How long can you draw unemployment benefits in Washington state?

Thanks! What exactly is the base period they use to calculate this?

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, they'd look at January-December 2024.

Thanks! So if I worked full-time for the past 2 years making decent money, I should get the full 26 weeks?

Most likely yes, as long as you earned enough in your base period and continue to meet all the weekly requirements.

Thanks for the info! So even if I worked for 3 years straight, I still max out at 26 weeks? That seems like a pretty short time to find another job in construction.

Yes, 26 weeks is the maximum for regular UI benefits regardless of how long you worked. The work history affects your weekly benefit amount and whether you qualify, but not the duration.

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max for regular UI? No chance of getting more time?

Correct, 26 weeks is the maximum for regular state unemployment benefits. The federal extensions that were available during the pandemic ended in 2021.

Good point about the weekly claims. How many job searches do you have to do each week?

You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log of them. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities at any time.

Did you look into any extensions when yours ran out?

no extensions were available then, just the regular 26 weeks

Interesting, I haven't heard of that service. Is it legit? I've been trying to call ESD for weeks.

Yes, it's legitimate. They basically handle the calling process for you so you don't have to sit on hold for hours or get disconnected. Really saved me time when I needed to check on my claim status.

how much does it cost though? seems like something that should be free

Thanks for clarifying! So if I started in early January, I'd have until late June to use up those 26 weeks?

Exactly, but remember you only get paid for weeks you're actually unemployed and file your weekly claims. If you find work and then lose it again within the same benefit year, you can return to claiming benefits until you hit that 26-week limit.

How many job searches do you have to do per week?

It's 3 job search activities per week. Can be applications, networking, job fairs, etc. Just keep good records.

Interesting, never heard of that service. Does it actually work?

Yeah, I was skeptical too but it got me through to an actual person in about 20 minutes instead of the usual 2+ hours of busy signals.

So I've got about 8 more weeks left then? That's cutting it pretty close. Are there any extension programs available right now?

Yes, exactly 8 weeks if you started in February. Extension programs come and go based on unemployment rates and federal funding. Check your Washington ESD account for any extension eligibility.

Thanks! That helps a lot. I was worried I only had a few weeks left.

Just make sure you keep doing your job searches and filing weekly claims or you could get disqualified even if you have time left.

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max? I was worried it might be less since I haven't been working super long at this job.

Yes, 26 weeks is the standard maximum in Washington. Your eligibility is based on your total wages during the base period, not just your most recent job.

Good to know about the job search requirements. What counts as a job search activity?

Applications, networking events, WorkSourceWA workshops, even informational interviews count. Just keep good records of everything you do.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have this service where they call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to an actual agent. There's 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?

You just tell them what you need help with and they handle getting through to Washington ESD. Way better than spending hours on hold or getting disconnected.

Good point. I've been keeping track in WorkSourceWA but wasn't sure if that was enough.

That's exactly what you should be doing. Make sure you're logging at least 3 job search activities per week and they're legitimate contacts.

Thanks! So that's about 6 months total. Is that 26 weeks from when I first file or from when I start receiving payments?

It's 26 weeks worth of benefit payments, not calendar weeks. So if there are any delays in processing or weeks where you don't claim, those don't count against your 26 weeks.

Thanks! So it doesn't matter if I worked 3 years vs someone who worked 1 year - we both get the same 26 weeks?

Correct, the duration is the same. Your work history affects how much you get per week, not how long you can collect.

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max? I thought I heard something about extensions during COVID but wasn't sure if those were still available.

The pandemic extensions like PEUC ended in 2021. Now it's back to the standard 26-week maximum for regular UI benefits in Washington.

26 weeks seems short for how tough the job market is right now. Do you know if there are any extensions available?

Extensions are rare and usually only during major economic downturns. Focus on maximizing those 26 weeks by keeping detailed job search logs.

Thanks for clarifying! So everyone gets the same 26 weeks no matter what?

Correct, 26 weeks is the standard maximum for regular UI benefits in Washington.

Thanks! So since I worked steadily for 8 years I should qualify for the full 26 weeks then?

Yes, with 8 years of steady work you should definitely qualify for the maximum duration. Just make sure to file your weekly claims on time and meet all the job search requirements.

How do they calculate it? I worked at the same restaurant for 8 years so hopefully that helps.

They look at your earnings in the base period which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed. Your 8 years should definitely help you get the full 26 weeks.

Good to know. How many jobs do you have to apply for each week?

In Washington you need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of all your activities. More if Washington ESD requires it based on your situation.

Thanks! So even though I made decent money the 26 weeks is pretty much set in stone unless there's some kind of emergency extension?

Exactly. Your weekly benefit amount varies based on earnings but the 26 week maximum is standard. Keep in mind you have to actively search for work and report it.

No, regular UI benefits in Washington are 26 weeks. You might be thinking of some other state or maybe a different benefit type.

oh thank god lol I was about to have a breakdown

How much less? I was making about $22/hour so I'm hoping it's at least half of that.

it's based on your highest quarter earnings from the past year. for me it was about 50% of what i was making but everyones different

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

Online applications count! You can also do phone inquiries, in-person visits, networking contacts, job fairs, etc. Just keep track of everything in your job search log.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. You can check them out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. It actually got me connected to speak with someone about my claim issues.

That sounds helpful! I was already dreading trying to call them based on what I've heard.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already worried about money.

I think it's worth checking out their site at claimyr.com to see what they offer. For me, getting actual answers quickly was worth it instead of spending days trying to get through.

Did you have any trouble getting through to Washington ESD when you needed help? I'm worried about getting my claim processed.

Oh man, calling them is a nightmare. I spent hours trying to get through. Eventually found this service called Claimyr that helped me reach an agent - you should check out claimyr.com if you need to talk to someone at ESD.

Wait, that doesn't sound right. I thought the weeks only count once you start receiving payments?

No, your benefit year starts when you file the initial claim. If you wait to file weekly claims you could lose those weeks entirely. This is why it's crucial to file immediately after becoming unemployed.

Good to know! I filed my initial claim last week but haven't heard back yet. Should I be filing weekly claims already?

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to ESD agents. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked - got connected within an hour instead of calling for days. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Is it legit though? I'm desperate but don't want to get scammed.

Yeah it's legitimate. They don't ask for your ESD login or anything sensitive. Just helps you get in the phone queue faster.

No, all the pandemic programs like PEUC and extended benefits ended a while ago. It's back to just regular UI with the 26-week maximum.

Oh damn, that sucks. I was hoping there might still be something extra available.

You should be ramping up your job search efforts now. Also look into other assistance programs - food assistance, utility help, etc. Planning ahead is smart.

Yeah I've been applying more but the market is tough right now. Thanks for the advice.

What happens if I can't find work after 26 weeks? Are there any other programs?

After regular UI runs out, you might qualify for other programs like WorkFirst or job training programs, but there's no automatic extension of regular unemployment benefits.

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

Worth every penny when you're stuck and can't reach anyone at Washington ESD. Much better than wasting your whole day redialing.

I was skeptical too but ended up using them when my weekly claim got flagged. Got connected to an agent in about an hour instead of the usual 3-4 hour wait times.

No, regular unemployment insurance (UI) in Washington has remained at 26 weeks. You might be thinking of some of the federal pandemic programs that ended in 2021.

Oh ok that makes sense. Thanks for clearing that up!

I was having the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Is it legit? I'm desperate at this point but don't want to get scammed.

Yeah it's real. I was skeptical too but it actually connected me to a real ESD agent who helped resolve my adjudication issue. Way better than calling 200 times a day.

It's definitely 26 weeks for regular UI benefits. During the pandemic there were all kinds of different programs with different durations, but those are long gone now.

okay that makes sense, i was probably thinking of one of those pandemic programs

Were you able to extend it at all or did it just stop after 26 weeks?

nope just stopped. had to really hustle after that. there's no automatic extensions right now like there were during covid

Good to know! I've been pretty consistent with filing but worried I might have missed the deadline one week.

If you miss the deadline you can usually still file late but there might be some additional steps. Don't panic if it happened once.

Yeah I remember when it was like 99 weeks total during the recession. Those days are over unfortunately.

Exactly. Now it's just the regular state program - 26 weeks if you qualify for the maximum.

What counts as 'suitable employment'? Do I have to take any job or can I look for something in my field?

Generally you can be selective at first but after several weeks you may need to expand your search. Washington ESD has guidelines about what's considered suitable based on your skills and experience.

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

It's legit! They basically help you get through the phone system and connect you with an actual Washington ESD agent. Saved me so much frustration.

I should check my account then. I haven't looked at the total benefit amount calculation in detail.

Yeah definitely check that. Mine showed I was eligible for 24 weeks instead of the full 26 because of my work history.

No, regular unemployment insurance (UI) in Washington is up to 26 weeks. You might be thinking of other states or special programs.

Okay good, I was getting worried I misunderstood something when I filed my claim last month.

3 per week? That seems like a lot. Is that really the requirement?

It's actually 3 job search activities per week, not necessarily 3 applications. Can include networking, attending job fairs, interviews, etc. But keep detailed records of everything.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already struggling financially.

It's worth checking out their site for the details. For me it was worth it just to get actual answers instead of guessing about my claim status.

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents by calling for you. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of frustration trying to get answers about my claim.

Interesting, never heard of that before. Does it actually work for getting specific questions answered?

Yeah, they connected me with an actual Washington ESD representative who could look at my account and answer my questions about benefit duration and eligibility.

What counts as 'suitable work'? I keep getting offered jobs that pay way less than what I was making before.

Generally, after the first few weeks you have to accept work that pays at least 70% of your previous wage. The requirements get more flexible as time goes on though.

How do you know if you've worked enough? I was employed for about 18 months before getting laid off.

Generally you need to have earned at least $1,000 in your base period and earned at least 680 times your weekly benefit amount. Your monetary determination letter will show exactly what you qualify for.

Ugh same here. Been waiting 4 weeks and getting nowhere with their customer service.

You guys should try Claimyr if you haven't already. I mentioned it earlier but it really does help you get through to actual people at ESD who can explain what's holding up your claims.

At this point I'll try anything. Thanks for the suggestion.

That's scary. So if I can't find work in 26 weeks I'm just out of luck?

You might qualify for other assistance programs through DSHS but unemployment benefits would be exhausted. That's why the job search requirement exists - to help you find work before benefits run out.

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

you need to do 3 job search activities per week minimum. can be applications, networking, interviews, etc. keep good records in your job search log

I worked full-time for 2 years at the same place making about $18/hour. Should that be enough for the full 26 weeks?

Yes, with 2 years of steady full-time work at $18/hour, you should qualify for close to the maximum duration. Washington ESD will send you a monetary determination letter after you file that shows your exact benefit amount and potential duration.

Wait I'm confused about the base period thing. Why do they look at the first 4 of the last 5 quarters instead of just looking at recent work?

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

Never heard of that but I'm desperate at this point. Does it actually work?

Yeah it worked for me! Got connected within an hour instead of calling all day. Definitely worth it when you need to talk to someone about your claim.

Good to know about filing weekly claims. How soon after getting laid off should I file?

File as soon as possible after your last day of work. There's a one-week waiting period anyway, so don't delay.

Don't count on extensions though. The last big extension was during COVID and that's long over. Better to plan on just the 26 weeks.

Makes sense. I'll plan for 26 weeks and hope I find something before then.

I'm on regular UI, not standby. Good to know about the base period calculation though - that explains why my weekly amount was what it was.

wait what's standby status? is that different from regular unemployment?

Standby is when your employer temporarily lays you off but expects to call you back within a specific timeframe. You don't have to do job search activities but you have to be ready to return when called. Regular UI is when you're permanently separated and actively seeking new employment.

So if I can't find work in 6 months, I'm just out of luck? That's scary.

Pretty much, unless you qualify for other assistance programs. That's why it's important to use your unemployment time wisely for job searching and maybe skills training.

This is exactly why the system is broken. 26 weeks isn't enough time in this job market, especially for older workers or people in specialized fields.

I had the same problem until I found claimyr.com - it's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Saved me hours of frustration. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Interesting, never heard of that before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit. I was skeptical too but it got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. Really helped me understand my claim status.

Standby status is different - that's for temporary layoffs where you expect to return to the same employer. You still get the same 26 week maximum, but the job search requirements might be waived.

Oh that makes sense. I was confused about the difference.

Oh that's a good point. I should check my total benefit amount. I've been getting $487 per week so I need to do the math on that.

Exactly. If your weekly benefit amount times 26 is more than your total available, you'll run out of money before you hit the time limit.

That's scary. Is there any way to extend benefits if you still haven't found work?

Not right now unless there's some kind of federal extension program. You'd have to look into other assistance programs at that point.

You might also check if you qualify for a new benefit year if enough time has passed and you've worked since your last claim.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to ESD agents. They have this system that waits on hold for you and calls you back when an agent picks up. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. It saved me hours of frustration trying to get my questions answered about my claim status.

have you tried calling right when they open at 8am? that's usually the best time to get through

There's no automatic extension right now like there was during COVID. Once your 26 weeks are up, that's it for regular UI benefits. You might qualify for other programs though.

You could look into WorkSource programs or retraining benefits if you qualify. But yeah, the extended pandemic benefits are long gone.

That's good to know! I might take some temporary work while I'm looking for something permanent.

Just make sure to report any earnings when you file your weekly claim. Washington ESD is pretty strict about that.

Good point. I was thinking of waiting a week or two to see if anything comes up but I should probably file now.

Definitely file now. Even if you find work right away you can just stop filing weekly claims. But if you wait you're just losing potential benefit weeks.

Tell me about it. I was unemployed for 8 months after my plant closed. Had to take a much lower paying job just to survive after benefits ran out.

That's what I'm afraid of. Did you try any retraining programs through WorkSource?

I looked into it but the waiting lists were months long. By then I needed income immediately.

Your benefit year is based on when you first became unemployed, not when you successfully filed. So if you were eligible from the beginning, those weeks should still count toward your total.

Really? That's a relief. Washington ESD should make this stuff clearer.

Should I contact my former employer first or just file the claim?

Just file the claim. Washington ESD will contact your employer directly to verify the information. Your employer will get a notice and can respond if they want to contest it.

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - they solve that exact problem. No more sitting on hold or getting disconnected.

I might have to check that out. I'm getting desperate for actual human help.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to Washington ESD agents without spending hours on hold. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Finally got my questions answered about my claim duration.

You can also check your claim details in your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account online. Your monetary determination should show your maximum benefit amount and potential duration.

I understand your frustration. After regular UI benefits end, you might qualify for other assistance programs like SNAP or temporary assistance, but there aren't currently any extended unemployment benefits available in Washington state.

have you tried expanding your job search to other types of work? sometimes you gotta take something temporarily while looking for better warehouse jobs

Yeah I've applied to everything but most places want experience I don't have or pay way less than unemployment. It's a catch-22.

Good point. What happens if I miss filing a weekly claim one week? Can I make it up or do I lose that week forever?

You can file for missed weeks, but there's a time limit. Washington ESD allows you to backdate claims in some circumstances, but it's better to file on time every week to avoid complications.

I understand the logic but that's not how it works. The 26 weeks is based on the idea that it gives you enough time to find new work. Your years of work history affect your benefit amount, not the duration.

Actually makes sense when you think about it. Everyone needs the same amount of time to job search regardless of how long they worked before.

There used to be Extended Benefits (EB) that could trigger during high unemployment periods, but those programs aren't currently active in Washington. The 26 weeks is what you get now.

that sucks. 6 months isn't very long to find a good job in this market

That's what I was wondering about. Good to know there aren't any extensions currently.

This is correct. The pandemic-era extensions are long gone. Plan accordingly with just the 26 weeks.

I understand the frustration, but 26 weeks is actually pretty standard across most states. Some states only offer 12-20 weeks of regular benefits.

well that doesnt make it right. people need more time especially when employers are being so picky

I hear you on the job market being tough. Are you keeping up with your job search requirements? That's super important to maintain eligibility.

Good advice. I'm at week 12 so I still have time but I should probably step up my search.

Honestly I'd start looking seriously from day one. Benefits don't last forever and jobs can take months to land.

What counts as suitable work? Can they force me to take minimum wage jobs?

Initially it needs to be comparable to your previous job in terms of pay and skill level. But after several weeks they can require you to accept lower-paying work. It's complicated.

The 26 weeks is based on the weeks you actually claim benefits, not calendar weeks. So if you don't file a weekly claim for some reason, that week doesn't count against your total.

That makes sense. Thanks for clarifying!

They can reset if you work enough to establish a new base period with sufficient wages. You'd need to work and earn enough to qualify for a new claim.

That makes sense. So it's not a lifetime limit, just per benefit year.

Wait, so I lose a week of benefits right off the bat? That doesn't seem fair.

The waiting week is standard in Washington. It's basically like a deductible - you have to wait one week before benefits start. But if you find work quickly, you might be able to use that waiting week later if you become unemployed again within the same benefit year.

It was a permanent layoff unfortunately. Company lost their main contract.

Ah gotcha, then regular UI is your best bet. Good luck with the job search!

Only if you work long enough and earn enough to establish a new benefit year. I think you need to earn at least 680 times your weekly benefit amount in covered employment.

That seems like a lot. So a short-term job wouldn't reset the clock?

Correct. It has to be substantial work to qualify for a new claim period.

Good tip! I haven't even filed my initial claim yet. How long does approval usually take?

If there are no issues, maybe 2-3 weeks. But if they need to do adjudication it can take much longer.

Extensions are possible during periods of high unemployment, but they require federal legislation or state action. Right now there are no automatic extensions available. During the pandemic there were programs like PEUC that provided additional weeks, but those ended in 2021.

I remember those pandemic extensions! Got like 50+ weeks total back then. Those days are long gone though.

Wait, what? So the first week I don't get paid at all?

Exactly. You have to file for that first week but you won't receive payment for it. It's called the waiting week.

Actually, Washington eliminated the waiting week in 2021. You should get paid for your first week now if you're eligible.

Yes, I've been keeping track of my job searches. Using the WorkSourceWA website mostly.

Good! WorkSourceWA activities count toward your job search requirements. Just make sure you're documenting everything properly.

I know it's overwhelming but you've got this! The 26 weeks should definitely help you get through the holidays and into the new year.

How do you know they're legit and not just some scam?

They don't ask for any personal info - they just dial Washington ESD for you and patch you through to an agent. You handle everything directly with the state.

What would I need to do to qualify for a new benefit year?

You'd need to have worked and earned enough wages since your last claim started. The requirements are pretty specific, so you'd want to check with Washington ESD about your particular situation.

3 contacts per week? That seems like a lot when there aren't many jobs in my field.

It includes applications, networking contacts, job fair attendance, etc. Cast a wide net - they want to see you're actively looking.

Also sign up with WorkSourceWA if you haven't already. It's required and they have job search resources.

Ugh I didn't think about taxes. How much do they typically withhold?

I think it's 10% federal if you elect to have it withheld. But check with a tax professional if you're not sure what's best for your situation.

Did they charge you? I'm skeptical of services that claim to help with government stuff.

Check their website for details. For me it was worth it to get actual information instead of guessing about my benefits.

I feel you, it's rough out there. Have you been using all the WorkSourceWA resources? Sometimes they have job training programs that can help.

yeah ive been to worksource but most of the jobs they have are minimum wage crap. i need something that actually pays the bills

So if I found a job after 10 weeks of unemployment but then got laid off again 3 months later, I'd still have 16 weeks left?

Exactly, as long as it's within the same benefit year. But you'd need to meet the eligibility requirements again, including the work and earnings requirements for the time you worked.

What if I pick up some side work doing handyman stuff? Do I have to report that too?

Yes, any work for pay needs to be reported on your weekly claim, even cash jobs or self-employment.

The federal pandemic programs ended in September 2021. There's still the regular Extended Benefits (EB) program that can activate during high unemployment, but Washington state's unemployment rate isn't high enough to trigger it right now.

oh man that sucks. what's the unemployment rate have to be for extended benefits?

Extended Benefits typically trigger when the state's unemployment rate is above certain thresholds compared to previous years. The exact formula is complex, but we'd need significantly higher unemployment than current levels.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. Their service connects you to ESD agents without the endless hold times. Worth checking out if you're stuck.

I might have to try that. I've literally spent entire mornings calling and getting nowhere.

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week. This can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or meeting with WorkSourceWA counselors.