How long can someone collect unemployment in Washington - ESD duration limits?

Thanks! So 26 weeks is still the standard then. Are there any situations where someone could get extended beyond that?

Yes there can be extensions during high unemployment periods but right now we're not in an extended benefits period in Washington state.

Oh I didn't know that! How do they calculate how many weeks you're eligible for?

Washington ESD looks at your earnings in the base period (first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed). Higher earnings generally mean more weeks of eligibility up to the maximum of 26.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they basically handle the waiting and calling for you. There's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

That actually sounds really helpful. I'm so tired of spending hours on hold just to get hung up on.

Never heard of that but anything has to be better than the current system. Washington ESD's phone system is absolutely broken.

What happens if you still can't find work after 26 weeks? Do you just lose all benefits?

After regular UI runs out, you'd need to look into other programs like WorkFirst (TANF) or SNAP, depending on your situation. You can't file a new UI claim until you've worked enough to establish a new base period.

That's really scary to think about. 6 months goes by fast when you're job hunting.

Actually 26 weeks is pretty standard across most states. Some states have shorter durations - Florida only has 12 weeks for example.

Still not enough time to find decent work in today's job market. The whole system needs an overhaul.

Good point. What exactly counts as a job contact? Is it just applying online or do you need to do more?

You can do online applications, attend job fairs, networking events, interviews, even some training activities. You need to log them in WorkSourceWA and keep records in case Washington ESD audits your claim.

The job search requirement is so stressful on top of everything else. Makes the whole 26 weeks feel even shorter.

That must have been such a relief to find work before your benefits ran out!

Definitely! I was getting really anxious toward the end. The pressure of that deadline actually motivated me to apply to more places.

That's good to know! So working part-time doesn't automatically disqualify you from benefits?

Right, as long as you report the earnings on your weekly claim. Washington ESD will reduce your benefit amount based on what you earned but you can still collect something.

That's my situation right now with seasonal work. Some weeks I work, some I don't, but I don't think I'm using up my full benefit year.

Exactly. Standby claims preserve your remaining benefit balance when you go back to work temporarily.

How does it work exactly? Do they just call for you?

Yeah they handle all the waiting and then connect you directly to a Washington ESD agent when one becomes available. Way better than sitting on hold yourself.

Wait really? That seems unfair if the delay isn't your fault.

Unfortunately yes. Your benefit year is 52 weeks total but you can only collect for a maximum of 26 weeks within that year, regardless of delays or disqualifications.

Good advice! I'll definitely tell him to file right away. Better to have it processing even if there are delays.

Yes and even if there are issues with the claim, it's better to have the application date established early.

How much work do you need to qualify for a new claim?

You need to have earned at least 680 hours or wages equal to 680 times the minimum wage in your new base period. Washington ESD calculates this when you file.

That's encouraging to hear. He's definitely planning to get back into construction once things pick up in spring.

Yeah construction unemployment is pretty common and expected. Washington ESD is used to handling those types of claims.

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

Good luck to your cousin! The job market is tough but 26 weeks should give him time to find something decent.