How long can you draw unemployment benefits in Washington State?

Thanks! What exactly is the base year period? Is that the last 12 months I worked?

The base year is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim. So if you filed in January 2025, your base year would be January 2024 through December 2024.

Thanks! So that's about 6 months total. Do I need to be actively looking for work the entire time?

Yes, you need to meet job search requirements each week. You'll log your job search activities when you file your weekly claim.

Wait, that doesn't seem fair. If they're taking forever to process claims, why should that count against our time?

I agree it's frustrating, but that's how the system works. The benefit year is 52 weeks from your claim date, and you can collect for up to 26 of those weeks.

Is that legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days with no luck.

Yeah it's real. They basically handle the phone tree navigation and waiting on hold for you. Saved me hours of frustration.

I was having the same problem until I found Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to Washington ESD agents when you can't reach them yourself. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. Does it actually work?

Yeah, I was skeptical too but it got me connected within a few hours instead of spending all day redialing. Worth it when you need to resolve claim issues.

I worked full time for 4 years at the same job making about $45,000 a year. Would that qualify me for the full 26 weeks?

With that work history, you should qualify for close to the maximum. The exact calculation involves your highest earning quarter, but steady employment like yours typically gets you the full benefit duration.

What about if you're in a training program? I heard you can get extensions for that.

Yes, if you're enrolled in an approved training program through WorkSourceWA, you may be able to extend benefits under the Training Benefits program. But you need approval before starting training.

This is so stressful. I'm worried I'll mess up the job search log and lose my benefits. What happens if you don't meet the requirements one week?

If you don't meet the job search requirements, Washington ESD can deny your weekly claim for that week. You won't get paid for that week, but you can still continue filing if you meet the requirements going forward.

The pandemic extensions (like PEUC and PUA) ended in 2021. We're back to the standard 26 weeks maximum for regular unemployment benefits in Washington State.

oh darn i was hoping for longer coverage. 26 weeks seems short

Are you using WorkSourceWA for your job search? Washington ESD partners with them and it can help with your job search requirements.

Yes, I register all my job applications through WorkSourceWA. It makes keeping track of the 3 weekly applications much easier.

Three per week? That seems manageable. Do they actually check up on this stuff?

oh yeah they check. random audits and they'll call employers to verify. had a friend get disqualified for fake job contacts

It's actually 3 job search activities per week, not necessarily 3 applications. Can include things like attending job fairs, networking events, or online job search training.

Your base period is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed. You need sufficient wages in that period to qualify, and the amount determines your weekly benefit.

So if I file in January 2025, my base period would be January 2024 through September 2024?

Close - it would be October 2023 through September 2024. The base period doesn't include the most recent quarter.

I get the frustration but unemployment isn't meant to be permanent income. It's temporary assistance while you search for work.

Tell that to someone who's been looking for 6 months and still can't find anything that pays what they were making before.

So basically I have 26 weeks to find a job and that's it? No backup plan?

Correct. After 26 weeks, your regular unemployment benefits end. You'd need to look into other assistance programs or hopefully have found employment by then.

I know what you mean. I spent forever trying to get a straight answer about my benefit duration. Finally used Claimyr to get through to an actual Washington ESD representative who explained everything clearly.

What's Claimyr? Is that some kind of service?

It's a service that helps you get through Washington ESD's phone system when you can't reach them. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video that shows how it works.

This is good advice. I'm at week 20 now and definitely feeling the pressure. Started being less picky about job opportunities.

Exactly. Week 20 is when reality hits that you're running out of time. Good luck with your search!

Washington State eliminated the waiting week in 2021. You can now receive benefits starting from your first week of unemployment if you're eligible.

Oh good! So it really is 26 full weeks of payments then. That's helpful to know.

Seriously? So the first week I file I won't get paid at all?

Right, the first compensable week serves as a waiting week. You still need to file that weekly claim, but you won't receive payment for it.

What kind of programs are you talking about?

Things like retraining benefits, trade adjustment assistance if your job was affected by trade, or disaster unemployment assistance if applicable. Each has specific eligibility requirements.

How much does something like that cost?

I don't remember the exact amount but it was reasonable compared to the stress of trying to get through on my own. Check their website for current pricing.

That's confusing. So if I work for 2 months then get laid off again, I can go back on unemployment?

Potentially yes, if you're still within your benefit year and haven't exhausted all 26 weeks. But you'd need to meet the eligibility requirements again.

Good question! Working part-time while on unemployment typically reduces your weekly benefit amount but doesn't extend the total number of weeks you're eligible for. Your 26-week clock keeps ticking.

So I could theoretically work part-time for all 26 weeks and still run out of benefits at the same time?

Exactly. The duration stays the same regardless of whether you work part-time. Only the weekly payment amount changes based on your earnings.

That sounds like there might be an issue with your claim calculation. I'd definitely call Washington ESD to get that clarified. Don't let it slide.

I've been trying to call for days but can't get through. Their phone system is impossible.

Have you tried using Claimyr? It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. My coworker used it when he had calculation issues with his claim.

What's the difference between regular UI and standby? I might be on standby since my company said the layoff could be temporary.

Standby status means you're temporarily laid off with an expected return date. You don't have to do job search activities, but you still have benefit duration limits. Check with Washington ESD about your specific situation.

What happens if you forget to file one week?

You can usually file a late claim but you might need to provide an explanation for the delay. It's better to just set a reminder and file consistently.

What kind of records specifically? I just started my claim and want to make sure I'm doing this right.

Keep a log of every job you apply to, including company name, position, date applied, and how you applied. Also save emails, applications, and any responses you get.

Yeah, 26 weeks is actually pretty good compared to some other states. Still not a lot of time in this job market though.

True, but it's better than nothing. Just have to make the most of it.

My layoff was permanent, so I guess that doesn't apply to me. But good to know for others.

Yeah, standby is only for temporary layoffs where you expect to return to the same employer within a specific timeframe.

Did you end up qualifying for any other programs?

I didn't qualify for extended benefits, but they helped me understand the retraining program requirements which I'm considering now.

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

Good luck with your job search! The 26 weeks goes by faster than you think, so start applying right away even while you're figuring out the unemployment system.

That's actually really good to know. I didn't realize the benefit year was longer than the actual benefit period.

Yep, it's one of those details that can really help if you end up with multiple unemployment periods in the same year.