How long can you be on unemployment in Washington state - maximum duration?

Thanks! Do you know how they calculate the exact number of weeks I'm eligible for?

It's based on your total wages in the base period divided by your weekly benefit amount. Washington ESD has a formula that determines your maximum benefit amount and duration.

What happens if you can't find work by the time your benefits run out? Is there any extension available?

normally no extensions unless there's some kind of federal program during emergencies. once your claim year ends you might be able to file a new claim if you worked enough

How much does that service cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to Washington ESD.

I understand the frustration but honestly it was worth it to get actual answers instead of guessing. The peace of mind was valuable to me.

Might have to try that if I can't get through myself. The phone lines are always busy.

Wait, so if I used up all my weeks in 6 months, I'd have to wait another 6 months before filing again?

Exactly. Unless you returned to work and earned enough wages to qualify for a new claim, you'd have to wait until your benefit year ends.

That's rough. Makes job searching even more stressful knowing there's a hard deadline.

You can't appeal for more weeks than your initial determination allows. The 26 week maximum is set by state law, not something Washington ESD can change for individual cases.

Focus on your job search requirements and make sure you're documenting everything properly. That's really all you can do at this point.

Standby status doesn't change the maximum duration. You still get up to 26 weeks total, but you don't have to do job searches while on approved standby.

Lucky you! I wish I could be on standby instead of having to apply to jobs every week.

Agreed. And good luck getting Washington ESD on the phone to ask questions about your claim status.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. Saved me hours of calling and redialing just to get basic information about my benefit duration.

Good to know! I'll check that right now.

Sometimes that info isn't updated right away though. I've had to wait a few days after filing my weekly claim to see accurate numbers.

Yes, each state sets their own maximum duration. Some states offer fewer weeks, some offer more. Washington's 26 weeks is pretty standard.

California has had extended benefits in the past but I think Washington stuck to the regular program.

Part-time work can actually extend the calendar time you receive benefits because you might have partial weeks where you receive reduced payments. Your benefit balance decreases more slowly.

That's what happened to me. Worked part-time for a few months and my benefits lasted longer than 26 calendar weeks.

Interesting! So the weeks are based on full weekly payments, not calendar weeks?

Same here! I've called probably 50 times in the last two weeks.

This is exactly the problem Claimyr solves. Instead of calling over and over, they handle getting you connected to an actual person at Washington ESD.

Yeah, all the federal pandemic programs ended in 2021. Now it's back to regular state unemployment with the 26 week maximum.

Those were the days when you could get like 79 weeks total with all the extensions. Now we're back to the old system.

Yes, if you served in the military you can use your military wages to establish a claim. This is called UCX (unemployment compensation for ex-servicemembers).

Good to know for veterans transitioning to civilian jobs.

Self-employed people generally can't get regular UI benefits unless they paid into the system voluntarily, which most don't.

There was a pandemic program for self-employed but that ended. Check if Washington has any state programs for independent contractors.

Easy to say when you're not the one struggling to find work in a tough job market.

6 months can go by really fast, especially if you're in a specialized field or an older worker.

How many job contacts do you need each week in Washington?

It's typically 3 job search activities per week, but check your specific requirements in your eServices account.

That's when you might need to look into other assistance programs like SNAP or housing assistance while continuing to job search.

Or consider taking any job even if it's not ideal, just to get some income flowing again.

Scary thought. Really hoping I find something before my benefits run out.

Really? I didn't know that. So the weeks don't just disappear if you find a job?

Correct, as long as you're still within your benefit year period. But you'd need to meet all the eligibility requirements again.

Good luck with your job search! You've got this.

Keep us posted on how it goes. This thread has been really helpful for understanding Washington unemployment duration.