How long can you draw unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

Thanks! I'll check my account. I worked full-time for over 2 years before getting laid off, so hopefully I qualify for the full 26 weeks.

The 26 weeks is standard but like they said it depends on your earnings. I only got 20 weeks because I was part-time for most of my base period.

Thanks! So even though I worked 8 years at the same place, I still only get 26 weeks max?

Exactly. The length of employment doesn't change the 26 week limit. What matters is your earnings during your base year to determine your weekly benefit amount.

Thanks! Do I need to keep records of my job search activities? And what counts as a valid job contact?

Yes, keep detailed records in your job search log. Valid contacts include applying online, attending job fairs, networking meetings, or contacting employers directly. Washington ESD can audit your search activities.

Yeah I remember during COVID there were all those extra programs like PEUC but those are long gone. Now it's back to the basic 26 weeks.

Good to know about Extended Benefits. I'll keep an eye on that but won't count on it for planning purposes.

Good to know about filing weekly claims. How long did it take for your first payment to come through?

took about 3 weeks for me but i had some adjudication stuff to deal with first

Interesting, I'll keep that in mind if I run into issues. Have you used it yourself?

Yes, used it when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

How much does something like that cost though?

It's worth it when you need to get through quickly. Much better than spending all day redialing Washington ESD.

That's good to know! My claim was approved pretty quickly so I don't think I lost much time there.

Wait, so if I work part-time while collecting, I could lose benefits at the end of my benefit year? That seems unfair.

Yeah, it's a common trap. If you work part-time and reduce your weekly benefit amount, you might not use all 26 weeks before your benefit year expires. That's why some people choose to focus on full-time job searching instead of part-time work.

This is confusing. I've been doing part-time gig work and my benefits are getting reduced each week. Should I stop working part-time?

I had the same problem until I found 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 an ESD agent within 2 hours and finally got my questions answered about my benefit duration.

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

It's worth it when you consider how much time you save. I was spending hours every day trying to call ESD. Now I can just submit my request and they handle the calling part.

What counts as a job search contact? Is applying online enough?

Online applications count, but they also accept things like attending job fairs, networking events, or contacting employers directly. Just make sure you document everything properly in WorkSourceWA.

Different states have different rules. Washington ESD maxes out at 26 weeks for regular unemployment. Oregon might have different rules.

oh ok that makes sense, didnt realize it was different by state

I'm worried about that too. Hopefully I can find something before the 26 weeks is up.

I feel you on the phone system. That's actually why I ended up using Claimyr when I had issues. So much easier than dealing with Washington ESD's phone lines.

What counts as a job search activity? I've been applying online but not sure if I'm meeting the requirements.

Job applications, networking events, career fairs, informational interviews, WorkSourceWA workshops - lots of things count. Just make sure you're documenting everything with dates and details.

Are there any signs that EB might kick in soon? I'm worried about hitting my 26 week limit.

EB triggers are based on state unemployment rates compared to previous years. Washington ESD announces when EB becomes available, but it's not looking likely in the current economic climate.

Interesting, I haven't heard of that before. How does it work exactly?

They basically handle the calling process for you so you don't have to sit on hold forever. When they get an agent on the line, they connect you to discuss your specific situation.

Exactly right. Many people confuse the benefit year (52 weeks) with the duration of payments (26 weeks maximum). You have one year to use up your 26 weeks of benefits.

Wish they explained that better when you first apply! Would have helped me budget differently.

That's helpful to know. I've been considering taking some temporary work while I look for something permanent.

Just make sure to report all earnings honestly. Washington ESD cross-checks with employers and you don't want an overpayment situation.

That's good to know. So if I found a job after 10 weeks but then got laid off again 6 months later, I'd still have 16 weeks left?

Exactly, as long as you're still within your benefit year. The benefit year starts from your initial claim date.

What happens if you miss filing a weekly claim?

you lose that week of benefits, they dont backpay if you just forget to file. only if theres a system error or something

Unfortunately, once regular UI ends, there aren't many other unemployment programs available right now. You might qualify for other assistance like SNAP or Medicaid. WorkSourceWA also has some training programs that could help with job placement.

Check if you qualify for any retraining programs through WorkSourceWA. Some of them provide financial assistance while you're learning new skills.

Thanks, I'll look into WorkSourceWA programs. I've been putting off retraining but might need to consider it now.

Generally education doesn't affect benefit duration, but you still need to be available for work and actively searching. Some training programs are approved by Washington ESD and may waive job search requirements.

Good to know! I'll look into approved training programs then.

How do they calculate that? I made pretty good money at my last job.

They look at your earnings in your base year (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters). Higher earnings generally mean you'll qualify for the full 26 weeks, but lower earnings might limit you to fewer weeks.

Standby status doesn't change your benefit duration - you still get the same maximum weeks. The difference is you don't have to do job search activities while on standby because you're expecting to return to your job.

Good to know! So I still get up to 26 weeks but without the job search requirements. That's helpful.

Your base period is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed your claim. So if you filed in January 2025, your base period would be January-December 2024. Washington ESD uses your earnings during this period to calculate both your weekly benefit amount and total duration.

That makes sense. I can see my base period earnings in my ESD account. Looks like I should qualify for the full 26 weeks based on my earnings.

Wait, so even if I don't get paid for a week, it still counts toward my limit?

No, that's not correct. Weeks where you don't receive benefits typically don't count against your 26-week maximum. But you do need to continue filing weekly claims to keep your claim active.

How long does adjudication usually take?

Mine took about 3 weeks, but I've heard of people waiting 6-8 weeks. That's when having a way to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD becomes really important.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. When you're stuck in adjudication, being able to get through to an agent can make all the difference in getting it resolved quickly.

I feel your frustration. The inconsistent information is really frustrating. Have you tried looking at your monetary determination letter? That should have your exact benefit duration.

I never got a monetary determination letter! Or maybe I did and it got lost in all the other paperwork. This whole system is a nightmare.

Have you considered expanding your search to related fields? Sometimes transferable skills can open up more opportunities.

Yeah I've been trying that. It's just scary knowing I only have a month left of benefits.

Once you return to work full-time, your remaining weeks are gone. You can't save them for later. If you get laid off again, you'd need to file a new claim and establish a new base period with your recent work history.

That seems wasteful but I guess it makes sense. Better to find a job quickly then instead of trying to stretch out benefits.

I might need to look into that service. Every time I call ESD I get the 'high call volume' message and then it hangs up.

That's exactly why I started using it. Much less stressful than trying to call dozens of times a day.

What kind of records should I keep?

Keep copies of applications, emails with employers, notes from phone calls, anything that shows you're actively looking. WorkSourceWA tracks some of this but I keep my own backup records too.

Got it, so I shouldn't expect any extensions beyond the 26 weeks.

Right, plan for 26 weeks maximum and hopefully you'll find something before then.

If you return to work and then become unemployed again within your benefit year, you can potentially restart your claim and use remaining benefits. But if you work long enough to qualify for a new claim, that might be better financially.

Makes sense. I guess it depends on how much work I get and for how long.

You need sufficient work and earnings in your base period to qualify for a new claim. Washington ESD can calculate both scenarios and tell you which option gives you higher benefits.

I'll definitely need to call them then. Sounds complicated to figure out on my own.

Good point. I almost missed my filing deadline during Thanksgiving week because I forgot.

This happened to me! Took 3 weeks to resolve but I lost those weeks of benefits because of the delay.

Actually, if the delay was due to Washington ESD's processing and not something you did wrong, you should be able to get those weeks paid retroactively.

Wish I had done this earlier. Now I feel like I'm scrambling with only a few weeks left.

It's not too late! Even temporary work can help bridge the gap while you continue looking for something permanent.

That's really helpful. I should probably verify my benefit end date since I want to plan ahead.

I agree it could be clearer. You can calculate it yourself though - check your claim effective date and count 26 weeks from there, accounting for any weeks you didn't receive benefits.

Yeah but that's the problem - figuring out which weeks count and which don't is confusing for regular people.

Good point! A lot of people think standby is different but you're still using up your regular UI benefits.

Thanks everyone! This has been really helpful in understanding what to expect.

You're welcome! Good luck with your job search, and don't hesitate to ask more questions as they come up.

When can you start a new benefit year?

you have to wait until your current benefit year expires (52 weeks from when you first filed) and you need new qualifying wages from work you did after your last claim

Mine is permanent layoff, so I think I'm on regular unemployment.

Yeah, then it's the standard 26 weeks. Standby is only for temporary layoffs where you expect to return to the same employer.

Wait, so I don't get paid for the first week at all?

Nope, the first week is a waiting week. You still have to file the claim for that week, but you won't receive payment for it.

Any tips for making the most of the job search?

Network as much as possible, don't just rely on online applications. And use the resources at WorkSourceWA - they have job search workshops and career counseling that can help.

Thanks for the reality check. I'll start applying for jobs right away.

good attitude. the benefits are there to help you transition, not to replace working long term

I'll definitely bookmark that. Sounds like getting through to Washington ESD can be a real challenge.

It really can be. Having a backup plan for getting help makes the whole process much less stressful.

Depends on what kind of error. If it was just a mistake in reporting earnings or work search activities, you can usually correct it. But if it was something that affected your eligibility, there might be consequences. You should contact ESD to clarify.

I tried calling but you know how that goes. Maybe I'll try that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier.

Yeah, I used Claimyr last month when I had a similar issue. They got me through to an agent who helped me correct my claim. Definitely worth it to avoid potential problems later.

What are the specific triggers for Extended Benefits? I keep hearing about them but never get details.

It's complex but generally the state unemployment rate has to be at least 6.5% and 110% of the average for the same period in the previous two years. There are other triggers too but those are the main ones.

Good point. I'll make sure to keep filing until I get an official notice that my benefits have ended.

Yes, and if you skip weeks you usually can't go back and claim them later. Better to file and get denied than not file at all.

Thanks everyone for all the detailed information! This thread has been way more helpful than anything I could find on the ESD website.

Glad this helped! The 26-week limit is pretty standard but all the other details about benefit years and base periods can be confusing. Good luck with your job search!