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

Thanks! So 26 weeks is the max for everyone? I worked full time for 8 years so I should qualify for the full amount right?

Yes, with 8 years of steady work history you should qualify for the full 26 weeks assuming you meet the earnings requirements during your base period.

I was wondering about extensions too. So right now it's just the regular 26 weeks and that's it?

Correct, currently it's just the standard 26 weeks maximum unless Extended Benefits get triggered again, which happens when the state unemployment rate hits certain thresholds.

Thanks! So it's not automatically 26 weeks for everyone? How do they calculate how many weeks you actually get?

It's based on your earnings in your base period (first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters). Higher earnings typically qualify you for more weeks, up to the 26 week maximum.

3 job contacts per week? Is that like applications or can it include networking?

It can include applications, interviews, job fairs, networking events, even contacting employers directly. Just keep good records in your job search log.

Actually if you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD to clarify the job search requirements, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to an agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Yeah the job search requirements are no joke. You need to document everything in WorkSource.

Good to know about the job search tracking. I'll make sure to stay on top of that requirement.

After 26 weeks, your regular UI benefits end. You'd need to look into other assistance programs or potentially requalify for a new benefit year if you've worked enough since your original claim.

that's scary. 6 months doesn't seem like enough time especially for certain industries

How does that work exactly? Do they just call for you or what?

They help you get through the phone queue faster so you can talk directly to an ESD agent. Much better than sitting on hold for hours.

Yes, when you exhaust your regular UI benefits, that's typically it unless there are federal extensions (which there aren't currently). You'd need to look into other programs if you're still unemployed.

That's terrifying. I'm on week 20 and still haven't found anything decent.

Which states have longer benefit periods? Maybe I should consider relocating if my job search takes longer than expected.

Montana and Massachusetts have longer periods, but you can't just move to collect benefits - you have to establish work history in that state first.

The 26 weeks is the maximum for anyone qualifying for regular UI benefits. Your work history (full-time vs part-time) affects your weekly benefit amount and potentially how many weeks you qualify for, but 26 is still the cap.

ok that makes more sense thanks

Oh interesting, I didn't know that. So I should file as early in the week as possible?

It doesn't really matter when you file during the week - your benefit year will always start on a Sunday. Just file as soon as you're eligible.

Can you explain that more? I'm confused about the difference.

Your benefit year is the 12-month period during which your claim is valid. Within that year, you can collect up to 26 weeks of benefits. If you find work and then lose it again within the same benefit year, you might still have weeks remaining.

Those pandemic programs were a lifesaver. Too bad they couldn't make some of them permanent.

So just to confirm - right now in 2025, it's just the regular 26 weeks max and no extensions available?

Correct, unless something changes at the federal level, which seems unlikely.

That's good to know. I might be able to pick up some part-time work to stretch things out.

Yes, just make sure to report any earnings on your weekly claim. Being honest about part-time work is crucial to avoid overpayment issues later.

This is good advice. I waited too long and had a gap between my benefits ending and finding work.

Thanks for the heads up. I'm already looking but I'll definitely ramp up efforts as I get closer to the limit.

I mentioned this earlier but Claimyr really helped me get through to Washington ESD when I was having issues. It's way better than trying to call on your own and getting hung up on constantly.

Is that legit? I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point.

Yeah it's totally legitimate. They basically handle the calling process for you so you don't have to deal with busy signals and wait times. Worth checking out their demo video.

Good advice. I'm already updating my resume and reaching out to contacts. Hopefully I won't need the full 26 weeks.

Smart approach. Also consider expanding your search beyond your exact field if you're getting close to the 26 week limit.

What happens if you miss a week? Can you make it up?

You can sometimes file for a missed week but it's a hassle and might delay your payments. Better to just stay on schedule.

Washington doesn't have any state-funded extension programs beyond the regular 26 weeks. When federal extensions aren't available, 26 weeks is it.

That's disappointing. Some other states have better programs.

Was it worth paying for that service just to get through faster?

For me it was. Time is money when you're unemployed and stressing about benefit details. The peace of mind was worth it.

Smart approach. I wish I had been more careful with my spending during my first few weeks.

That's exactly how I'm thinking about it. Better to be overly cautious with the budget.

Really? I didn't know you could save unused weeks. How does that work exactly?

If you return to work and then become unemployed again within your benefit year, you can sometimes continue your claim for the remaining weeks. But there are rules about how much you need to earn to qualify for this.

There might be other assistance programs like SNAP or TANF depending on your situation, but they're very different from unemployment benefits.

You might also be able to file a new claim if you've worked enough since your last claim started, but that's not guaranteed.

True, but it still feels short when you're living it. Job market is tough right now.

I guess I should be grateful for the 26 weeks we do get. Better than nothing.

Good advice. What kind of resources should people look into?

Local food banks, utility assistance programs, job training programs, etc. Your local DSHS office can help connect you with resources.

I haven't heard of any current proposals. The legislature would have to act and that's unlikely without some kind of economic crisis.

That's disappointing. Other states have realized 26 weeks isn't enough anymore.

What if I can't file because there's a problem with my account? Should I keep trying?

Yes, keep trying and document your attempts. If you can't file online, try calling. If you can't get through, that's where services like Claimyr can help you reach an agent to resolve account issues.

I agree, the website could be much more user-friendly. A lot of important information is buried in PDFs or hard to find pages.

Exactly! And when you try to call for clarification you can never get through to anyone.

Good point. I hope it doesn't come to that but it's smart to know what other resources are available.

Also look into job training programs. Sometimes they offer additional support while you're learning new skills.

Manufacturing can be tough right now depending on your specific sector, but there are still opportunities out there. I'd suggest keeping your options open - look in manufacturing first since you have the experience, but also consider related industries like logistics, warehousing, or even maintenance roles that use similar skills. With 26 weeks max, casting a wider net early is smart. Also make sure you're documenting all your job search activities for ESD - they really do check on the 3 contacts per week requirement.