How long can you be on unemployment in Washington - ESD benefit duration limits?
I just got laid off from my construction job and wondering how long I can collect unemployment benefits in Washington. I've heard different things from people - some say 26 weeks, others mention extensions. What's the actual limit? I need to plan my finances and job search timeline. Also wondering if there are any differences based on how long I worked before getting laid off.
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Caleb Bell
Standard unemployment in Washington is 26 weeks of benefits, but it can vary based on your work history and earnings. The formula is complicated but generally you get between 12-30 weeks depending on your base period wages. If you worked consistently for several years you'll likely get the full 26 weeks.
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•Good to know! I worked construction for about 3 years steady before the layoff so hopefully I qualify for the full amount.
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Danielle Campbell
•Yeah the formula looks at your highest quarter earnings vs your total base period. Most people with steady work get 26 weeks.
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Rhett Bowman
There used to be federal extensions during COVID but those ended. Now it's just the regular state benefits. Make sure you're doing your job search requirements - 3 work search activities per week or they'll cut you off early.
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•What counts as work search activities? Just applying for jobs?
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Rhett Bowman
•Job applications, networking events, career fairs, even updating your resume counts. Check the WorkSourceWA website for the full list.
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Abigail Patel
If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD to check your benefit duration, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call myself.
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Daniel White
•How much does that cost? I'm already broke from being unemployed lol
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Abigail Patel
•I'd rather pay a little to actually talk to someone than waste entire days redialing. Check out claimyr.com if you're interested.
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Nolan Carter
•Interesting, might have to try that if I can't get through the normal way.
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Natalia Stone
IMPORTANT: Your benefit year is also 52 weeks from when you first filed. So even if you get 26 weeks of payments, you can't file a new claim until your benefit year expires unless you have new qualifying wages.
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•Wait what does that mean exactly? Like if I use up my 26 weeks in 6 months I can't file again?
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Natalia Stone
•Correct, unless you work enough to establish a new claim. That's why some people try to stretch their benefits by working part-time.
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Tasia Synder
been on unemployment twice, first time got 26 weeks second time only got 16 weeks because my wages were lower. it really depends on what you made in your base period
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•How do I find out what my base period wages were?
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Caleb Bell
•It's on your monetary determination letter that Washington ESD sends you. Should show your quarterly wages and benefit amount.
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Selena Bautista
Don't forget about training benefits! If you enroll in approved training you might be able to extend your benefits. I did a welding program and got extra weeks.
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•Really? How does that work?
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Selena Bautista
•You have to get approval from WorkSource first, but they'll sometimes waive the job search requirements and extend benefits while you're in training.
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Rhett Bowman
•Training Benefits are different from regular UI though. Not everyone qualifies and you need to apply early in your claim.
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Mohamed Anderson
The system is so confusing! I thought I had 26 weeks guaranteed but apparently I only get 22 weeks because of some calculation they did. Nobody at Washington ESD could explain it clearly when I called.
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Abigail Patel
•That's exactly why I used Claimyr - got connected to an agent who actually explained the calculation properly. Worth every penny.
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Mohamed Anderson
•Maybe I should try that. The regular phone system is impossible.
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Ellie Perry
Also watch out for the waiting week! First week you file doesn't get paid, so effectively you get one less week of benefits than your determination shows.
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•Ugh seriously? So if I get 26 weeks I only get paid for 25?
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Ellie Perry
•Yep, the first week is unpaid. Plan accordingly.
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Landon Morgan
Maximum is 30 weeks but most people don't qualify for that. You need really high wages in your base period. I made $65k last year and still only got 26 weeks.
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Danielle Campbell
•The 30 week maximum is rare. You'd need to be making over $80k consistently I think.
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Caleb Bell
•It's not just about total wages but the distribution across quarters. Very few people actually max out at 30 weeks.
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Teresa Boyd
Whatever you do, don't let your benefits expire without filing weekly claims. Even if you work part-time, file partial claims to keep your benefit year active.
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•Good point, I'll make sure to keep filing even if I pick up some temporary work.
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Lourdes Fox
my brother was on unemployment for almost 8 months during covid but that was with all the federal extensions. now its back to just state benefits which is way less time
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Bruno Simmons
•Yeah those pandemic programs were crazy generous. Now we're back to normal which means you really need to job search aggressively.
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Aileen Rodriguez
Pro tip: start your job search immediately even if you think you'll get called back. The job market is tough and 26 weeks goes by fast.
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•Good advice. I'm hoping to get called back but construction work is seasonal anyway.
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Aileen Rodriguez
•Exactly, and construction has its own seasonal layoff rules. Make sure you understand how that affects your claim.
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Zane Gray
Anyone know if they're talking about bringing back any federal extensions? Seems like the economy is still pretty rough.
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Maggie Martinez
•Doubtful. Federal extensions only happen during major recessions or disasters. We're on our own with state benefits.
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Natalia Stone
•Federal extensions require Congress to act. Not likely unless unemployment rates spike significantly.
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Alejandro Castro
The duration also depends on your separation reason. If you quit or got fired for cause, you might get disqualified entirely, not just reduced weeks.
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•I was laid off due to lack of work, so that shouldn't be an issue for me.
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Alejandro Castro
•Yeah layoffs are usually straightforward. Just make sure your employer doesn't contest the claim.
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Monique Byrd
Check your online account regularly. Sometimes they'll show your remaining balance and weeks left. Helps with planning your finances.
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•Good idea, I'll log in and see what it shows after my claim gets processed.
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Jackie Martinez
I used Claimyr twice now when I needed to talk to Washington ESD about my benefit duration and other issues. Way easier than trying to get through on the phone myself. They walk you through everything.
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Lia Quinn
•Is it legit though? Seems too good to be true.
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Jackie Martinez
•Totally legit. They just help you get connected to the actual Washington ESD agents. Check their website claimyr.com if you want to see how it works.
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Haley Stokes
Bottom line: plan for 26 weeks max, start job searching immediately, keep filing weekly claims, and follow all the work search requirements. Don't count on extensions that probably won't come.
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•This is really helpful everyone. Sounds like I need to treat this as a 6 month window to find new work, not a long-term solution.
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Asher Levin
•Exactly. Unemployment is meant to be temporary bridge income, not permanent support. Use the time wisely.
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