How long can you collect unemployment benefits in Washington - max duration?
I just got laid off from my construction job after 8 years and I'm trying to figure out how long I can collect unemployment benefits in Washington. I know there's a maximum but I'm seeing different info online. Some sites say 26 weeks, others mention extensions. What's the actual maximum duration for regular unemployment benefits through Washington ESD? My employer said I should qualify since it was a reduction in force, not performance related. Just want to know what to expect while I'm job hunting.
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Philip Cowan
Regular unemployment insurance (UI) in Washington maxes out at 26 weeks. That's the standard duration for most people. There used to be federal extensions during COVID but those ended in 2021. The 26 weeks starts from when you first file your claim and get approved.
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Kara Yoshida
•Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max? No chance of getting more time if I'm still looking for work after that?
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Philip Cowan
•Correct, 26 weeks is the maximum for regular UI benefits. After that you'd need to look into other programs or requalify if you worked enough to earn new benefits.
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Caesar Grant
Wait, I thought there were different durations based on how long you worked? My coworker got less than 26 weeks when she was laid off last year.
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Philip Cowan
•The duration can vary based on your work history and earnings. Some people don't qualify for the full 26 weeks if they don't have enough work credits or earnings in their base period.
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Caesar Grant
•That makes sense. She had only been working there for about a year before the layoff.
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Lena Schultz
I've been through this process recently and had trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask about my duration. Spent weeks trying to call them during their business hours. If you need to speak with someone about your specific situation, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual ESD agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much time and frustration.
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Kara Yoshida
•Interesting, I haven't heard of that service. Did it actually work for you? I'm dreading having to call ESD if I need to.
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Lena Schultz
•Yes, it worked great. I was able to get answers about my claim status and duration that I couldn't get through the normal phone system. Much better than sitting on hold for hours.
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Gemma Andrews
•Hmm, seems like another service trying to make money off people's desperation. Can't you just keep trying to call ESD directly?
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Pedro Sawyer
The 26 weeks is correct but just remember you have to meet the job search requirements the whole time. Washington ESD requires you to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a log. If you don't do that, they can disqualify you even if you haven't used up all 26 weeks.
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Kara Yoshida
•Good point. I heard about the job search requirements. Do they actually check up on that?
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Pedro Sawyer
•Yes, they do random audits and can ask for your job search log at any time. I know someone who got disqualified for not having proper documentation.
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Mae Bennett
•This is why I hate the system. They make you jump through hoops while you're already stressed about finding work.
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Beatrice Marshall
ugh im on week 20 and getting nervous about running out soon. construction jobs are hard to find right now especially with winter coming. anyone know if theres any way to extend beyond 26 weeks?
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Philip Cowan
•Unfortunately there's no extension available right now. The federal programs that used to extend benefits ended after COVID. You might want to look into workforce training programs that can help while you search.
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Beatrice Marshall
•thanks. was hoping there might be something but sounds like 26 is it.
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Melina Haruko
Same boat here. Got laid off in July and worried about the time limit. At least we're not alone in this situation. The economy is tough right now.
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Kara Yoshida
•Yeah, seems like a lot of people are dealing with layoffs lately. Hope we all find something soon.
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Melina Haruko
•Definitely. Good luck with your job search!
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Dallas Villalobos
Just to clarify since I see some confusion - the 26 weeks is the maximum duration but not everyone gets the full amount. Your duration depends on your work history and earnings during your base period. Washington ESD calculates this when you apply. Some people might only get 12-15 weeks if they don't have enough work credits.
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Kara Yoshida
•How do they calculate it exactly? I worked pretty consistently for 8 years so I'm hoping I'd qualify for the full amount.
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Dallas Villalobos
•They look at your earnings in the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed. With 8 years of steady work, you should qualify for the maximum duration and weekly benefit amount.
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Reina Salazar
•The calculation is confusing. I tried to figure it out myself but gave up and just waited to see what they approved me for.
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Saanvi Krishnaswami
Important to note that if you find temporary work during your unemployment period, that can extend your claim. Like if you work part-time for a few weeks, those weeks don't count against your 26-week maximum. The clock only runs on weeks you actually collect benefits.
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Kara Yoshida
•That's good to know. So part-time work doesn't hurt you as long as you report it?
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Saanvi Krishnaswami
•Exactly. You have to report all work and earnings, but weeks where you don't collect benefits don't count against your total duration.
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Demi Lagos
I went through this whole process last year and the hardest part was actually getting information from Washington ESD when I had questions. Their phone system is terrible and you can wait hours just to get hung up on. That Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier really does work - I ended up using it too when I couldn't get through on my own.
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Gemma Andrews
•Did you have to pay for it though? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to the agency that's supposed to help us.
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Demi Lagos
•Fair point about the principle, but when you're stressed about your benefits and can't get through any other way, it's worth it. Much less frustrating than the alternative.
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Mason Lopez
For construction workers specifically, you might also want to look into whether you qualify for any union benefits or if there are seasonal considerations. Some trades have different rules or additional benefits.
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Kara Yoshida
•I wasn't union but that's a good point for others. Construction does have seasonal ups and downs.
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Mason Lopez
•Yeah, and sometimes there are training programs specifically for construction workers that can help bridge the gap between jobs.
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Vera Visnjic
Don't forget you can also apply for other assistance programs while you're collecting unemployment. Food assistance, housing help, utility assistance - there are other safety nets available if you need them during those 26 weeks.
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Kara Yoshida
•Thanks, that's helpful. Hopefully I won't need those but good to know they exist.
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Jake Sinclair
•DSHS has a lot of programs that can help. Their website has a good overview of what's available.
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Brielle Johnson
This thread is really helpful. I'm in week 18 and starting to panic about running out of time. The job market feels so competitive right now.
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Kara Yoshida
•Hang in there. Hopefully things pick up soon for all of us looking for work.
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Brielle Johnson
•Thanks, same to you. At least we're not dealing with this alone.
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Honorah King
One more thing - make sure you're doing everything you can to maximize those 26 weeks. Apply broadly, network, consider temporary work, maybe even look into career counseling services. The time limit adds pressure but it can also motivate you to explore options you might not have considered otherwise.
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Kara Yoshida
•Good advice. I'm trying to stay positive and use this as an opportunity to maybe find something even better than my last job.
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Honorah King
•That's the right attitude. Sometimes these forced changes lead to better opportunities.
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Oliver Brown
Just remember to file your weekly claims on time every week, even if you worked some hours. Missing a week can mess up your benefits and potentially reduce your total duration.
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Kara Yoshida
•Definitely. I've been setting reminders to make sure I don't forget to file each week.
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Oliver Brown
•Smart move. The system isn't very forgiving if you miss deadlines.
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Mary Bates
I had to use that Claimyr service too when I couldn't get through to ESD about my benefit duration. Worth every penny when you're stressed about your claim. The peace of mind of actually talking to someone who can give you real answers is huge.
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Kara Yoshida
•Seems like a lot of people have had success with it. Might be worth keeping in mind if I run into issues.
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Mary Bates
•Definitely. It's there if you need it, and honestly it's probably cheaper than the stress of trying to get through on your own.
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Clay blendedgen
Bottom line: 26 weeks maximum for regular UI benefits in Washington. No extensions currently available. Make sure you meet job search requirements and file your weekly claims on time. Focus on finding work within that timeframe and you should be fine.
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Kara Yoshida
•Perfect summary, thank you. This thread has been really helpful for understanding what to expect.
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Clay blendedgen
•Glad it helped. Good luck with your job search!
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