How long can you be on Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max? I was hoping it might be longer since I've been working for 3 years straight before getting laid off.

Yes, 26 weeks is the standard maximum for regular UI benefits. Your steady work history should help you qualify for the full duration though.

You're thinking of extended benefits programs that sometimes kick in during high unemployment periods, but those aren't active in Washington right now. The standard 26 weeks is what's available currently.

oh ok that makes sense. i remember during covid there were way more weeks available but that was special circumstances

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to Washington ESD agents without waiting on hold forever. I watched their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ and decided to try it. Actually got connected to an agent the same day and got all my questions answered about my claim duration.

That's correct assuming you qualified for the full 26 weeks. You can check your remaining benefit balance in your Washington ESD account online.

Perfect, I'll log in and check that right now. Thanks for the help!

The benefit year is 52 weeks from when you filed, but you can only collect up to 26 weeks of benefits within that year. Adjudication delays don't count against your 26 weeks - only the weeks you actually certify and receive payment count.

Oh that's a relief! I was panicking thinking I lost weeks during adjudication.

yeah i had the same worry when my claim was stuck in adjudication for like a month. but those weeks dont count against you

Yes, if you're approved for certain training programs through WorkSource, you might be eligible for additional benefits beyond the standard 26 weeks. It's called Training Benefits and you have to get pre-approval from Washington ESD.

Good to know! I'll look into that option if I get close to my 26 week limit.

I totally agree! The Washington ESD website is terrible for finding clear answers. Everything is buried in different sections and written in government speak.

at least we have forums like this to help each other out. the esd phone system is even worse than their website lol

Thanks for mentioning that. Hopefully I won't need it but good to know those options exist.

Also check with 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local resources and assistance programs. They have info on everything from food banks to utility assistance.

I was in the same situation last year. Don't panic - use every resource available. Make sure you're hitting all the job search requirements and document everything. Sometimes employers are more willing to hire quickly if they know you're motivated by a deadline.

also make sure youre working with worksource if you havent already. they have job placement services that might help you find something faster

If you need to talk to Washington ESD about any options near the end of your claim, I'd recommend using Claimyr again. Much easier than trying to get through on your own, especially when you're under time pressure.

Yes, any week you certify for benefits (even partial benefits) counts as one of your 26 weeks. So working part-time doesn't extend your benefit period, but it can help stretch your finances.

Got it, thanks. That's what I figured but wanted to confirm.

This is excellent advice! I made the mistake of not filing for a few weeks when I thought I had a job lined up. That job fell through and I lost those benefit weeks forever.

yep learned this the hard way too. always file your weekly claims on time even if you dont think youll need the money

That's true - Washington ESD uses a specific base period calculation, so timing can impact your weekly benefit amount, though not the 26 week duration.

I filed in December so I'm hoping my base period included my best earning quarters from last year.

When I exhausted my benefits last year, I got a notice explaining that my claim had ended and what steps to take next. They also provided info about reapplying if I had worked enough since my original claim.

yeah you get paperwork explaining everything. they dont just cut you off without warning

If you're getting close to exhausting benefits and have questions about what's next, that's another good time to use Claimyr to speak with an agent. They can explain your options for reapplying or other programs you might qualify for.