How long can you collect unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

Thanks! What exactly counts as a job contact? Does applying online count or do I need to actually talk to someone?

Online applications count as long as you document them properly. You can also include networking contacts, job fairs, or informational interviews. Keep detailed records in your job search log.

Thanks for the info! So it's not automatically 26 weeks for everyone? How do they determine the exact number of weeks I qualify for?

Washington ESD looks at your earnings during your base period (first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed). The more you earned and the longer you worked, the more weeks you may qualify for, up to the 26-week maximum.

Thanks! So I have to use WorkSourceWA for the job search log? I was planning to just look on Indeed and other sites.

You can search anywhere but you have to log all your activities in WorkSourceWA. Each week you need to document 3 activities like applying for jobs, attending job fairs, or networking contacts.

Did you find work before the 26 weeks ran out? I'm worried about what happens after that.

Yeah I found something in week 23. But if you don't there's sometimes extended benefits during high unemployment periods, though that's not guaranteed.

Extended benefits haven't been available in Washington for a while now. Don't count on that option.

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max? I was hoping it might be longer since I worked for 8 years at the same place.

Yep, 26 weeks is the maximum for regular UI benefits in Washington. Your 8 years of work history will help you get a higher weekly benefit amount though.

Got it, so no extensions available currently. Good to know, thanks.

Yeah those federal extensions only happen during really bad economic times like the 2008 recession or during COVID.

That's really good to know. So it's all based on your benefit year, not each individual job?

Exactly. Your benefit year is 52 weeks from when you first filed. You get up to 26 weeks of benefits during that year, regardless of how many different jobs you might have.

Are there any federal extensions available right now in 2025? I haven't heard about any but I'm not sure where to check for that kind of info.

Not currently, but these things change based on unemployment rates. Your best bet is to check the Washington ESD website or call them directly to ask about any available extensions.

What day do I need to file by? And how do I file the weekly claims?

You file online through your Washington ESD account. The deadline is usually Saturday night but check your account for your specific filing day. Don't wait until the last minute in case there are website issues.

How much does that cost? Seems sketchy to pay someone to make a phone call for you.

It's legit - they don't ask for your personal info or login details. Just helps you get connected when the phone lines are swamped.

Oh man, I had the same problem! I found this service called Claimyr that basically calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual person. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How does it work exactly?

They basically handle all the calling and waiting for you. When they get an agent on the line, they patch you through. Saved me literally hours of calling and getting busy signals.

What exactly are the job search requirements? How many jobs do I need to apply to each week?

You need to complete 3 job search activities per week. This can be applying to jobs, networking, attending job fairs, etc. You have to log everything in your WorkSourceWA account.

yeah and they actually check this stuff now. my friend got cut off because he wasnt keeping good records

How do you file the weekly claim? Is it online?

Yeah, you do it online through the Washington ESD website. You basically just answer questions about whether you worked that week, if you looked for work, etc. Takes like 5 minutes.

Really? How does that work exactly? I've been dreading having to call Washington ESD based on what I've heard about wait times.

Basically they handle the calling process for you and get you connected to an actual Washington ESD representative. Saved me hours of frustration and I got my questions answered in one call instead of trying for weeks.

That sounds too good to be true. What's the catch? Do they charge a lot for this service?

Wait, so if I get a job after 3 months of unemployment and then get laid off again 6 months later, I can still use the remaining weeks from my original claim?

Potentially yes, if you're still within your original 52-week benefit year and haven't exhausted all your weeks. But you'd need to meet the work requirements and report all your interim employment to Washington ESD.

I worked steady for 2 years at the same place making about $18/hour. Should that qualify me for the full 26 weeks?

That sounds like it should qualify you for close to the maximum, but Washington ESD will send you a monetary determination letter that breaks down your exact benefit amount and duration.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. You go to claimyr.com and they'll call you back when they get an agent on the line. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

That sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost and is it legit?

It's definitely legit. I was skeptical too but it worked perfectly. They don't ask for any personal info upfront and you only pay if they successfully connect you. Way better than spending all day redialing.

What kind of training programs qualify? I've been thinking about learning some new skills while I'm between jobs.

You'd need to talk to WorkSource about approved training programs. They have to approve it before you start or you could lose your benefits. Some community college programs qualify if they lead to high-demand occupations.

Wow that's scary. What counts as a valid job search activity?

Valid activities include applying for jobs, contacting employers directly, attending job fairs, networking events, career counseling appointments, or skills assessments. Just make sure you can prove you did them if asked.

yeah they asked me for proof of my job searches during week 8. had to provide screenshots of applications and emails. good thing i kept records

I totally understand the frustration. The system is designed to be flexible based on individual work history, but that makes it complicated. For most people with steady work history, you'll get close to the full 26 weeks.

Same here, it's overwhelming when you're already stressed about losing your job. I just want a straight answer about my timeline.

Can you work part time and still get some unemployment benefits?

Yes, as long as you work less than full time and earn less than 1.5 times your weekly benefit amount. They'll reduce your benefits dollar for dollar for earnings over 25% of your weekly amount. It's complicated but the online system calculates it automatically when you report earnings.

What if I have a job interview out of state? Does that count as being unavailable?

Job interviews are usually okay since you're actively seeking work. Just document it in your job search log. But if you're gone for several days you might need to mark yourself as unavailable for those days.

That makes sense. I guess I need to be realistic about the timeline and start job searching seriously right away.

Definitely start looking immediately. 26 weeks goes by faster than you think, especially if you're being picky about jobs.

So true! I've been calling for 3 weeks about an adjudication issue and can't get through to anyone.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr - got through to an agent in 20 minutes instead of spending days calling.

What do you mean extend the benefit year? I thought it was just 26 weeks total.

Your benefit year is 52 weeks from when you first filed. Within that year, you can collect up to 26 weeks of benefits. If you work intermittently, those 26 weeks might stretch across more calendar time.

Exactly right. And you must report all work and earnings on your weekly claims, even if it's just a few hours.

Different states have different rules. California has a higher maximum, but in Washington it's 26 weeks for regular unemployment.

Oh that sucks. Why is Washington lower than other states?

Each state sets their own unemployment laws. Washington's 26 weeks is actually pretty standard - many states have the same duration.

Good point about reporting part-time work. Do you still get some unemployment if you work part-time?

Yeah, they just reduce your weekly benefit amount based on how much you earned. It's called partial unemployment.

My layoff is permanent, not temporary, so I think I'm on regular UI. But good to know about standby - I hadn't heard of that before.

Standby is pretty specific to certain industries like construction or seasonal work. Most people are on regular unemployment insurance.

Yes! And they can audit your job search activities at any time. Make sure you're keeping detailed records of every application, interview, and contact.

Good point, I need to start tracking that properly. Do networking events count as job search contacts?

They can count if they're documented properly and result in actual job search activity. Check the Washington ESD website for the full list of acceptable job search activities.

Depends on the reason for disqualification. Some are temporary (like failing to report work) and some are permanent for that claim (like voluntary quit without good cause). You can appeal most disqualifications.

How long do you have to appeal if they disqualify you?

You have 30 days from the date of the determination letter to file an appeal with Washington ESD.

This is really helpful. I feel much more prepared now. One last question - when do the benefits actually start?

There's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start. So if you file this week, you probably won't get paid until the week after next. Make sure you have some savings to cover that gap.

You might qualify for retraining programs through WorkSource WA that can extend benefits while you learn new skills. Also look into SNAP and other assistance programs.

Thanks, I'll check out WorkSource. Do you know if those training programs actually lead to jobs?

My cousin did a medical billing program through WorkSource and got hired right after finishing. But research the programs carefully - some are better than others.

Do I have to use that specific website or can I keep my own records?

You can keep your own records but they prefer the WorkSource system. Either way, be detailed - dates, company names, positions, how you applied.

After a certain period, Washington ESD expects you to expand your job search to include lower-paying positions. The exact requirements depend on your situation, but generally you can't turn down suitable work indefinitely.

How do they define 'suitable work'? I was making $25/hour and most jobs I'm seeing are $15-16.

Suitable work considers your skills, experience, and local wage rates. After several weeks, you may need to accept work paying 80% or more of your previous wage.

Can you still collect if you move out of state?

Yes but there are extra requirements and you might need to register with that state's job service. It gets complicated.

Yeah I'm already applying places. Just wanted to understand the timeline so I can plan accordingly.

Smart approach. Also consider temp agencies - sometimes temp jobs turn permanent and it keeps you working while you look for something better.

I wasn't in a union at the warehouse but good to know for others reading this.

How long do they give you to find work in your field before expecting you to take anything?

There's no official timeline, but after several weeks they expect you to expand your job search to related fields or lower-paying positions.

That's because they use your highest quarter wages to calculate benefits. Gaps can definitely hurt your benefit amount.

Wish I had known that before. Would have taken that part-time job instead of waiting for something full-time.

That's smart advice about planning for less time. Did you find work before your benefits ran out?

I found something at week 23, thank goodness. But I know people who had to scramble when their benefits ended and they still hadn't found anything suitable.

WorkSource has some good resources - career counselors, job search workshops, and networking events. Even if you don't find a job through them directly, the workshops can help improve your resume and interview skills.

Thanks, I'll look into that. I've been mostly searching online but maybe I need to try different approaches.

You can file a new claim if you've worked enough since your last claim started and earned sufficient wages. Washington ESD will determine if you qualify for a new benefit year or if you need to finish any remaining weeks on your current claim.

That makes sense. I did work for a few months between layoffs so hopefully I'll qualify for a new claim.

How much did it cost? I'm still struggling to get through to them.

It was reasonable considering how much time it saved me. Way better than spending hours calling and getting nowhere.

I'm 45, so close. Do they have programs for people in their 40s too?

They have various programs for different age groups. Check with your local WorkSource office to see what's available.

Wait, what's a waiting week? Do I not get paid for the first week?

Washington doesn't have a waiting week anymore. You can get paid starting from your first week of unemployment if you're eligible.

Oh really? That's good news then. I was thinking of the old rules.

What kind of retraining programs? I've been thinking about updating my skills while I'm between jobs.

They have partnerships with community colleges and trade schools. Some programs can extend your benefits while you're in approved training. Definitely worth looking into if you're interested in changing fields or upgrading skills.

How much do they charge for something like that? I'm already on a tight budget with unemployment benefits.

I'd rather not discuss specific costs publicly, but for me it was worth it to get my questions answered quickly instead of spending days trying to call. Check their website for current pricing.

What kind of information do they usually need?

They might ask for details about why you lost your job, especially if there's any question about whether you were fired for misconduct or quit voluntarily. Always be honest - they'll verify with your employer anyway.

I've been thinking about trying Claimyr too. The Washington ESD phone system is impossible. Did they answer all your questions?

Yeah, the agent was really helpful. Cleared up confusion about my job search requirements and explained why my claim was taking so long to process. Much better than trying to figure it out from their website.

Good tip! I'll make sure to set that up when I file my first claim.

That's encouraging, thanks. I'm hoping to find something quick but good to know others have been in similar situations.

Oh wow, I hadn't thought about taxes. How much should I expect to owe?

Depends on your total income for the year and tax bracket. I'd recommend having 10-15% withheld just to be safe. You can change the withholding amount in your Washington ESD account.

I've had that problem too. Try logging in early in the morning or late at night when there's less traffic. Also make sure to save your work frequently in case it times out.

Thanks, I'll try that. I was worried I'd miss the deadline for logging my searches.

Agreed! Everyone here has been really helpful. I feel much more confident about navigating the system now.

That's what this community is for. Unemployment can be stressful enough without having to figure out all the rules on your own. Good luck with your claim!

Good advice. I filed within a week of getting laid off, so I should be good.

Perfect. That's the smart way to do it. You can always stop claiming if you find work, but you can't get back those weeks if you wait to file.

Any tips for making the most of those 26 weeks?

apply to everything. dont be picky at first. network like crazy. use linkedin. go to job fairs. treat job searching like a full time job

What's adjudication? Is that something I need to worry about?

It's when they review your claim for some reason - could be a simple issue or something more complex. Most claims go through without problems, but if yours gets flagged, you'll want to talk to someone to understand why.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. I feel much more prepared now!

Good luck with your job search! Remember, unemployment is temporary assistance to help you get back on your feet.

Appreciate all the support. Time to start applying for jobs seriously.

Can you explain the difference? This is all new to me.

Benefit year is the 52-week period during which you can collect benefits. Claim duration is how many weeks of benefits you're eligible for within that year (up to 26 weeks maximum).

Good point. I'd rather be safe than sorry when it comes to keeping my benefits.

Did they charge you again for the second call?

Yeah it's per use but honestly worth it when you need actual answers instead of waiting weeks for a callback that never comes.

Thanks everyone for all the info. This has been really helpful in understanding what to expect.

Good luck with your job search! Remember to file your weekly claims on time and keep detailed records of your job search activities.

That makes sense. So it's really about the duration, not the total dollar amount they'll pay out?

Exactly. The weekly amount and the duration are calculated separately based on different factors from your work history.

How do you balance being selective vs. taking what's available? I don't want to settle for something way below my skill level but I also can't afford to be unemployed indefinitely.

I'd say give yourself the first 12-16 weeks to find something in your field at your level. After that, start considering stepping stones - jobs that might not be perfect but keep you employed and can lead to better opportunities.

Good point, I should probably research what other safety nets are available just in case. Hopefully I won't need them but better to know ahead of time.

Also check with local food banks and community organizations. Many have job search resources and networking opportunities that can help extend your search beyond just online applications.

So if I don't find work within the benefit year, I might not be able to file a new claim? That's concerning.

Right, that's why it's important to actively job search throughout your unemployment period rather than waiting until benefits are running low. The system is designed to be temporary assistance, not long-term support.

It sounds like several people have had good experiences with that service. I might need to consider it if I run into complications with my claim.

I was skeptical at first too, but when you're dealing with time-sensitive issues around benefit duration and can't get through to Washington ESD, it's worth having options.