How long can you claim unemployment benefits in Washington?
I just got laid off from my construction job after 8 years and I'm trying to figure out my options. How long can you actually claim unemployment benefits in Washington? I've heard different things from coworkers - some say 26 weeks, others mentioned extensions. My supervisor said something about it depending on how much you earned before but I'm not sure what that means. I've never had to file for unemployment before so I'm pretty confused about the whole process. Can someone break this down for me?
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Isabella Tucker
Standard unemployment benefits in Washington last up to 26 weeks during normal economic times. The exact amount of weeks you're eligible for depends on your earnings during your base period - that's the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim. Washington ESD calculates this automatically when you apply.
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Emma Swift
•Thanks for explaining that. So if I worked consistently for 8 years, I should get the full 26 weeks?
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Isabella Tucker
•Most likely yes, as long as you earned enough during your base period. You can check your potential benefit amount and duration by logging into your SecureAccess Washington account after filing.
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Jayden Hill
I'm in a similar situation but I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks to check my claim status. The phone lines are always busy and I keep getting disconnected. Has anyone found a reliable way to actually talk to someone there?
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LordCommander
•I had the same problem last month. Kept calling for hours every day with no luck. Then I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much time and frustration.
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Jayden Hill
•That sounds too good to be true. How does it actually work?
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LordCommander
•It's legit - they basically handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent picks up. Way better than sitting on hold for hours yourself.
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Lucy Lam
The 26 weeks is just the standard benefit period. During high unemployment periods, there can be extended benefits available. Right now in 2025, it's back to the regular 26 weeks since the economy has improved from the pandemic years.
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Aidan Hudson
•Wait, so there's no extensions at all anymore? I thought I heard something about state extensions being available sometimes.
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Lucy Lam
•State extended benefits can kick in when unemployment rates hit certain thresholds, but we're not there currently. It's automatic when triggered - you don't have to apply separately.
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Zoe Wang
One thing to keep in mind is that you have to meet the job search requirements to keep receiving benefits. In Washington, you need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log of them. Don't forget about this part or you could get disqualified.
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Emma Swift
•What counts as a job search activity? Is it just applying for jobs or are there other things?
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Zoe Wang
•Applying for jobs is the main one, but attending job fairs, networking events, or WorkSourceWA workshops also count. You have to document everything in your job search log.
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Connor Richards
•And make sure you're applying for suitable work. Can't just apply anywhere - it has to match your skills and pay at least 70% of your previous wage during the first few weeks.
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Grace Durand
I've been on unemployment for 12 weeks now and honestly the whole system is a nightmare. My claim got stuck in adjudication for a month with no explanation, then I had issues with my weekly claims not processing. The stress of dealing with Washington ESD while trying to find work is overwhelming.
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Steven Adams
•Adjudication delays are the worst! Mine took forever too. What finally got it resolved?
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Grace Durand
•I eventually got through to an agent who explained there was a flag on my account from a previous employer disputing my reason for separation. Had to provide documentation to clear it up.
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Alice Fleming
Just to add - if you exhaust your regular 26 weeks and still haven't found work, you might be eligible for other programs like WorkFirst or training programs through WorkSourceWA. It's not the same as extended UI benefits, but there are other support options.
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Emma Swift
•Good to know there are backup options. Hopefully I won't need them but it's reassuring.
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Hassan Khoury
•WorkFirst is mainly for people with kids though, right? And I think there are income limits.
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Alice Fleming
•WorkFirst has different eligibility requirements, but there are other training programs available too. Best to check with your local WorkSource office about what's available in your area.
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Victoria Stark
Pro tip: Start your job search immediately even if you think you might get called back. The job search requirements start right away, and it's better to have more activities logged than to scramble later.
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Benjamin Kim
•This is solid advice. I made the mistake of being lazy about job searching my first few weeks thinking I'd get called back. Then my employer confirmed the layoff was permanent and I had to play catch up.
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Samantha Howard
For construction workers specifically, you might want to look into standby status if your layoff is seasonal or temporary. The requirements are different and you don't have to do the job search activities while on standby.
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Emma Swift
•How do I know if I qualify for standby? My layoff was due to a project ending, but the company might have more work in the spring.
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Samantha Howard
•Your employer has to request standby status for you with Washington ESD. You can't just choose it yourself. It's mainly for industries with regular seasonal layoffs like construction or logging.
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Megan D'Acosta
Don't forget about the waiting week! Your first week of unemployment is unpaid in Washington. A lot of people don't realize this and panic when their first payment doesn't include that week.
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Sarah Ali
•Wait, so even if I file immediately, I won't get paid for my first week off work?
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Megan D'Acosta
•Exactly. It's called the waiting week elimination. You file for it but don't get paid for it. It's just how the system works in Washington.
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Ryan Vasquez
I've been dealing with Washington ESD for months now and the key is persistence. When you can't get through on the phone, I recently discovered Claimyr helps people connect with agents much faster. Check out their demo video to see how it works - way less stressful than calling dozens of times yourself.
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Avery Saint
•How much does something like that cost? I'm already tight on money.
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Ryan Vasquez
•It's worth checking out their website for current pricing. For me, the time saved was worth it since I was spending hours every day trying to get through.
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Taylor Chen
Make sure you understand the difference between your weekly benefit amount and total benefit amount. Your weekly amount stays the same, but your total is what determines how many weeks you can collect. I got confused about this initially.
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Keith Davidson
•Can you explain this more? I'm not sure I understand the difference.
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Taylor Chen
•Sure! Your weekly benefit amount is how much you get each week (up to $844 in 2025). Your total benefit amount is calculated based on your earnings and determines how many weeks you can collect. If your total is $10,000 and your weekly is $400, you get 25 weeks.
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Ezra Bates
The system has definitely improved since the pandemic chaos, but there are still issues. I had to appeal a disqualification last year and it took months to resolve. The key is keeping detailed records of everything.
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Ana Erdoğan
•What kind of records should I be keeping besides the job search log?
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Ezra Bates
•Screenshots of your weekly claims, copies of any correspondence with Washington ESD, documentation from your employer about your separation, basically anything related to your claim.
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Sophia Carson
If you're worried about reaching the 26-week limit, start thinking about retraining or certification programs early. Some are covered by Washington ESD and can extend your benefits while you're in approved training.
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Elijah Knight
•How do you find out which training programs are approved?
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Sophia Carson
•WorkSourceWA has a list of approved programs, and you can also ask your local office. You usually need approval before starting the program to ensure your benefits continue.
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Brooklyn Foley
Bottom line - you get up to 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits in Washington if you qualify. Extensions are possible during high unemployment periods but aren't available right now. Focus on your job search requirements and keep good records of everything.
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Emma Swift
•Thanks everyone for all the detailed info. This has been really helpful in understanding what I'm dealing with.
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Jay Lincoln
•Good luck with your claim! The system can be frustrating but most people get through it eventually.
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