How long can you get unemployment benefits in Washington - maximum duration?

Thanks! Is there any way to check exactly how many weeks I qualify for before my claim is fully processed?

Once your claim is approved, you can see your benefit year end date and remaining balance in your SecureAccess Washington account.

Thanks! So even if I made really good money, I still only get 26 weeks? That seems like it would run out pretty fast in this job market.

Correct, the duration is standard. However, there are some training programs through WorkSource that can extend benefits if you qualify for approved retraining.

Thanks! So even though I only worked 2 years, I still get the full 26 weeks as long as I earned enough in my base period?

Exactly. As long as you meet the minimum earnings requirements in your base period, you get the full 26 weeks. Your 2 years of work should definitely qualify you.

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

The base period is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So it's not exactly the last year - Washington ESD looks at your wages from those specific quarters to determine both your benefit amount and duration.

Good to know there aren't extensions right now. Were you able to find work before your benefits ran out?

Yeah, found something at week 20. The pressure definitely helped motivate my job search!

Good to know about not missing weeks. Do you file online or by phone?

online is way easier through the washington esd website

Yeah the extended benefits only kick in during really bad recessions. We had them during COVID but not anymore.

Got it, so I should plan on 26 weeks max and not count on any extensions.

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

Yes, you'll need to complete your weekly claims and meet job search requirements. Usually that means applying for at least 3 jobs per week and keeping a log of your search activities.

Thanks! So 26 weeks is the maximum? That's about 6 months which should give me time to find something.

Yes, 26 weeks is the standard maximum. Just make sure you're doing your weekly claims on time and meeting the job search requirements.

Thanks! That's what I thought but wanted to confirm. Do I need to do anything special as I get closer to the 26 week mark?

Just keep filing your weekly claims and meeting the job search requirements. Washington ESD will notify you when you're approaching your benefit year end.

No, regular UI went back to 26 weeks in 2021. The extra weeks were temporary pandemic programs that ended. There might be extended benefits during high unemployment periods but we're not in one of those right now.

I had the same problem for weeks! Then someone told me about Claimyr - it's a service that helps you actually get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com, they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that explains how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

Interesting, I'll check that out. At this point I'm willing to try anything to avoid sitting on hold for hours.

I had the same problem calling Washington ESD - kept getting busy signals or hung up on. Found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to an agent. Check out claimyr.com, they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

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

Yeah it worked for me. They handle the calling and wait times, then connect you when an agent picks up. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.

No, that's a common misconception. Your work history affects your weekly benefit amount and whether you qualify at all, but not the duration. Everyone gets up to 26 weeks if they qualify.

Oh wow, I had that totally wrong. Thanks for clarifying!

How many job contacts do I need to do per week? And where do I log them?

It's 3 job search activities per week. You log them in your eServices account when you file your weekly claim. Keep detailed records in case they audit you.

I got audited last year and they wanted proof of every single job contact. Make sure you save emails, application confirmations, everything.

COVID had special programs like PUA and PEUC that extended benefits, but those ended in 2021. Regular unemployment is back to the standard 26 weeks.

ok thanks. my cousin got like 70+ weeks during covid so i was confused

Yeah the website is terrible lol. I spent hours trying to figure out my claim status.

The calculation is actually pretty straightforward once you understand it. Your weekly benefit amount is roughly 3.85% of your average quarterly wages during the base period, and the maximum you can collect is the lesser of 26 times your weekly benefit amount or 30% of your base period wages.

Oh wow, so no safety net after 26 weeks? That's kind of scary.

Right, that's why it's important to use your time wisely during those 26 weeks to find new employment. The job search requirements exist for a reason.

Don't panic though - 26 weeks is actually a decent amount of time to find something if you're actively searching.

Interesting, never heard of that. Did they charge you anything?

They do charge but it was worth it to me since I was getting nowhere with the regular phone system. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting hung up on.

Honestly anything is better than that automated system. I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my adjudication issue.

Never heard of that service. How does it work exactly?

They basically call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to a real person. Way better than spending hours on hold.

Interesting, I might need something like that if my claim gets complicated.

During the pandemic there were extended benefits and federal programs, but those ended. Now we're back to the regular 26-week limit for standard UI benefits.

oh ok that makes sense. so no more extended benefits now?

Not currently. Extended benefits only kick in during periods of high unemployment in the state, which we're not experiencing right now.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com. They actually help you get through to ESD agents. I was skeptical at first but it worked - got connected to someone in like 20 minutes instead of calling all day. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

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

It's worth checking out their site for details. For me it was way better than wasting entire days trying to call. The video explains everything.

No, Washington's regular UI program is still capped at 26 weeks. Some states have different durations but that's what we have here. The extended benefits from COVID (like PEUC) ended in 2021.

Ugh of course. This state always finds ways to make things harder for working people.

Oh that's good to know! So if I pick up some part-time work that disqualifies me for a week, I don't lose that week from my total?

Exactly. You still have to report the earnings, but if you earn more than your weekly benefit amount plus $5, you won't get paid that week but it doesn't count against your 26 weeks.

That's what I'm worried about. What happens after week 26 if you still haven't found work?

Then you're on your own unless you qualify for other assistance programs. That's why I'm scrambling now to find anything before my benefits run out.

This is exactly why I used Claimyr to talk to someone at Washington ESD about retraining programs. They explained the WorkSource options that might extend benefits if you're in an approved program.

This is good to know. How do they decide if you get the full 26 weeks or less?

It's based on your total base period wages. If you have higher earnings spread across multiple quarters, you'll likely qualify for the full duration. If you only worked part of the base period or had lower wages, your potential benefit duration will be reduced accordingly.

That's good to know. I filed last week and it's still showing pending. Should I be worried about adjudication eating into my time?

Most claims get approved within a few weeks. If it goes longer than that, you might want to call and check what's holding it up.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. The regular phone lines are impossible. They got me through to an agent in like 30 minutes instead of me wasting whole days trying to call.

Is that expensive? I'm already stressed about money.

It's worth it to actually get your claim moving. Way cheaper than losing weeks of benefits because you can't reach anyone.

That's good to know about the 26 weeks starting from filing date. How long did your adjudication take?

Mine took about 3 weeks, which isn't too bad compared to some horror stories I've heard. The Claimyr thing really helped because I could actually talk to someone instead of just waiting.

Never heard of Claimyr before. Is it legit or just another scam service?

It's legit - they don't ask for any personal info or login details. Just helps you get through the phone system to reach a real Washington ESD agent.

How many job contacts do I need to make each week?

It varies but generally 3 job search activities per week. Check your weekly claim questions - they'll specify what's required for your situation.

The pandemic-era extensions like PEUC ended in 2021. Now it's back to the standard 26 weeks maximum for regular unemployment benefits.

damn that sucks. 26 weeks isn't very long to find a good job

I totally get that feeling but honestly the 26 week limit is pretty straightforward compared to some other states. Just focus on the job search requirements and filing weekly.

I guess you're right. I'm just stressed about finding work before my benefits run out.

After regular UI benefits end, you might qualify for other programs like WorkFirst or food assistance. You should contact DSHS to explore other support options.

Also look into job training programs through WorkSource. Sometimes they can help extend your benefits while you're in approved training.

There's Training Benefits (TB) that can extend benefits if you're in an approved training program, but you have to qualify and get approval before enrolling. Also Extended Benefits (EB) can kick in during periods of high unemployment but that's rare.

How do you apply for Training Benefits? Is it through WorkSource?

Yes, you work with WorkSource to find approved training programs. But you need to apply for TB before starting the training, not after.

Right, I've heard about the job search log. How many jobs do you have to apply to each week?

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

I was in the same boat last year. The pressure is real when you're getting close to the end. Are you working with WorkSource for job search help?

Yeah but it feels like going through the motions. Most of the jobs they suggest are way below my experience level or pay scale.

I know it's frustrating but you might have to take something temporary while you keep looking. Better than having no income after week 26.

It depends on how long you work and how much you earn. You need to earn at least 6 times your weekly benefit amount to establish a new claim. Otherwise you're still on your original claim with whatever weeks you had left.

So if my weekly benefit is $400, I'd need to earn at least $2400 in new wages to start fresh?

That's the basic threshold but the full requirements are more complex. You'd need to work enough to meet the base year earnings requirements for a new claim.

I feel your frustration but getting angry won't help. The 26-week rule is pretty standard and clearly stated on their website.

Their website is confusing as hell and doesn't answer specific questions about individual situations.

That's exactly why I used that Claimyr service I mentioned. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to get clarity.

Never heard of that service before. Did it actually work for getting your duration question answered?

Yeah, the agent was able to look at my account and explain exactly how many weeks I had left based on my earnings history. Way better than trying to decode their website.

Good question - it starts from your benefit year begin date, which is typically the Sunday of the week you first filed your claim. So if there are delays in processing, you're not losing weeks.

That's a relief. My claim has been in adjudication for 2 weeks so I was worried I was losing time.

There's no automatic extension after 26 weeks for regular unemployment benefits. However, Washington sometimes triggers Extended Benefits (EB) during periods of high unemployment, which can add up to 13 additional weeks. But this isn't active right now.

so basically if i dont find work in 26 weeks im screwed?

Not necessarily screwed, but you'd need to look into other assistance programs. You might qualify for SNAP, temporary assistance, or other support while continuing your job search.

Actually, the federal-state Extended Benefits program can still trigger during high unemployment periods. It's not about the state cutting benefits - it's tied to specific unemployment rate thresholds that automatically activate additional weeks.

Yeah but those thresholds are set way too high. Unemployment has to be really bad before they kick in.

How does it work exactly? Do they just call for you or what?

They handle the calling and waiting, then connect you directly to the ESD agent. Check out their demo video to see the process - it's pretty straightforward.

What happens after the 52 week benefit year ends? Can you file a new claim?

You can file a new claim if you've worked enough since your last claim to establish a new base period with sufficient earnings.

How does that work exactly? Can you work and still collect benefits?

Yes, you can work part-time. They reduce your benefit based on how much you earn, but if you earn less than your weekly benefit amount, you still get something.

Just make sure to report all earnings when you file your weekly claim. Not reporting work income is fraud.

Oh that's interesting. So if I found a job after 10 weeks but got laid off again 3 months later, I'd still have 16 weeks left?

Potentially yes, as long as you're still within your original benefit year and meet the other eligibility requirements.

Just make sure to report any work and wages correctly when filing your weekly claims. Working while collecting can affect your benefits.

Yes, you can establish a new benefit year if you've worked and earned enough wages since your last claim. You need to have worked in at least two quarters and earned a minimum amount during your new base period.

How much do you need to earn to qualify for a new benefit year?

You need at least $3,850 in your highest quarter and total base period wages of at least 1.25 times your highest quarter earnings. Washington ESD calculates this automatically when you file.

That's exactly the situation where Claimyr helped me. Adjudication can take forever if you can't talk to someone to resolve whatever issue they're reviewing.

I might have to try that. This is so stressful when you're already worried about money.

adjudication took 6 weeks for me last year. just have to wait it out unfortunately

There's no waiting week in Washington anymore. That was eliminated a few years ago. Your first week can be paid if you're eligible.

Oh good! That's one less thing to worry about.

Good point. So it's 26 weeks maximum if you do everything right, not guaranteed 26 weeks.

Exactly. And if you have any issues with your claim, like adjudication problems, that can delay or reduce your total weeks too.

Exactly right! Make sure to file your claim as soon as possible since benefits don't backdate to when you became unemployed - only to when you actually file.

And don't forget you have to do the weekly claims every week and meet the job search requirements. Washington ESD is pretty strict about that stuff.

The main exception would be qualifying for approved training through WorkSource. But you need to apply for that early, not wait until you're almost out of benefits.

I looked into the training programs but they're pretty limited and you have to qualify. Most people don't get approved unless their job became obsolete or they need specific retraining.

Ugh, wish I had known about that option earlier. Too late now I guess.

Yes, you can work part-time and still receive partial benefits, but it still counts against your 26-week maximum. It doesn't extend the duration, just reduces the weekly amount.

Ah ok, so it's still the same total weeks, just spread out differently if you're working part-time.

Same experience here. I ended up using Claimyr to get through to an actual person who could explain everything clearly. Worth it just to understand what you're dealing with.

How does that service work exactly? Is it reliable?

Yeah it worked for me. They basically handle the calling process so you don't have to sit on hold forever. Check their demo video to see how it works.

After regular UI benefits end, you might qualify for other programs depending on your situation. There's sometimes state extended benefits during high unemployment periods, and you could look into other assistance programs through DSHS.

Don't forget about job training programs too. WorkSource has resources that might help you get new skills while you're looking.

That's smart advice. I guess I should start updating my resume right away.

Also network! A lot of jobs aren't even posted publicly.

Good point. I've heard of people stopping early thinking they hit the limit but they actually had a few more weeks available.

Thanks for the tip! I'll make sure to keep filing until I get an official notice.

Really? I might have to try that. How long did it take?

About 45 minutes total. They called me back when they got through to an agent instead of me having to wait on hold.

Good advice. I'm planning to start applying immediately even though I just got laid off yesterday.

smart move. dont wait around thinking you deserve a break or whatever. time goes by fast

What's standby status? Is that different from regular unemployment?

Standby means your employer expects to recall you to work within a specific timeframe, usually within 4 weeks. If you're on standby, you may not have to do job search activities, but you still need to file weekly claims.

Standby can be tricky because if the recall doesn't happen when expected, you might need to start job searching retroactively.

Your base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed. Washington ESD looks at your wages during this period to determine both your weekly benefit amount and total duration. Most people get the full 26 weeks if they worked consistently.

So if I only worked part of last year, I might get less than 26 weeks?

Potentially yes. The duration depends on your total wages during the base period. If you worked less or earned lower wages, you might qualify for fewer weeks.

Good point. I'm already updating my resume and plan to start applying this week.

Smart move. The job market is competitive right now so definitely don't waste any time.

Yikes! When do you have to file each week?

You file for the previous week. So if you're claiming for the week ending Saturday, you can file starting Sunday. I always do mine on Sunday morning so I don't forget.

I feel that. Spent 2 hours on hold yesterday just to get disconnected.

That's why services like Claimyr exist. Sometimes you need help navigating the bureaucracy.

That's smart advice. Better to overestimate how long the search will take than get caught short.

Totally agree. I planned for 20 weeks and ended up finding something at week 24, so I was cutting it close even with a buffer.

Wait, so you could run out of money before hitting 26 weeks? That's confusing.

It's rare but possible if you had low earnings in your base period but qualified for higher weekly benefits due to dependents or other factors. Most people hit the 26 week limit first.

Yes, you can work part-time and still collect partial unemployment benefits. You need to report all earnings on your weekly claim. Washington ESD will calculate your partial benefit amount.

Thanks! That's helpful to know I don't have to choose between a part-time job and benefits.

Good reminder. Hopefully won't need those but better to know what's available just in case.

WorkSource also has career counseling and job placement services that are free even after UI runs out. Not income but still helpful resources.

Some states do have variable durations based on unemployment rates, but Washington has stuck with the standard 26 weeks for regular UI. During recessions there are sometimes federal extensions.

Well hopefully I can find something before my 26 weeks are up. The job market is tough right now.

Good advice. I'm already putting together my resume and looking at job boards. Better to find something early than scramble at the end.

That's a good point. I might look into part-time retail positions while searching for full-time work.

Just make sure to report all earnings accurately on your weekly claims. Even small amounts of income need to be reported.

I feel you. The website is terrible and getting through on the phone is impossible.

seriously, it shouldn't be this hard to get basic information

How quickly did they get you through?

It was pretty fast - maybe 10 minutes total including the connection time. Way better than the hours I wasted trying to call directly.

Actually they do show this in your eServices account under 'Monetary Determination.' It shows your maximum benefit amount and weekly benefit amount so you can calculate how many weeks you have.

Oh really? I never noticed that section. I'll have to look for it next time I log in.

Perfect summary, thanks everyone for all the helpful info!

Yep, and remember to file those weekly claims on time every week. The 26 weeks only count if you're actually claiming them.

Can you explain the benefit year more? I'm not sure I understand the difference.

Your benefit year is 52 weeks starting from when Washington ESD establishes your claim. You have up to 26 weeks of benefits to use within that year, but you don't have to use them consecutively.

That's good to know. My situation is a permanent layoff so I guess I need to do the full job search requirements.

Yeah, permanent layoff means full job search requirements. Keep good records of everything you do.

You can usually continue collecting Washington benefits if you move, but you need to notify Washington ESD and meet certain requirements. The rules can be complicated though.

I'll make sure to call them before I move then. Don't want to mess up my benefits.

That's scary to think about. What are you planning to do after week 26?

Looking into job training programs and other assistance. Trying to stay positive but it's tough.

hang in there! the job market is tough but something will come up

Oh I didn't think about taxes. Can I change that setting after I've already started collecting?

Yes, you can change your tax withholding election anytime through your online account or by calling Washington ESD.

Good to know there are options if I run into problems. Hopefully my claim goes smoothly.

Yeah, having a backup plan for getting help is smart. The phone system can be brutal.

Perfect summary! Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. Feeling much more prepared now.

Good luck with your claim! This forum is great for getting questions answered.

I only worked in Washington so that shouldn't apply to me, but good to know for others.

Yeah interstate claims can be tricky. I had wages from Oregon and Washington and it took forever to sort out.

That's interesting. So working part-time doesn't necessarily hurt my claim?

Right, as long as you report the earnings properly. You can work and still collect partial benefits if your earnings are below a certain threshold. It actually extends how long your benefits last since you're not using up your full weekly amount.

I mean 6+ months is still a decent amount of time to find work if you're actively looking. Could be worse.

Maybe for some jobs, but if you're in a specialized field or the job market sucks in your area, 26 weeks isn't always enough.

Good advice! What counts as a job search activity?

Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, informational interviews, skills training - basically anything that helps you find work. Just make sure to log it properly in WorkSourceWA.

Yikes, definitely don't want that to happen. I plan to follow all the rules.

Smart approach. The penalties for benefit fraud are no joke. Better to be honest and follow the requirements.

Thanks for thinking ahead! Hopefully I won't need those other programs but good to know they exist.

WorkSource also has career counseling and job placement services that can help even after your benefits run out. Don't overlook those resources.

Seems like a few people have had good experiences with it. Might be worth keeping in mind if I hit any snags.

Yeah their phone system is brutal. Anything that can help you actually talk to a human is valuable.

Thanks for the encouragement! Feeling much more confident about the whole process now that I understand the timeline better.

How do you qualify for a new claim? Do you need to work a certain amount first?

I think you need to work and earn a certain amount in wages before you can file a new claim, but I'm not sure of the exact requirements.

Generally you need to earn at least 6 times your weekly benefit amount in wages from work after your benefit year started to establish a new claim.

Good tip! I'll start a spreadsheet to track everything.

Speaking of contacting them, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really saved me time when I needed to check on my remaining weeks. Much easier than trying to get through their regular phone lines.

Washington did eliminate the waiting week, so you can receive benefits starting from your first eligible week. The 26 weeks is the total number of compensable weeks available to you.

Thanks for clarifying! So it really is 26 full weeks of payments then.

I didn't even think about that. So working part-time could actually make my benefits run out sooner?

It's possible, depending on how the partial benefit calculations work out. But the trade-off is usually worth it because you're earning additional income.

Plus working part-time keeps you in the job market and might lead to full-time opportunities.

Military service members may be eligible for Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX) which has similar duration rules to regular UI. It's still typically 26 weeks maximum.

thanks! ill pass that info along

The weekly claims are pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. Just be honest about your job search activities and any income you earn.

Should I keep copies of job applications as proof of my search activities?

Yes, definitely keep a log with dates, company names, positions applied for, and how you applied. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities.

That's exactly the problem I had! That's why I ended up using Claimyr to get through to an agent. Saved me hours of waiting on hold.

I might have to check that out if I need to call them again. The hold times are ridiculous.

The whole system is designed to frustrate people into giving up. It's criminal how hard they make it to get basic information.

What about online classes or part-time programs? I was thinking about taking some certification courses.

Part-time programs are usually okay as long as they don't interfere with your ability to work. But check with Washington ESD first to be sure.