How long can someone collect Washington ESD unemployment benefits in 2025?

So it's not automatically 26 weeks for everyone? How do they calculate it?

It's based on your earnings during your base period (first 4 of last 5 completed quarters). Higher earnings generally mean more weeks, up to the 26 week maximum.

What are the job search requirements? He's been looking but I don't think he's tracking it properly.

He needs to log 3 job search activities per week in WorkSourceWA. Applications, interviews, networking events all count. Keep detailed records!

Wait, so there's no extended benefits program in Washington? I thought states had backup programs.

Washington does have Extended Benefits (EB) but it only triggers when unemployment rates hit certain thresholds. We're not there right now, so no EB available.

Interesting, never heard of that. Does it actually work?

Worked for me last month when I needed to check on my adjudication. Got through in about 20 minutes instead of the usual phone tree nightmare.

That's frustrating but the 26 week maximum is pretty standard. The confusion usually comes from people mixing up different benefit types or not understanding their base period calculation.

Yeah probably. The agents we talked to weren't very clear about explaining the details.

No, he's not union. Just a regular layoff due to slow winter season.

Then he'll get regular UI benefits. Just make sure he keeps filing his weekly claims every week even if he finds part-time work.

That's what I was afraid of. So we really need to plan for just the 26 weeks maximum.

Exactly. Don't count on anything beyond that. Use the time wisely for job searching.

So if he works part-time some weeks, the 26 weeks could last longer than 26 calendar weeks?

Correct. If he earns less than his weekly benefit amount plus $5, he'll still get partial benefits and that week counts toward his 26. But if he earns more, that week doesn't count against his total.

I get the frustration but 26 weeks is pretty standard nationally. It's meant to be temporary assistance while job hunting.

Temporary my foot! Some industries are dead right now and 6 months isn't enough to retrain or relocate.

Good point. What happens if he misses a week?

You can sometimes file late but there might be penalties. Better to file every single Sunday without fail to avoid problems.

He's been working construction for about 3 years pretty steadily. Should that be enough?

Three years of steady work should definitely qualify him for the full 26 weeks, assuming he met the earnings requirements in his base period.

Is there a grace period at the beginning or does it start immediately?

Job search requirements usually start after your first week or two of benefits. Check his claim details for the exact start date.

I'm definitely going to look into that. The regular phone number is impossible.

Yeah the regular system is a nightmare. Claimyr is worth checking out if you need specific answers about his claim.

That's good advice. Are there programs through WorkSource for retraining?

Yes, WorkSource has various training programs and resources. Worth exploring while he's on benefits rather than waiting until they run out.

That's not quite right. Your benefit year runs 52 weeks from when you first file. The 26 weeks of benefits can be used anytime during that benefit year.

Oh okay, thanks for clarifying. I was confused about how the timing worked.

Yeah we're grateful for that. Just trying to plan ahead since we don't know how long this layoff will last.

Smart thinking. Construction usually picks back up in spring but you never know with the economy these days.

I hope so! His boss said maybe spring but no guarantees.

Keep looking at other companies too. Don't put all your eggs in one basket waiting for a callback.

Definitely won't do that. We'll report everything properly.

Good. I've seen people get hit with huge overpayment bills for not reporting part-time work. Not worth the risk.

That's exactly what we needed to know. Thank you everyone for all the helpful information!

Good luck to your husband with the job search. The construction industry should bounce back as weather improves.

Good to know. Hopefully we won't need it but I'll keep that in mind.

Yeah, definitely bookmark claimyr.com just in case. It's a lifesaver when you actually need to talk to someone at Washington ESD.