How long can a person be on unemployment benefits in Washington state?

Thanks! So 26 weeks is the standard. Are there any circumstances where someone could get less than 26 weeks?

Yes, your benefit duration depends on your base period wages. If you didn't earn enough during your base period, you might qualify for fewer weeks. Washington ESD calculates this based on your work history.

That's good advice. She's already started looking but the job market in her field is pretty competitive right now.

What field is she in? Some industries are hiring more than others right now.

Interesting, I hadn't heard of that service before. Have you used it?

Yes, I used it when I couldn't get through to ESD about my adjudication issue. Worked great - got connected to an agent within a few tries instead of calling for hours.

How much does something like that cost though? I'm already struggling financially

Got it. So no extensions currently available in Washington state?

Correct. Extended Benefits (EB) can trigger during high unemployment periods, but Washington's unemployment rate isn't high enough to trigger them right now.

You're right that it varies by state, but Washington is pretty standard at 26 weeks. Some states do offer more, and a few offer less.

ok thanks i was getting confused about that

That's exactly what my sister is worried about. 8 weeks left isn't much time.

Don't panic yet! I found my job on week 24. Sometimes it takes the full time but it works out.

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm trying to stay optimistic but it's stressful watching the weeks count down.

I understand the frustration, but the system is designed to provide temporary assistance while people search for work. The job search requirements help ensure people are actively looking.

Easy to say when you're not the one stressed about running out of benefits!

No, the waiting week is separate. You serve one waiting week where you don't get paid, then you can collect up to 26 weeks of benefits after that.

Perfect, thanks for clarifying that!

Good point. My sister filed immediately when she got laid off, so she should be good there.

I made that mistake once - waited two weeks thinking I'd find something fast. Lost out on those benefit weeks completely.

I'll mention that to her. The phone lines are always busy when I've tried calling ESD for other family members.

I've been trying to get through to ESD for days about my adjudication. Maybe I should check out that Claimyr thing too.

Good reminder. What counts as a job search activity?

Applying for jobs, networking contacts, job interviews, attending job fairs, working with WorkSource. Check the Washington ESD website for the full list.

I got audited last year and had to provide all my job search documentation. Keep everything organized!

Extended Benefits are possible but only trigger when the state unemployment rate meets specific thresholds. Washington hasn't qualified for EB in several years.

So basically don't count on any extensions right now?

Correct. Plan for 26 weeks maximum and hope you find work before then.

No, they're different. Base period is the time period used to calculate your benefits (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters). Benefit year is the 52-week period during which you can collect benefits.

So I have 52 weeks to use up my 26 weeks of benefits?

Exactly. If you find work and stop claiming for a while, you can come back and claim remaining weeks within that benefit year.

What do you mean? I thought 26 weeks was pretty standard?

It is standard now, but some states like Massachusetts offer up to 30 weeks. Washington could do better.

That's smart advice. Better to have the benefits available than miss out on them.

Agree 100%. I skipped filing for 2 weeks once thinking I had a job lined up and it fell through. Lost those weeks permanently.

Multiple people have mentioned this service now. Seems like it might be worth looking into.

I'm skeptical of paying for something that should be free, but if it actually works...

I was skeptical too, but after spending weeks trying to get through on my own, it was worth it to finally talk to someone at ESD.

Perfect summary. I'll pass all this info along to her. Thanks everyone for the helpful responses!

Good luck to your sister! The job market is tough but 26 weeks is usually enough time if you stay focused on the search.