How long can you be on unemployment benefits in Washington state?

Thank you! So it is 26 weeks. Do you know if that resets after a year or how that works?

Your benefit year is 52 weeks long. If you exhaust your 26 weeks of benefits before the year is up, you'd need to wait until your benefit year ends to file a new claim (assuming you meet the work requirements again).

Thanks! So even though my benefit year is 52 weeks, I only get paid for 26 of those weeks maximum?

Exactly right. The benefit year is just the timeframe when your claim is valid, but you only get 26 weeks of actual payments.

Thanks for clarifying! So even though I worked 8 years at my last job, I still only get 26 weeks?

Correct - the 26 week limit applies to everyone regardless of work history length. However, your weekly benefit amount will be higher if you had higher earnings.

Good point about the job searches. I've been keeping track in WorkSourceWA but it's such a pain.

Wait you have to do job searches every week? I thought it was just filing the weekly claim.

@profile5 Yes you need to do at least 3 job search activities per week and log them. Washington ESD can audit your job search log at any time.

Thanks! So it's based on calendar quarters, not just how long I worked? That makes sense. I'm hoping 26 weeks is enough time to find something decent.

yeah the quarters thing is confusing but basically if you worked enough and earned enough you get the full 26 weeks

Thank you! So it's definitely 26 weeks maximum? That gives me some time to plan at least.

Yeah 26 weeks is the standard but make sure you keep filing your weekly claims and doing your job search requirements or you'll lose benefits

Oh wow, I didn't realize it could be less than 26 weeks. I better check my account to see what it says for my situation.

Mine showed 22 weeks when I filed last year because I had some part-time periods mixed in with my full-time work. Still better than nothing though.

That's helpful to know about the training programs. Are there specific requirements to qualify for those?

You'd need to get pre-approval from Washington ESD for the training program. It has to be for an in-demand occupation and you usually need to show you can't return to your previous type of work.

Thanks! So it's not automatically 26 weeks for everyone? How do they calculate the exact number?

Right, it varies. Washington ESD uses a formula based on your highest quarter earnings in your base period. Higher earners typically get closer to the full 26 weeks.

That's good to know. I haven't found anything yet but I'm actively looking.

So no extensions at all right now? That's scary to think about.

Correct, no state or federal extensions currently available. The pandemic programs like PEUC ended years ago.

Are there any extensions available right now in Washington?

Not currently. The federal extensions ended and Washington's unemployment rate isn't high enough to trigger automatic extended benefits.

I was hoping there might be something since finding work has been tough lately but guess I need to plan for just the 26 weeks.

Ugh same problem here! I've called probably 50 times and either get busy signal or hang up after 3 hours on hold. It's ridiculous.

I actually found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. They handle the calling and waiting for you - check out claimyr.com. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

Interesting, I'll check that out. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get some answers.

I had the same problem until I found claimyr.com - they help you get through to Washington ESD agents. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

That actually sounds really helpful. I've wasted so much time trying to call them directly.

Part-time work doesn't change the 26 week duration, it just affects your weekly benefit calculation. But yeah getting through to confirm specifics is nearly impossible without help.

I feel you on this. The 26 weeks goes by fast when you're actually trying to find decent work that pays what you need.

I understand the frustration but the 26 week limit has been standard for decades. It's meant to be temporary assistance while you search for new employment.

Temporary assistance doesn't help when there ARE NO JOBS that pay a living wage!

Have you tried calling right when they open at 8am? That's usually the best time but you still might wait on hold for an hour.

I actually found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. They basically call for you and connect you when they reach someone. Saved me hours of trying to call myself. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo too (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ) that shows how it works.

Interesting, never heard of that. Does it actually work? I'm desperate at this point.

Yeah it worked for me. Got connected to an agent in about 30 minutes when I'd been trying to call for days on my own.

i feel you but getting mad won't help, you still gotta play by their rules to get your money

If your claim has been pending for 8 weeks, that's definitely not normal. You should have an adjudication issue that needs to be resolved. Have you checked your online account for any outstanding items?

Yes I checked and it just says 'adjudication in progress' with no other details. I can't get anyone on the phone to explain what's happening.

What are the current job search requirements? I want to make sure I'm doing everything right.

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a detailed log. They can audit this at any time.

How does that work? I've been trying to reach someone at Washington ESD for weeks about my claim details.

They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Basically helps you get through the phone queue without waiting hours.

Extensions depend on the state unemployment rate. During high unemployment periods, Extended Benefits (EB) can add up to 13 more weeks. But these aren't automatic - they trigger on and off based on economic conditions.

So there's no way to know for sure until I'm close to running out? This is so stressful.

Check the Washington ESD website regularly. They announce when EB periods start and end. Also consider looking into WorkSource services for job placement help.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. I used it last month when I had questions about my weekly claims and actually got to talk to someone within a few hours. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Really? How much does it cost? I'm already strapped for cash being unemployed.

It's worth it when you really need to reach someone. Way better than spending days trying to get through on your own.

Standby status is for temporary layoffs where you expect to return to the same employer. Same duration limits apply, but different job search requirements.

oh ok that makes sense. she didn't have to do the job search stuff while waiting to go back

Unemployment insurance is designed as temporary assistance while you search for work. After 26 weeks, you'd need to look into other assistance programs or wait until you're eligible to file a new UI claim.

It's really stressful when you're getting close to the end. I used all 26 weeks last year and had to rely on savings and food banks for a few months before finding work.

That's terrifying. I'm only at week 4 but the job market is so tough right now.

Wait, so working part-time doesn't help you collect benefits longer?

It stretches out the timeline since you collect less each week, but your total dollar amount and week count stay the same. You just spread it over more calendar time.

After 26 weeks of regular unemployment, you'd need to look into other programs like SNAP, housing assistance, or job training programs through WorkSource. You can't get more unemployment benefits unless extensions are approved.

That's scary to think about. Really hoping to find something before then.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. Spent weeks trying to get basic information about my claim duration and job search requirements. Worth it just for the peace of mind.

I might have to try that. Getting through to anyone at Washington ESD feels impossible right now.

Good advice. I'm already applying to jobs but the market seems pretty competitive right now. Did you have to do anything special to prove you were job searching?

Yeah you have to log your job search activities weekly. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week, and they can audit you anytime. Keep detailed records!

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to Washington ESD agents by phone. There's even a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me so much frustration.

Really? That actually works? I'm desperate at this point, I'll try anything.

Wait is that legit? Sounds too good to be true

Oh right, I forgot about that. I'll check next time I log in for my weekly claim.

Sometimes that information isn't accurate though. I had to call to get the real numbers.

It depends on your total earnings during the base period, not just how long you worked. Part-time work might still qualify you for benefits, but your weekly amount and duration could be less than someone who worked full-time.

ok thanks that makes sense i guess, i'll have to see what happens when i file

I feel you. The job market is brutal right now and 26 weeks isn't enough for everyone.

At least you qualified. Some of us got denied for stupid reasons and had to appeal.

Standby is still regular UI benefits, just with different job search requirements. You still get the same 26 weeks maximum during your benefit year.

Oh ok that makes sense. I was worried I had some weird different rules.

Good point about the weekly claims. How many job search activities do I need to do each week?

It's 3 job search activities per week minimum. Keep detailed records because they can audit your search activities.

And make sure those activities qualify - not everything counts as a valid job search activity according to Washington ESD rules.

Good to know. I made decent money so hopefully my weekly amount will be reasonable.

Just remember you have to report any work you do while collecting benefits, even part-time stuff

How do you find out your exact number of weeks? Is it in your initial determination letter?

Yes, it's in your monetary determination that Washington ESD sends after you file. Shows your weekly benefit amount and maximum number of weeks.

Wait what? There's a waiting week? Nobody told me that when I filed.

The waiting week was eliminated during COVID but it's back now. You serve one waiting week at the beginning of your claim.

So frustrating how they keep changing the rules.

Standby is still subject to the same 26-week maximum, but your situation might be different depending on your union agreement. You should check with your union rep.

Thanks, I'll ask them at the next meeting.

Currently there are no extended benefits available in Washington. Once your 26 weeks are exhausted, that's it unless you qualify for a new claim by working enough hours.

Damn, that's scary. I better step up my job search then.

You can work part-time and still collect partial unemployment benefits in Washington state. They deduct 75% of your earnings from your weekly benefit amount. This doesn't extend your 26-week limit though - it just helps bridge the gap while you look for full-time work.

That's actually helpful to know. So I don't have to turn down part-time opportunities while I'm looking for something permanent.

I feel you on the age thing. Companies say they don't discriminate but we all know the reality.

Hang in there both of you. I got laid off at 52 and it took me 8 months but I finally found something. Don't give up.

thanks for the encouragement, really needed to hear that today

What if you haven't worked enough to qualify for a new claim when your benefit year ends?

Then you're out of luck for regular unemployment until you work enough quarters to qualify again. That's why job search is so important.

Good point. I'll plan for 26 weeks and hope for the best. Thanks everyone for the helpful info!

Good advice. I started panicking at week 24 and wish I'd prepared earlier.

That's smart thinking. I'm at week 12 so I still have time but good to plan ahead.

Yes, any week you receive unemployment benefits counts toward your 26-week maximum, even if it's a partial payment because you worked part-time.

Ugh, that sucks. I've been doing some gig work and didn't realize those weeks counted.

How much does that cost though? Money's tight when you're on unemployment.

I can't remember the exact amount but it was worth it to finally get answers about my claim. Check their website for current pricing.

I found work on week 18 last year. It was stressful but the pressure of running out of time actually motivated me to take a job that wasn't perfect but got me back to work.

That's encouraging to hear. I might need to be less picky about the jobs I'm applying for.

Each state sets their own unemployment duration and benefit amounts. Washington's 26 weeks is actually pretty standard, but some states offer less.

Remember that job search activities don't have to be just applications. You can count networking events, career fairs, informational interviews, and even some online career development activities.

That helps, thanks. I've been too focused on just applications.

You might want to look into retraining programs or see if you qualify for any other assistance. WorkSource Washington has career counseling services that might help.

Thanks, I'll check that out. Never heard of WorkSource before.

Yeah I'm trying to balance being selective with being realistic about my timeline. Don't want to run out of benefits with nothing lined up.

Oh interesting, so part-time work can actually help stretch out the benefits?

Yes, if you earn less than your weekly benefit amount, you get partial benefits and your claim lasts longer. But you must report all earnings or you'll get in trouble for overpayment.

This is correct - partial benefits can extend your total claim duration beyond 26 weeks since you're not using your full weekly benefit amount each week.

I saw something about job search requirements when I was looking at the Washington ESD website. Do they actually check those logs?

Yes they do random audits and if you can't provide your job search log when requested, you'll lose benefits and might have to pay back what you received.

They audited me last year and I had to provide detailed records going back 3 months. Thank god I kept good records.

Your buddy is wrong. You need to wait until your benefit year ends (52 weeks from when you first filed) AND have enough qualifying wages in a new base period to be eligible for a new claim.

Thanks for clearing that up. Good thing I asked!

I hear you but complaining won't help. Focus on what you can control - networking, skill building, etc.

Easy for you to say. Some of us have been trying everything and still can't find work.

She might be thinking of federal extensions that were available during COVID, or possibly combining regular unemployment with other assistance programs. Standard Washington ESD benefits are definitely 26 weeks.

Oh that makes sense, she did lose her job during COVID so probably was getting those extra benefits.

You can definitely appeal disqualifications. If you win the appeal, you can collect benefits for the period you were denied, assuming you're still within your benefit year.

That's reassuring. The appeal process seems complicated though.

That's correct, assuming you continue to meet all the weekly requirements like job search and being available for work.

The pandemic-era extensions like PEUC and PUA ended in 2021. Currently, Washington state only offers the standard 26 weeks unless there's a federal extension program active, which there isn't right now. Some states have extended benefits during high unemployment periods, but that's rare.

Got it, so basically plan for 26 weeks maximum and hope I find something before then.

That's good to know for future reference, hopefully I won't need it though!

Yeah you need to earn at least 680 hours worth of wages or something like that to qualify for a new claim

It starts from your benefit year begin date, which is when you file your claim. That's why it's important to file as soon as possible after becoming unemployed.

Good to know, I filed mine right away so I should be getting the full 26 weeks.

Good luck with your search! The earlier weeks are usually the most stressful while you're adjusting to everything.

Yeah this has been really informative. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

That's exactly why I started using Claimyr - it handles the calling process and gets you connected to actual Washington ESD agents. Worth checking out if you need specific answers about your claim.

At this point I'm willing to try anything. The automated system doesn't answer my questions and I can't get through to a human.

This is exactly what I'm talking about! The system forces you to take any job even if it's way below what you need to survive.

Yeah it's frustrating but bills don't stop coming just because good jobs are hard to find.

This is what I'm worried about - having to take something that barely covers my expenses.

There are approved training programs through WorkSource that can allow you to continue receiving benefits while in training, but these have specific requirements and aren't automatic extensions.

Thanks, I'll look into WorkSource options. Might be good to learn new skills while job searching.

That's what I figured but was hoping maybe there were options I didn't know about.

nope pretty straightforward. 26 weeks and that's it unless congress does something special which is rare

Can you explain what that means exactly? I'm still learning all this terminology.

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.

That's correct - it's an important distinction that confuses many people new to the unemployment system.

Most states are 26 weeks, though a few have different durations based on unemployment rates or other factors. Washington's system is pretty typical.

Yeah I looked it up and most are the same. Was hoping we might be more generous here.

Easy to say when you actually found something! Some of us are trying hard and still not getting anywhere.

True, job markets vary by industry and location. I was lucky to be in tech where there are more openings.

My plant did close due to overseas competition. How do I find out about trade adjustment assistance?

Contact your local WorkSource office - they can help determine if your layoff qualifies for TAA benefits which can extend way beyond 26 weeks.

If you need to discuss TAA eligibility with Washington ESD directly, that's another situation where Claimyr can help you get through to speak with an agent who knows about specialized programs.

Good advice. I'm going to start applying everywhere and see what happens. Thanks everyone for all the info!

That's the right approach. Good luck with your job search!

Most states offer around 26 weeks, but the calculation methods vary quite a bit. Washington uses the 'high quarter' method I mentioned earlier. Some states use different formulas that might give you more or fewer weeks depending on your work pattern.

Interesting, good to know Washington's system isn't too bad compared to other places.

If you filed in December 2024, your base period would be January 2024 through September 2024 (Q1, Q2, Q3 of 2024). Since you started in March, you'd have earnings in Q1 (March), Q2 (April-June), and Q3 (July-September). Your Q4 2024 earnings (October-December) wouldn't count in this base period.

That seems weird that my most recent earnings don't count, but I guess that's just how the system works. Thanks for explaining.

Really? I'm definitely going to try it then. Did they charge you a lot?

It was reasonable for the time and frustration it saved me. Way better than taking time off work to sit on hold all day.

You can't file a new regular unemployment claim immediately after exhausting your benefits. You'd need to work and earn wages again to establish a new base period. However, you might qualify for other assistance programs through DSHS or local workforce development programs.

Makes sense, gives people incentive to find work before benefits run out. Thanks for the info.

Same here! I feel much better understanding the system now. Time to get serious about job hunting though.

good point, duration doesn't matter much if the weekly amount is too low to live on

That's exactly what happened to me! Found work 2 weeks after my benefits ended. The timing was awful but at least I eventually found something.

Ugh that's like Murphy's law or something. At least you got the job though!

Washington can trigger Extended Benefits (EB) during periods of high unemployment, but it's based on specific unemployment rate thresholds and hasn't happened recently. The federal government can also authorize extensions during severe economic downturns, like they did during the 2008 recession and COVID pandemic.

Hopefully we don't get to that point, but good to know there are options in extreme situations.

Same here, this thread answered all my questions. Good luck with your job search!

Excellent point! Always file your weekly claims on time, even if there are other issues pending. You can't go back and claim weeks you missed.

Learned this the hard way - missed 2 weeks while trying to get answers and couldn't get those benefits back.

So the clock starts ticking from when you file, not when you actually start receiving payments?

Exactly. Your benefit year is 52 weeks from when you filed your initial claim, not from your first payment.

Really? I didn't know you could restart an old claim. That's actually pretty helpful to know.

Yep, you can reopen your claim if you're still within the benefit year and have weeks remaining. Just have to meet the eligibility requirements again.

Sounds like solid advice. Thanks everyone for all the detailed responses - this has been really helpful!

I was skeptical at first but ended up trying it last month. Actually got through to someone who explained my whole claim situation in detail. Wish I'd found it sooner.

I haven't heard of that, is it connected to Washington ESD?

It's a separate agency but they work together. You can access services through the WorkSourceWA website or visit a local office.

I did a training program through WorkSource a few years ago. They paid for my certification and I got to keep collecting benefits during the program.

How much does it cost though? I'm already strapped for cash

They focus on getting you connected rather than the cost. Check out their site - the value is in actually reaching someone when you need help with your claim.

Good reminder, I'll set up a calendar alert so I don't forget.

Yeah I learned that the hard way. Missed one week and lost $485 that I can never get back.

Thanks for sharing that. It helps to hear success stories even when things look bleak.

What did you do for income after your benefits ran out?

Picked up some gig work, borrowed from family, and cut expenses to the bone. Not gonna lie, it was rough.

I was definitely laid off due to company downsizing, so that shouldn't be an issue for me.

Even with layoffs sometimes employers fight the claim. My old company tried to say I was fired for cause when I was clearly laid off.

Right, hopefully this is a one-time thing for me!

Some people unfortunately get stuck in cycles of temp work and unemployment. The gig economy has made job security pretty rare.

I'm only 47 so still too young for that, but good point for others reading this.

Early Social Security starts at 62 but the reduction in benefits is pretty significant. Better to wait until full retirement age if possible.

That's really helpful to know. I've been avoiding part-time work thinking it would disqualify me completely.

Yeah they deduct from your benefits based on what you earn but you can still collect something. Just make sure to report all earnings honestly.

Good advice about treating it like a full-time job. I need to get more systematic about my approach.

Boeing layoffs are rough. Did you end up staying in aerospace or switch industries?

Stayed in aerospace but had to relocate. Sometimes that's what it takes.

You're absolutely right. I need to start applying everywhere, not just the 'perfect' jobs.

Exactly. I see too many people wait until week 20 to panic. By then it's almost too late.

Good point about appeals. Hopefully I won't need that but it's good to keep in mind.

I had to appeal an overpayment decision and the deadline stress was unreal. Definitely don't procrastinate on that stuff.

This happened to me. Had an adjudication issue that took 6 weeks to resolve and those weeks still counted against my total.

Wow, that seems unfair. Did you try to appeal that?

I tried but was told that's just how the system works. Really frustrating.

Yeah I've been keeping track of those in my job search log. It's actually helping me stay organized.

What counts as a job search contact? I've been confused about this.

Applying for jobs, networking contacts, career fairs, interviews - basically any active effort to find work. There's a list on the Washington ESD website.

Good to hear it worked for you! I might try it myself if I need to call them again.

Interesting, I didn't know that. How does that work exactly?

if you work some hours but still qualify for partial benefits that week, you use up less of your total weeks available. it's complicated though.

That's good advice. I've been being too picky probably.

Yeah don't make my mistake. Bills don't stop coming after week 26.

They're only weeks where you file a weekly claim and receive benefits. If you skip filing for a week, that doesn't count against your 26.

Good to know, thanks!

At least we have benefits at all. Some people don't qualify for anything.

True, I shouldn't complain. Just stressed about finding work.

Yes, if you work enough hours to qualify for a new claim, you'd get a fresh 26 weeks. But you need to meet the wage requirements again.

What are the wage requirements for a new claim?

You need to earn at least $8,112 in your base period, with at least $1,215 in your highest quarter. The base period is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file.

Same here! It's good to understand the timeline better.

How does it work exactly? Do they call you back or something?

They help you get connected to an actual Washington ESD agent. Check out their website claimyr.com - they explain the whole process.

Good point. I'll make sure to keep filing until I get official notice.

This sub is great for getting real answers from people who've been through it.