How long can you get unemployment benefits in Washington - need to know my limits

In Washington state, regular unemployment insurance (UI) provides up to 26 weeks of benefits. This is the standard maximum for most people. The exact number of weeks you qualify for depends on your work history and earnings during your base period, which is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim.

Just to add - there's no automatic extensions anymore like there were during COVID. Those federal programs (PEUC, PUA) ended years ago. Right now it's just the standard 26 weeks maximum unless Congress passes new legislation, which isn't happening anytime soon.

One thing to keep in mind - you have to be actively looking for work the entire time. Washington ESD requires you to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and document them in your WorkSourceWA account. If you don't keep up with the job search requirements, they can stop your benefits even if you haven't used up all 26 weeks.

I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks about my claim status and can't reach anyone. The phone lines are constantly busy and when I do get through, I get disconnected. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there? I'm worried about my benefits getting cut off because I can't verify some information they're asking for.

The 26 weeks goes by faster than you think. I'm on week 20 right now and starting to panic about finding something soon. Make sure you're not picky about jobs - Washington ESD expects you to take any suitable work after a certain point, even if it pays less than your previous job.

TWENTY SIX WEEKS IS A JOKE!!! Other states give you way more time. I burned through my benefits in 6 months and still couldn't find anything in my field. The whole system is designed to push people into taking crappy low-paying jobs just to get off unemployment.

Quick question - does the 26 weeks reset if you work for a while and then get laid off again? Or is it a lifetime limit?

I'm collecting standby benefits right now because my employer said they'll call me back when business picks up. I think standby works differently than regular unemployment - does anyone know if the time limits are the same?

Don't forget you can also do part-time work while collecting benefits. Washington has a partial unemployment program where you can earn up to a certain amount and still get reduced benefits. Might help stretch things out if you can find some gig work.

Just went through the whole 26 weeks myself. Started looking for work in week 1 but didn't get serious until week 20. Big mistake! The pressure in those last few weeks is intense. Start your job search immediately and don't coast.

Can you appeal if Washington ESD denies your claim or cuts you off before 26 weeks? I'm worried they might find some reason to stop my benefits early.

I've been on unemployment twice in the past 5 years and both times I got exactly 26 weeks. The calculation is pretty straightforward if you worked full-time for several years like you did. You should definitely qualify for the maximum.

One more tip - keep detailed records of all your job applications and interviews. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities and if you can't prove you were looking, they can demand repayment of benefits. I learned this the hard way.

btw if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your specific situation, I had good luck with that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Helped me get through when I needed to clarify my benefit amount calculation.

The 26 weeks is just the maximum. Some people get fewer weeks if they didn't work long enough or earn enough during their base period. But with 8 years of steady work, you should be fine.

Make sure you file your claim as soon as possible. Benefits can only be paid from the Sunday of the week you file, so don't wait around thinking about it. File this week if you haven't already.

Sorry to hear about your layoff. The 26 weeks should give you enough time to find something good if you stay focused. The Washington job market isn't terrible right now, especially for warehouse and logistics work.

Last thing - remember to file your weekly claims every week even if you're not sure about something. Missing a week can cause delays in your payments. It's better to file and ask questions later than to skip a week.