How long can you file unemployment in Washington - confused about time limits
I'm really confused about the time limits for filing unemployment claims in Washington. I got laid off from my warehouse job 8 months ago and have been collecting UI benefits, but I'm not sure how much longer I can keep filing. My neighbor said something about 26 weeks but I've heard other people mention different numbers. Does anyone know exactly how long you can file for unemployment benefits with Washington ESD? Also wondering if there are any extensions available or if I need to do something special as I get closer to running out. Really stressed about this because I'm still job hunting and haven't found anything steady yet.
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Kiara Fisherman
In Washington state, regular unemployment insurance benefits last for up to 26 weeks (about 6 months) during a benefit year. Your benefit year starts when you first file your claim. After 26 weeks, your regular UI benefits are exhausted unless there are any federal extension programs available, which depends on economic conditions and congressional action.
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Jason Brewer
•So if I'm at 8 months like I said, that means I'm already past the 26 weeks? I'm really confused about when my benefit year started.
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Kiara Fisherman
•Yes, 8 months would be about 32-35 weeks, so you'd be past the standard 26 week limit. Check your Washington ESD account online to see your exact benefit year dates and remaining balance.
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Liam Cortez
You can check your remaining weeks and benefit year end date by logging into your secure Washington ESD account at secure.esd.wa.gov. It'll show you exactly how many weeks you have left and when your benefit year expires. The 26 weeks can sometimes be confusing because it's not always exactly 6 months depending on when you filed.
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Savannah Vin
•I had trouble getting into that website last week, kept timing out. Is there a phone number you can call to check your balance?
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Liam Cortez
•The main Washington ESD number is super busy, but you can try calling. Honestly, I've had better luck using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.
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Mason Stone
wait i thought it was 39 weeks now? or was that just during covid??
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Kiara Fisherman
•The extended weeks during COVID (like the 39 weeks you're thinking of) were from federal pandemic programs that have ended. We're back to the standard 26 weeks for regular Washington state unemployment insurance.
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Mason Stone
•oh man that sucks, i was hoping there were still extensions available
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Makayla Shoemaker
The confusion about time limits is super common. Here's what you need to know: Washington ESD provides up to 26 weeks of regular UI benefits within your benefit year. Your benefit year lasts 52 weeks from when you first filed your claim. Even if you exhaust your 26 weeks of benefits, your benefit year continues - you just won't receive payments unless you become eligible for a new claim or there are federal extensions.
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Jason Brewer
•This is really helpful, thank you. So even if I'm past 26 weeks, my benefit year might still be active? I should definitely check my account to see the exact dates.
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Christian Bierman
•Yeah definitely check your account. I was in a similar situation last year and found out I still had a few weeks left that I didn't realize.
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Emma Olsen
UGH the Washington ESD system is so confusing about this stuff! I spent HOURS trying to figure out my benefit year dates and how many weeks I had left. The website doesn't make it clear at all and when you call they just give you the runaround.
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Lucas Lindsey
•I totally feel you on this. The whole system seems designed to confuse people. Have you tried any of those services that help you get through to Washington ESD agents?
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Emma Olsen
•No, what services? I've been trying to call for weeks and can never get through.
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Lucas Lindsey
•There's this thing called Claimyr that basically calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual person. A friend used it and said it was way better than trying to call yourself.
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Sophie Duck
From what I understand, the 26 weeks is the maximum for regular benefits, but you might qualify for additional weeks if Washington state's unemployment rate is high enough to trigger extended benefits. This is separate from federal extensions and is based on state-specific triggers.
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Jason Brewer
•How do you find out if those extended benefits are available? Is that something that gets announced or do you have to check somewhere specific?
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Sophie Duck
•Washington ESD usually announces extended benefit periods on their website and sends notices to people who might be eligible. But it's not automatic - you typically have to file for the extension.
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Austin Leonard
I'm in week 24 of my unemployment claim and getting really nervous about running out. Been applying to jobs like crazy but haven't found anything yet. The job market is still pretty tough in my field (manufacturing). Anyone know what happens when you hit that 26 week limit?
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Kiara Fisherman
•When you hit 26 weeks, your regular UI benefits stop. You'd need to check if there are any extended benefit programs available, or you might need to look into other assistance programs. Don't wait until the last minute - start planning now.
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Austin Leonard
•That's what I was afraid of. I really need to step up my job search efforts.
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Anita George
Just want to mention that even if your regular 26 weeks run out, you should keep filing your weekly claims if there's any chance of extended benefits becoming available. Sometimes they're retroactive, so you don't want gaps in your claim history.
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Abigail Spencer
•Good point about keeping up with weekly claims. I stopped filing after my benefits ended and then found out later I should have kept going just in case.
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Anita George
•Exactly! It's better to file and get denied than to miss out on potential benefits because you didn't file.
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Logan Chiang
The whole 26 week thing is actually pretty standard across most states, not just Washington. What varies is whether states offer their own extended benefit programs or if there are federal extensions during economic downturns. Right now we're just back to the basic 26 weeks for regular UI.
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Isla Fischer
•I didn't know other states had the same limits. I thought it was just a Washington thing.
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Logan Chiang
•Nope, most states use 26 weeks as the standard. Some states have slightly different amounts, but 26 is pretty typical for regular unemployment insurance.
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Miles Hammonds
Here's a practical tip: if you're getting close to exhausting your 26 weeks, start looking into other resources NOW. Food banks, utility assistance programs, job training programs, etc. Don't wait until your last payment to start exploring options.
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Jason Brewer
•That's really good advice. I hadn't thought about looking into other programs yet but I probably should start researching what's available.
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Ruby Blake
•WorkSource has some good resources for job training and placement services. They might be able to help you find something before your benefits run out.
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Micah Franklin
I was in a similar boat last year and ended up using Claimyr to get through to a Washington ESD rep who explained my exact situation. Turns out I had miscalculated when my benefit year started and actually had more weeks available than I thought. Sometimes talking to an actual person makes all the difference.
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Jason Brewer
•How much did that service cost? I'm already tight on money so I'm wondering if it's worth it.
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Micah Franklin
•It was definitely worth it for me to get clarity on my benefits. Check out their website at claimyr.com - they explain how the service works. Getting accurate information about your claim status is pretty important when you're planning your finances.
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Ella Harper
Quick question - if I start a new job but then get laid off again after a few months, can I file a new unemployment claim or do I have to wait until my original benefit year ends?
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Kiara Fisherman
•You might be able to file a new claim if you've earned enough wages since your last claim started. Washington ESD has specific earnings requirements for new claims. It's worth checking with them to see if you qualify.
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Ella Harper
•Good to know, thanks. The whole system is so complicated!
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PrinceJoe
For anyone still confused about their specific situation, I'd really recommend talking to someone at Washington ESD directly. I know it's hard to get through by phone, but you can also send messages through your online account or try using one of those calling services people have mentioned.
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Brooklyn Knight
•The messaging system through the secure website is actually pretty good. I got a response within a few days when I had questions about my benefit year.
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Jason Brewer
•I'll try sending a message through my account. Thanks everyone for all the helpful information!
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Emma Johnson
•@Jason Brewer I really hope the messaging system works out for you! This whole thread has been super educational - I had no idea there were so many nuances to the 26-week limit. I m'currently on week 18 of my claim and was starting to panic about what happens next. Sounds like the key is to check your actual benefit year dates and remaining balance rather than just counting weeks from when you got laid off. Good luck with your situation!
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