How long can you collect unemployment benefits in Washington state?

Thanks! So that's about 6 months total? Do I need to do anything special to keep getting payments each week?

Yes, you need to file your weekly claim every week and meet the job search requirements. Usually 3 job contacts per week minimum.

Thanks for the info! What counts as a job search activity? My old supervisor said they might call me back in a few months but nothing guaranteed.

Job search activities include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, creating/updating resumes, networking events, and interviews. If your employer gave you a specific return date, you might qualify for standby status which has different requirements.

Thanks! What exactly are the job search activities? Do I have to apply to a certain number of jobs each week?

You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week. That includes applying for jobs, going to job fairs, networking events, etc. Keep a log of everything because Washington ESD can audit you.

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max? I was hoping it might be longer since I worked for 2 years.

Yes, 26 weeks is the standard maximum. Your work history affects your weekly benefit amount, not the duration.

Thanks! So with $52k in base year wages, I should be able to get the full 26 weeks?

Most likely yes, but Washington ESD will calculate your exact benefit duration when they process your claim. You'll see it in your determination letter.

Thanks! So it's definitely not the extended benefits my cousin got during the pandemic?

Right, those pandemic programs like PEUC ended in 2021. Now we're back to the standard 26 weeks maximum.

Oh wow 26 weeks is way better than 13! So it doesn't matter that I worked 8 years vs someone who worked 2 years?

Correct, the duration is the same. Your work history affects your weekly benefit amount and whether you qualify, but not the 26-week maximum duration.

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max? I was hoping it might be longer since I worked for 2 years straight.

Yes, 26 weeks is the standard maximum for regular UI benefits. The length of time you worked doesn't extend the benefit period, but it does affect whether you qualify and your weekly benefit amount.

Thanks! So that's about 6 months total? Are there any situations where it could be longer?

Yes, exactly 6 months for regular benefits. Extensions only happen during periods of high unemployment when the state or federal government activates extended benefit programs, but those aren't currently available.

Thanks! What exactly is a benefit year? Does it start when I first file or is it like a calendar year?

A benefit year starts the Sunday of the week you first file your claim and runs for 52 weeks. So if you filed this week, your benefit year would run until the same week next year.

Thanks for the clarification! So even if my claim takes 3 weeks to process, I still only get 26 weeks total?

Exactly right. Your benefit year is 52 weeks long starting from your claim effective date, and within that year you can receive up to 26 weeks of benefits (assuming you meet all eligibility requirements each week).

Yeah I did that partial UI thing last year when I could only find temp work. It definitely helped make my benefits last longer.

That's good to know! I'm hoping to find something full-time but part-time might be a good backup plan.

So it's definitely 26 weeks max? What happens if I can't find a job by then?

That's the standard maximum, but there are sometimes extended benefit programs during high unemployment periods. You'd need to check with Washington ESD to see if any extensions are available when your regular benefits run out.

Thanks for the info! What exactly is the base period? Is that the last year I worked?

The base period is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would likely be January 2024 through September 2024.

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks maximum? I was worried I might only get a few weeks since I'd never filed before.

Yep, 26 weeks is the standard maximum. Being new to filing doesn't affect your duration - it's all about your work history and earnings in the base year.

Wait, so it's not automatically 26 weeks for everyone? How do they determine how many weeks you get?

It's based on your total base period wages divided by your weekly benefit amount. The maximum is 26 weeks but you might qualify for fewer if you haven't worked enough.

Thanks! So it doesn't matter that I worked there for 8 years - still just 26 weeks max?

Correct, your years of service don't extend the benefit period. The 26 weeks is based on Washington state law, not your individual work history.

Thanks! So after 26 weeks I'm completely cut off? No extensions or anything like that available?

Extensions only kick in during periods of high unemployment when the state or federal government authorizes them. Right now there aren't any active extension programs, so 26 weeks is the maximum.

Thanks! So after 26 weeks I'm just done? No way to extend it?

Correct for regular benefits. Sometimes Congress approves federal extension programs during high unemployment periods, but those aren't permanent.

Thanks! I definitely earned more than that. So 26 weeks is the max unless there are special circumstances?

Correct - 26 weeks is standard. There used to be federal extensions during recessions but those aren't available right now.

It was definitely a layoff - they eliminated my whole department due to budget cuts. Should be pretty clear cut then.

Perfect, layoffs are usually the easiest to get approved. Make sure you have any paperwork from your employer about the layoff when you file.

What happens if you find work for a few weeks in the middle but then get laid off again? Do you lose the remaining weeks?

No, you can still use your remaining weeks within that same benefit year. You just reopen your claim and continue where you left off.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com. They actually help you get through to Washington ESD agents by handling the calling for you. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. I was skeptical at first but it actually got me connected to an agent within a few hours instead of spending days trying myself.

Did you find work before your benefits ran out? I'm hoping construction picks up again before spring.

Yeah I found something in week 23 thank god. The job market was pretty rough last year though, might be better now.

Really? 20 minutes? I've been trying to call for weeks about my adjudication issue.

Yeah, I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Way better than sitting on hold for hours and getting nowhere.

Good to know about the weekly requirements. How many job searches do you need per week?

I think it's 3 job search activities per week, but check with Washington ESD since requirements can change.

How many job contacts do you need per week? And do they actually check up on this?

It's typically 3 job search activities per week, and yes they do random audits. Keep good records of where you applied, when, and any responses you got.

They definitely check! I got audited last year and had to provide detailed documentation of all my job search activities. Better to be over-prepared than sorry.

So there's no way to get benefits beyond 26 weeks anymore?

Not unless unemployment rates spike significantly in Washington. The Extended Benefits program has specific triggers based on state unemployment levels.

Never heard of that service. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - I was able to speak with an ESD agent within an hour instead of calling all day. Really helpful when you need specific answers about your claim.

Extended benefits can trigger during periods of high unemployment, but they're not automatic. Washington hasn't had extended benefits available since the pandemic programs ended. You'd need to check with Washington ESD to see current availability.

damn that sucks. 26 weeks doesnt seem like much time to find a good job

Thanks! That's helpful. Do I need to have worked a certain amount of time to qualify for the full 26 weeks?

You need to meet the base period requirements which look at your wages over the past 15 months. As long as you qualify, you get the full 26 weeks regardless of how long you worked.

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks maximum? I thought I heard someone say it could be longer in some cases.

26 weeks is the standard max for regular UI benefits. There used to be extended benefits during economic downturns, but those aren't available right now in Washington.

I worked full time for 2 years so I should be good on the hours requirement. Do they calculate it automatically when you file?

Yes, Washington ESD calculates your eligibility automatically based on your employment history. They'll determine both your weekly benefit amount and how many weeks you qualify for.

Thanks! So if I made good money at my job, I should get closer to the full 26 weeks?

Yes, exactly. Washington ESD uses a formula based on your quarterly wages to determine both your weekly benefit amount and total weeks available.

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max? I was hoping maybe with my work history it might be longer.

Yep, 26 weeks is the standard maximum for regular unemployment insurance in Washington. Your work history affects your weekly benefit amount, not the duration.

Thanks! I worked full time for 8 years so I should qualify for the full 26 weeks then?

Most likely yes, but Washington ESD will determine your exact benefit duration when they process your claim. Make sure to file as soon as possible since benefits don't start until you file.

Thanks! So 26 weeks is the absolute max? What happens if I still can't find work after that?

Yes, 26 weeks is the regular maximum. After that, you'd need to look into other programs or requalify for a new claim if you've worked enough since your original claim started.

Wait really? I thought everyone got the same amount of time. How do they calculate it exactly?

It's based on your base period earnings - the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. Higher earnings during that period typically means more weeks of eligibility, up to the 26 week maximum.

That was different - during the pandemic there were special federal programs like PEUC that extended benefits. Those ended in 2021.

Oh okay that makes sense. So we're back to the regular 26 weeks now.

Thanks for the info! What exactly are the job search requirements? I know I need to look for work but wasn't sure about specifics.

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a detailed log. The contacts have to be legitimate job applications or employer contacts, not just browsing job sites. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities.

What are the job search requirements? I haven't started looking yet since I just got laid off yesterday.

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. You can use WorkSourceWA or other approved methods. The requirements are pretty specific.

I've been struggling to reach Washington ESD to ask about my job search requirements. The phone lines are always busy. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there?

Did you use up all 26 weeks? What happens after that?

I used 18 weeks before finding work. After 26 weeks you're done unless Congress passes emergency extensions, which they haven't done since the pandemic ended.

Good point about the job search requirements. I've been tracking everything on WorkSourceWA like they told me to.

Make sure you're actually applying to suitable jobs, not just random applications. They can audit your job search log anytime.

What counts as job search activities? I've been applying online but wasn't sure if that's enough.

Online applications count! You need 3 activities per week - applications, networking events, job fairs, informational interviews, etc. Keep detailed records because Washington ESD audits job search logs randomly.

Extended benefits (EB) are triggered when unemployment rates hit certain thresholds. Washington hasn't had EB available recently, but it's automatically triggered if conditions are met.

The EB program would add up to 13 additional weeks, but like the previous poster said, it's not currently available in Washington state.

What counts as a job contact? Just applying online or do I need to actually talk to someone?

Online applications count, but they prefer varied activities like networking, attending job fairs, or contacting employers directly. Check the WorkSourceWA website for approved activities.

Yeah I remember during COVID there were all those extra programs but those are long gone now.

Exactly. PUA, PEUC, and the extra weekly amounts ended years ago. Now we're back to regular state benefits only.

Have you tried calling right at 8am when they open? That's usually the best time to get through, though you still might wait on hold for an hour or more.

I had the same problem until 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 hours of calling and getting disconnected.

Interesting, I'll check that out. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get some answers about my claim.

Never heard of Claimyr before. Does it actually work for reaching Washington ESD?

Yeah, it worked for me. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Interesting, I'll keep that in mind if I need to contact them about my claim.

Right, I'm already doing the job search activities. How many job contacts do I need per week?

its 3 job search activities per week in washington. make sure you log them in your WorkSourceWA account

Yeah those pandemic benefits were crazy - some people got like 79 weeks total with all the extensions. But that's definitely over now.

Good to know I shouldn't expect any extensions then. Better start job hunting seriously right away.

Oh wow, I didn't know that! How did you finally get through to them?

I ended up using a service called Claimyr that helped me get connected to an actual Washington ESD agent. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than spending hours on hold.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr.com - they help you get through to Washington ESD agents without all the busy signals and hold times. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Finally got my questions answered after using their service.

Never heard of that but I'm desperate at this point. The regular phone system is impossible.

Wait, so they actually connect you to real Washington ESD people? How does that work?

What do you mean by being more strategic? I thought you just file weekly and look for work.

Well yeah, but I mean really focusing on networking and skills development while you have the safety net. Don't just go through the motions of applying to jobs you don't really want.

This is confusing. How do you know how many weeks you'll actually get? Is this shown somewhere in your account?

Yes, when you log into your Washington ESD account online, it should show your maximum benefit amount and the number of weeks you're eligible for. It's in your claim summary.

Yes, that's correct. The number of weeks you can collect is based on your base period wages. If you didn't work enough or earn enough during your base period, you might get fewer than 26 weeks.

That makes sense. I wish they explained that better when I first applied.

How many job contacts do you need to do per week? I've heard it varies.

it's 3 job search activities per week minimum, but they can be different things like applying for jobs, networking, going to job fairs, etc. just keep good records

I feel you, the job search is brutal right now. Are you keeping track of your job search activities for Washington ESD? You need to log at least 3 job search activities per week to keep getting benefits.

Have you looked into any retraining programs? Sometimes you can get additional benefits if you're enrolled in approved training that leads to in-demand jobs.

Extended Benefits (EB) can kick in during high unemployment periods, but they're not always available. It depends on the state's unemployment rate. Right now in 2025, we're not in an EB period in Washington.

It's not exactly the same for everyone - the duration can range from 10 to 30 weeks depending on your earnings history. Most people do get around 26 weeks though.

oh ok that makes sense, i just knew he got it for half a year

Have you tried using Claimyr? I found out about it from someone on here and it actually got me through to an Washington ESD agent. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a demo video too https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

Never heard of that. Does it actually work or is it just another scam service?

It's legit - they basically handle the calling and waiting for you. Saved me like 3 hours of being on hold.

Really? I've been trying to call for days and keep getting disconnected. How does that service work?

They handle the calling process and wait times for you, then connect you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration.

Sounds too good to be true. What's the catch?

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true with how impossible it is to reach anyone at Washington ESD normally.

Yeah it's real, they basically handle the calling for you and connect you when an agent picks up. Saved me hours of trying to get through myself.

How do they calculate it exactly? I worked full time for about 2 years before getting laid off.

It's based on your wages in the base period which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed. If you worked full time for 2 years you should qualify for the full 26 weeks.

What kind of job search activities do I need to do? I haven't started looking yet since I just got laid off yesterday.

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. WorkSourceWA has good resources for this.

I had the same problem calling Washington ESD constantly. Then I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. It actually got me connected after trying for weeks on my own.

What counts as job search activities? Just applying for jobs or other stuff too?

Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, contacting employers directly, even some training activities. Keep detailed records in your job search log.

How do they calculate that exactly? I made about $52k last year.

With that income you should qualify for the full 26 weeks. Washington ESD uses a formula based on your highest quarter earnings in the base period.

What if you worked part-time or had irregular hours? Does that affect how long you can collect?

Yes, it can. If your base period earnings are lower, your maximum benefit amount might be less than 26 weeks worth. The formula is complex but essentially you need to have earned enough in your base period to qualify for the full duration.

How much does that cost? I'm already tight on money waiting for my benefits to start.

It's worth it when you consider how much time you save not sitting on hold for hours. Much better than the stress of constant redial.

Interesting, I might try that. I've been calling every day for two weeks with no luck.

That's interesting, how does it work exactly? Do they charge for it?

You just go to claimyr.com and they'll get you connected to an Washington ESD agent when one's available. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.

I've heard of services like this but wasn't sure if they were legit. Good to know it actually worked for someone.

Good point. I'm trying not to be too picky but also don't want to take something that pays way less than my previous job if I don't have to.

That's the balance everyone struggles with. Just remember that Washington ESD expects you to expand your job search over time, including considering lower-paying positions eventually.

I actually found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD when I needed to check on my adjudication status. They handle the calling for you - check out claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Interesting, I'll check that out. Anything has to be better than sitting on hold for hours.

That's interesting, I've been dreading having to call Washington ESD if I run into problems. How does it work exactly?

Basically they handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent becomes available. Super helpful when you need to talk to someone about your claim.

What triggers Extended Benefits? Is it based on state unemployment rates?

Yes, EB is triggered when the state's unemployment rate meets certain thresholds compared to previous years. It provides up to 13 additional weeks but it's pretty rare.

Interesting, I've been trying to call them for days but keep getting disconnected. How does this service work exactly?

Basically they handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an actual person picks up. Saved me hours of redialing and being on hold.

sounds too good to be true but might be worth checking out, the washington esd phone system is absolutely terrible

Haven't heard of that service before. Does it actually work for getting through to ESD?

Yeah it worked for me when I needed to check on my adjudication status. Saved me hours of calling and getting disconnected.

How much does something like that cost though?

Are we currently in one of those extended benefit periods? I haven't heard anything about it.

Not as of now. The state unemployment rate would need to be significantly higher for extended benefits to kick in.

Yes, as long as it's within your original benefit year (which would end the following March in your example). You'd reopen your existing claim.

Got it, thanks! I was worried about losing those weeks.

Have you tried using Claimyr? I found out about it when I was having the same problem getting through to Washington ESD. It's a service that helps you actually reach an agent without sitting on hold forever. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Never heard of it, but anything has to be better than what I've been dealing with. Does it actually work?

Worked for me! I was able to get through to an actual person within a day instead of spending weeks trying the regular phone number. Really saved my sanity.

This is important! I see people mixing these up all the time on here. Regular UI is for people who lost their job through no fault of their own and are able and available to work.

Yeah I'm just looking at regular unemployment since I was laid off. Thanks for clarifying that.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying to jobs or other stuff too?

Applications count, but so do things like networking events, career fairs, job interviews, creating profiles on job sites, etc. Just keep detailed records of everything you do.

They actually check that stuff? I thought it was just a formality.

Oh they definitely check! Random audits happen and if you can't prove your job search activities, they can disqualify you and make you pay back benefits.

When do you have to file each week? Is there a specific day?

You can file starting Sunday for the previous week and you have until Saturday to get it in. But don't wait until the last minute in case there are website issues.

Unfortunately yes, the benefit year clock starts ticking from your application date. But if you eventually get approved, any back payments you're owed will still be paid out.

This system is ridiculous. How are people supposed to know these things?

Exactly why I recommend Claimyr - at least you can actually talk to someone at Washington ESD to get answers instead of guessing.

This happened to my brother - he forgot to file one week and it took forever to get it sorted out. Washington ESD doesn't make it easy to fix mistakes.

The weekly filing is every Sunday night by midnight, right? I want to make sure I don't miss the deadline.

You can file starting Sunday but you have until 11:59 PM the following Saturday. Don't wait until the last minute though in case there are website issues.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. The phone system is impossible. Worth trying that service if you really need to talk to someone.

I might have to look into that. This is ridiculous how hard it is to get basic information.

Oh that's good to know! So if I find temporary work I don't lose the remaining weeks?

Exactly! As long as it's within your benefit year, you can use those weeks. Just make sure to report any work when you restart your weekly claims.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They basically call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to an actual agent. I was skeptical at first but watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ) and decided to try it. Got through to someone at ESD within a few hours instead of days of trying myself.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How much does something like that cost?

I was worried about the cost too but it was totally worth it considering how much time I was wasting trying to call myself. Way better than taking days off work just to sit on hold.

Never heard of that service before. Did it actually work for getting through to Washington ESD?

Yeah it worked great. I was able to get my questions answered about benefit duration and some other issues with my claim. Way better than trying to call on my own.

Interesting, might have to check that out if I run into problems with my claim.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already tight on money being unemployed.

It was worth it for me to get answers about my claim status rather than spending hours trying to call. Way less stressful than getting hung up on repeatedly.

Interesting, never heard of this before. Might be worth checking out if I run into issues with my weekly claims.

Good point, I already filed online yesterday. How long does it usually take to get approved?

Usually 2-3 weeks if everything goes smoothly. Sometimes longer if they need to verify your separation from your employer.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

It's way cheaper than losing benefits because you can't get through to clarify something important. I used it to verify my job search requirements and it saved me hours of trying to call.

I might need to try that if I have issues. The Washington ESD phone system sounds like a nightmare from what I'm reading here.

This is really helpful, thank you! So if I made decent money at my manufacturing job I should get close to the full 26 weeks?

Most likely yes, especially with 8 years of steady employment. You should be able to see your exact benefit duration once you file your initial claim through the Washington ESD website.

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Really? I've never heard of that. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It worked for me! I was able to speak with an ESD agent within a few days instead of spending hours on hold. Worth checking out if you're stuck.

I didn't know about partial benefits. How does that work exactly?

If you work part-time and earn less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5, you can still collect some unemployment. It basically stretches out your total benefit period.

The pandemic-era extensions like PEUC and PUA ended in 2021. Regular Washington state unemployment is back to the standard 26 weeks maximum unless the state triggers an extended benefit period due to high unemployment rates.

Oh man, I was counting on those extra weeks. This changes everything for my job search strategy.

That's actually really helpful to know. So if I find part-time work, I might still qualify for some benefits?

Yes, as long as you earn less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5. Washington ESD has specific formulas for calculating partial benefits.

Good to know! Are you required to take any job offer or can you be selective?

You have to accept 'suitable work' but there are guidelines about what's considered suitable based on your skills and previous wages. Generally they can't force you to take something paying way less than your previous job initially.

What if you worked part-time vs full-time during your base period? Does that affect the 26 weeks?

It affects your weekly benefit amount and whether you qualify at all, but if you do qualify, you still get up to 26 weeks maximum.

How do they determine how many weeks you get if it's not the full 26?

It's based on your total wages during the base period. The more you earned, the more weeks you qualify for, up to the 26-week maximum. Washington ESD calculates this when you file your initial claim.

That's exactly what I'm worried about. Did you get any warning that you were running out of benefits?

yeah they send you letters when you have like 3 weeks left. gives you some time to prepare but not much

Have you had any issues with your weekly claims? I'm worried about messing something up.

not really but i did have one week where i forgot to file and lost that weeks payment. you cant go back and claim it later so dont miss the deadlines

The weekly filing deadline is usually Saturday night. You can file online through your SecureAccess Washington account.

That's what I'm worried about. The job market seems pretty tough right now, especially in tech.

Yeah it's rough out there. I'd suggest not being too picky about salary in the beginning - you can always keep looking while you're working.

Well, the US also has different tax structures and social safety nets. But I agree 26 weeks isn't very long in today's job market.

yeah whatever, still sucks when you're trying to find decent work and not just take the first minimum wage job