze and got me connected to an actual person who could help with my questions.

Might have to check that out if I run into issues again. The phone system is brutal.

That seems like a pretty decent amount. Hope I can find work before I need all 26 weeks though.

That's the goal! The job search requirements are designed to help you get back to work as quickly as possible.

I get the frustration but 26 weeks is pretty standard for most US states. Some are even less.

That doesn't make it right. We pay into this system our whole working lives and get almost nothing back when we need it.

Good to know there are options if I need them. Hopefully won't come to that though.

Oh I didn't think about taxes. Probably smart to have them withheld so I don't get hit with a big bill later.

Yeah, learned that the hard way my first time on unemployment. Definitely set aside money for taxes if you don't have them withheld.

No, part-time work doesn't reduce your total weeks available. It might reduce your weekly benefit amount if you earn too much, but you still get to use all 26 weeks. Just make sure to report all earnings on your weekly claims.

That's good to know. I was worried about taking any work at all.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! Feel much more prepared to file my claim now.

Absolutely this. And if you can't get through to Washington ESD on your own, services like Claimyr can really help speed up the process of getting answers.

I'll keep that in mind. Hoping for a smooth process but good to know there are options if I hit roadblocks.

How much does something like that cost? I'm on unemployment so money's tight.

It's worth checking out their site for current info. For me, the peace of mind of actually talking to someone was worth it when my benefits were stuck.

I went through all 26 weeks last year. After that you're on your own unless you qualify for other programs. Really motivates the job search though.

Did you end up finding work after your benefits ended?

Yeah, found something about a month later. Had to take a lower paying job but at least it was something.

Good to know for the future. Hopefully I won't need that information but it's reassuring.

Yeah, you just need to meet the earnings requirements again in a new base period.

Definitely file now. You can decompress while your claim is processing. There's a one week waiting period anyway so filing immediately doesn't mean you get paid immediately.

ok convincing. filing today then

Federal contractors are usually covered under regular state unemployment insurance, so yes, same 26 week limit. Direct federal employees have a different system (UCFE) but contractors typically don't.

Thanks for clarifying that. I wasn't sure which category I fell into.

This is why I'm trying to be really strategic about my job search from day one. Can't afford to waste any of those weeks.

Smart approach. I wish I had been more organized from the start.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info. Sounds like I need to get my claim filed ASAP and start job searching aggressively.

You've got this! 26 weeks is enough time if you stay focused and organized.