How long can you get unemployment benefits in Washington state?

Thanks! Do you know how they calculate the base period? I worked full time for the past 2 years so I should be good.

Base period is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed. So if you worked full time for 2 years you should definitely qualify for the full 26 weeks.

Thanks! So it's always 26 weeks no matter what? That's actually longer than I thought it would be.

Yeah but keep in mind you have to keep filing your weekly claims and doing job searches to keep getting paid. It's not automatic.

Thanks! So it's definitely capped at 26 weeks no matter what? I was hoping maybe there were exceptions.

Yes, 26 weeks is the maximum for regular UI benefits. However, during certain economic conditions, extended benefits might be available, but that's rare and depends on state unemployment rates.

Thanks! So that's about 6 months then. Do I have to apply for a certain number of jobs each week?

Yes you need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities so make sure you document everything properly.

Thanks, that's helpful. Do I need to apply right away or can I wait a few days? I'm still processing getting laid off honestly.

You should file as soon as possible - benefits don't start until the week you actually file your claim with Washington ESD. Don't wait.

What kind of training programs qualify for extensions? I'm thinking about going back to school while I'm unemployed.

It has to be approved training through WorkSource or Washington ESD. Community college programs sometimes qualify but you need to get approval before you start or you could lose your benefits.

Extended benefits kicked in automatically when state unemployment rates hit certain triggers, but those programs ended. Right now it's just the regular 26 weeks unless Congress passes something new.

Good to know, thanks for clarifying that!

Thanks for the info. Do I need to apply right away or can I wait a few weeks to see if I find something?

You should apply as soon as possible! There's a one-week waiting period before benefits start, and you can't backdate your claim very far. Even if you think you might find work quickly, it's better to have the claim started.

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max? And what exactly counts as a 'job contact' for the search requirement?

Yes, 26 weeks is the maximum for regular UI benefits. Job contacts can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or informational interviews. You log these in your WorkSourceWA account.

How many job searches do you have to do each week? I heard it was 3 but someone told me it might be more now.

It's 3 job search activities per week minimum. You log them in your WorkSourceWA account. Don't slack on this - they do check!

Actually had Washington ESD call me to verify some of my job searches. They asked for details about the companies I contacted.

Wow $999 seems high. I doubt I'll get anywhere near that much from my warehouse job.

Most people don't get the maximum. It's roughly 60-70% of your average weekly wage, up to that cap. You'll see your exact amount when you file your claim.

I worked steady for 3 years at the same place, so I should be good for the full 26 weeks then?

Yeah you should definitely qualify for the maximum benefit period with 3 years of steady work.

That's a relief to know there's a set limit. Is that 26 weeks from when I file or from when I actually start receiving payments?

It's 26 weeks worth of benefits, not calendar weeks. So if you have any waiting periods or delays, those don't count against your 26 weeks.

I'll check their website. Is it easy to navigate or is it one of those confusing government sites?

It's... better than it used to be but still pretty clunky. The important stuff is there though.

OK good to know it's still 26 weeks. Do I need to do anything special to get the full 26 weeks or does it automatically continue?

You have to file your weekly claims every week and meet the job search requirements. If you stop doing either of those, your benefits will stop.

Thanks! Do you know if the 26 weeks starts from when I file or when I was laid off? I waited about a week before filing.

It starts from when you file your initial claim, not when you were laid off. So filing that week later means you lose that week of potential benefits.

Is that legit? I'm always skeptical of third party services for government stuff.

Yeah I was suspicious too but it worked. They basically handle the calling and waiting for you so you don't have to sit on hold for hours. Saved me a lot of frustration when I had questions about my job search requirements.

Have you tried using Claimyr? I found out about it from someone on here and it actually got me through to an agent in like 20 minutes. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration with Washington ESD's phone system.

Never heard of that but I'm willing to try anything at this point. The regular Washington ESD phone number is basically useless.

Claimyr.com actually works! Used it last month when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Way better than sitting on hold forever.

That's correct. Washington ESD calculates your benefit duration based on your total base period wages. If you didn't earn enough during your base period, you might get fewer than 26 weeks.

How do I find out exactly how many weeks I qualify for? Is that something they tell you when you file?

Wait I'm confused - so if I worked for 6 months then got laid off again, I could use my remaining weeks?

Exactly! As long as it's within your benefit year and you haven't used all 26 weeks yet.

What counts as a job search activity? I've been applying online but not sure if that's enough.

Online applications count, but you should also do things like attending job fairs, networking events, or contacting employers directly. Keep detailed records of everything you do.

That's good to know, thanks. I'll keep that in mind if I have trouble reaching them.

Never heard of that service but anything is better than the Washington ESD phone system. I spent 3 hours on hold once just to get disconnected.

How long did your adjudication take? I'm worried about delays since I need the money for rent.

mine took about 3 weeks but I've heard of people waiting longer. the waiting is the worst part honestly

Never heard of Claimyr before. Does it actually work for getting through to Washington ESD? I've been trying to call for weeks.

Yeah it worked for me. I was able to get connected to an agent within a couple days instead of calling for hours every day. The agent explained my benefit duration and answered other questions about my claim.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they even have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration!

Try calling right at 8am when they open. I got through after about 45 minutes that way.

What are the job search requirements exactly? Do I have to apply for a certain number of jobs each week?

Yeah, you need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. They can audit you at any time so keep good records.

Is it still 3? I thought they changed it to 2 during covid and never changed it back.

What's adjudication? That sounds scary.

It's when Washington ESD needs to investigate something about your claim before approving benefits. Could be anything - they might contact your employer to verify the layoff details, or need more info about your work history.

Been in adjudication for 5 weeks now. Still no word from Washington ESD and I can't get anyone on the phone to tell me what's happening.

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max? I was hoping it might be longer since I worked for so many years.

Correct, 26 weeks is the standard maximum. Your work history affects your weekly benefit amount, not the duration.

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max? I heard some people mention getting benefits longer than that.

The 26 weeks is for regular UI benefits. There used to be extended benefits during high unemployment periods but those programs ended. Some people might be thinking of the pandemic programs which are long gone.

Thanks! So it's a full 6 months? That's better than I expected. What's a base period though?

The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. Washington ESD uses this to determine if you qualify and how much you'll receive.

Thanks! So if I filed in January 2025, my base period would be January 2024 through December 2024?

Close, but not quite. If you filed in January 2025, your base period would be October 2023 through September 2024. Washington ESD uses completed quarters, so they skip the most recent quarter.

Thanks for the info! What exactly is the base period? I'm not familiar with that term.

The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim. So if you filed in January 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through September 2024.

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max? I was hoping it might be longer since I worked for so many years.

Yep, 26 weeks is the standard maximum. Your work history affects your weekly benefit amount, not the duration.

Thanks! What counts as actively searching for work? Do I need to apply to a certain number of jobs each week?

Yes, you need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log of your activities. This can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, or networking events.

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

You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log of them. This includes applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking activities, etc.

I had the same problem! I ended up using Claimyr.com to get through to an actual agent. They have this system that keeps calling until you get connected and then calls you back. Saved me hours of trying to get through myself.

Really? That actually works? I've been trying to call for weeks about my claim status.

Yeah it definitely works. There's a video demo on their site that shows how it works - https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. I was skeptical too but got through to an agent the same day I tried it.

Thanks! Is there any way to extend beyond 26 weeks if you still can't find work?

Only during periods when extended benefits are triggered, which happens when unemployment rates are high. Right now there aren't any federal extensions available.

Thanks! So it's based on how much I earned in those quarters? I worked full time for the past 2 years so I should qualify for the full 26 weeks right?

Not necessarily the full 26 weeks. Washington ESD uses a formula based on your total base period wages. You need to have earned at least $7,000 in your base period to qualify, and the weekly benefit amount and duration are calculated from there.

Good point about filing right away. I was going to wait until I got my final paycheck but I'll apply this week.

Definitely don't wait. You can't get benefits for weeks before you file your initial claim, so every week you delay is money lost.

Got it. I'm in tech so probably just regular UI. Do I need to do anything special to make sure I get the full 26 weeks?

You have to file your weekly claims every week and meet the job search requirements. Usually 3 job search activities per week, but check your specific requirements in your account.

That's confusing. So the benefit year and the 26 weeks are different things?

Exactly. Think of it like this: you have 52 weeks (benefit year) during which you can collect up to 26 weeks worth of payments. If you work part-time some weeks, you might collect partial benefits and stretch it out.

Wait, so if my claim is in adjudication for 3 weeks, I lose 3 weeks of potential benefits?

No, that's not correct. Your benefit year starts when you file, but you can still collect for any weeks you were unemployed during that year, including weeks while your claim was processing. You don't lose those weeks.

Wait what? They don't pay for the first week? That seems unfair.

Yeah it's called a waiting week. It's just how the system works in Washington. Most states have it.

Actually Washington eliminated the waiting week in 2023. You should get paid for your first eligible week now.

Never heard of that service. Is it legit? Washington ESD phone system is definitely a nightmare though.

Yeah it's legitimate - they just help you get through the phone queue instead of redialing constantly. Was worth it for me when I couldn't reach anyone for 2 weeks straight.

Good to know there are options if I can't get through. Hopefully I won't need to call them but sounds useful as backup.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked - got connected within 20 minutes instead of calling all day. Check out claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Interesting, I'll check that out. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get actual answers about my claim.

I used Claimyr too when I had questions about my benefit calculation. Way better than spending entire days trying to call on my own.

That's what I'm worried about. How strict are they about the job search requirements?

You need to make 3 job search activities per week and keep detailed records. Washington ESD can audit your job search log at any time, so make sure you're documenting everything properly.

Yeah they audited mine around week 15. Had to provide all my application confirmations and interview records. Good thing I kept everything.

I was a regular W-2 employee so I think I should be fine for regular benefits.

Do online applications count or do I need to do in-person visits?

Online applications definitely count. Most job searching is online these days. Just make sure you can prove you actually applied if they ask.

That's exactly what I'm worried about. My rent is due next week.

If you were laid off through no fault of your own and have enough work history, your claim should process smoothly. Don't let the horror stories scare you - most claims do get approved.

Yeah I'm already updating my resume and checking job boards. Hopefully I won't need the full 26 weeks.

Good point. I should probably update my resume this weekend.

yes! and don't just apply to the same type of jobs. Washington ESD expects you to expand your search if you're not finding work in your usual field

How do they decide when Extended Benefits are available?

It's based on the state unemployment rate. When it hits certain thresholds, EB gets triggered automatically. But it hasn't happened much in recent years.

What's a waiting week? Does that mean I won't get paid for the first week?

Yeah, the first week you file is usually a waiting week where you don't get paid. It's like a one-week deductible basically.

Did you use up all 24 weeks or find a job before then?

I found a job after about 18 weeks thankfully. The job market was tough but I kept applying everywhere.

Good point about the weekly claims. How many job contacts do we need to do each week?

It's 3 job search activities per week minimum. Keep detailed records because Washington ESD can audit your job search log anytime.

Are there any extensions available right now in Washington? I'm coming up on week 20 and getting nervous.

No extensions currently available. You'll need to have backup plans ready before your benefits run out.

I worked full-time for 3 years so I should qualify for the full 26 weeks right?

Yes, with 3 years of steady work you'll definitely qualify for the maximum duration.

Wait so if I use up my 26 weeks in 6 months, I can't get more benefits for the rest of that year even if I'm still unemployed?

Correct. Once you exhaust your 26 weeks of benefits, you'd need to establish a new claim after your benefit year ends, assuming you've worked enough to qualify again.

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

i think its 3 per week but check the washington esd website to be sure

Oh man, I had the same problem! I actually found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual Washington ESD agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

That sounds too good to be true. How does it work exactly?

It's basically a callback service. You tell them when you want to talk to Washington ESD and they handle all the calling and waiting. When they get an agent on the line, they connect you. Super simple and way less frustrating than doing it yourself.

Is that legit? I've been trying to call for weeks about my adjudication issue.

Yeah it's real. I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Way better than spending all day redialing.

That's good to know. How much would I need to earn to qualify for a new claim?

You need to earn at least your weekly benefit amount times 7 in covered employment. So if your weekly benefit is $400, you'd need to earn at least $2,800.

That's good to know about part-time work. I might pick up some gig work while I'm looking for a full-time job.

Just make sure you report all earnings on your weekly claim, even small amounts. Washington ESD will find out eventually and you don't want an overpayment issue.

Wait, so the clock starts ticking even if I'm not getting paid yet? That doesn't seem fair.

Actually, that's not quite right. Your benefit year is 52 weeks from when you file, but you can only receive benefits for up to 26 weeks within that year. Time spent in adjudication doesn't count against your 26 weeks of eligibility.

What's adjudication? Should I be worried about that?

its when they have to review something about your claim before approving it. can take forever

Adjudication happens when there's a question about your eligibility - like if you quit vs were laid off, or if there are questions about your work history. It can delay your first payment but once resolved, you'll get backpay.

You can file a new claim if you've worked enough since your last claim to establish a new base period. Usually that means earning at least 6 times your weekly benefit amount in covered employment.

So if I worked for 6 months and then got laid off again, I could potentially get another 26 weeks?

Possibly, but it depends on your earnings during those 6 months and how much time has passed. Washington ESD looks at your highest quarter of earnings to determine your weekly benefit amount.

Did you have to pay anything back or were you just done after 26 weeks?

No payback, you just stop getting benefits after your benefit year ends. But you can potentially file a new claim if you worked enough after that.

That's scary. Did you try any retraining programs or anything like that?

Washington ESD has some training programs but they're pretty limited and you have to qualify. WorkSource has some resources too but honestly it's hit or miss.

Thanks for clearing that up. I wasn't sure if it changed back.

Do I need to set up the WorkSource account before I file my claim or after?

You can do it either way, but I'd recommend setting it up early since you'll need it for your job search logs anyway.

I get the frustration but the 26 week limit is pretty standard across all states. Some states actually have shorter benefit periods.

It's not just the time limit, it's how impossible it is to get through to anyone to ask questions or resolve issues!

Good to know. What happens if you get an overpayment notice?

you have to pay it back plus penalties sometimes. not fun. just be honest on your weekly claims

That's scary. What causes adjudication issues?

Lots of things - if there's a question about why you left your job, if your employer contests your claim, if there are wage issues. Try to be completely accurate on your application to avoid problems.

How does that work exactly?

Your benefit year lasts 52 weeks from when you first file. You can collect up to 26 weeks of benefits during that year. If you work enough after your claim ends, you might qualify for a new claim the following year.

Correct. And you need to earn at least $1,320 in covered employment to establish a new claim. It's not automatic.

I wouldn't lie but good to know they check everything.

They cross-reference with employers and even check social media sometimes. Just be honest about everything.

That's interesting. So working part-time doesn't completely cut off benefits?

Nope! As long as you earn less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5, you can still get partial unemployment. It's actually encouraged.

You still need to report all earnings though. And you still have to do your job searches every week.

Is that legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my claim and can never get through.

Yeah it's real. They basically handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when they get an agent on the line. Worked great for me when I had questions about my weekly claims.

As long as you're filing your weekly claims on time and doing your job searches, you should be fine. The key is being honest about any work you do and reporting it properly.

yeah I guess. I just wish there was a clearer guide somewhere that explains everything step by step

Do they actually check the job search requirements? I've heard mixed things about how strict they are.

They definitely check! Washington ESD can request your job search log at any time. You need to keep detailed records - employer name, contact method, date, position you applied for. Don't risk it.

Did Washington ESD tell you upfront how many weeks you qualified for when you filed?

Yeah, it shows in your account on the Washington ESD website once your claim is processed. It tells you your weekly benefit amount and maximum weeks available.

That's what I'm worried about. Tech hiring has been really slow lately. Did you have any luck with extensions?

No extensions available when I was on it. Washington only does extensions during major economic problems and we weren't in one of those periods.

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

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

Yeah it worked for me! They handle all the calling and waiting, then transfer you when they get an agent on the line. Way better than spending your whole morning redialing.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents - you can check it out at claimyr.com. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really helped me get my questions answered without spending hours on hold.

That makes sense. So if you go back to work temporarily it doesn't reset your 26 week clock?

Right, it just pauses it. Your benefit year is still ticking though. I learned this the hard way when trying to stretch my benefits.

Did you find something before they ran out?

Yeah, got hired with about 3 weeks left on my benefits. But those last few weeks were really stressful knowing the clock was ticking.

That's smart advice. I'm on week 18 right now and starting to feel the pressure too.

Interesting, never heard of that. Does it actually work to get through the phone system?

Yeah it does! Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on. Really helpful when you need specific answers about your claim.

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

Minimum 3 job search activities per week. Can be applications, networking, interviews, etc. Keep detailed records.

I got audited on my job search log around week 15. They wanted proof of every contact I claimed. Don't mess around with this requirement.

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. I used it last month and actually got connected within a few hours instead of calling for days. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Interesting, I'll check that out. I'm getting desperate to talk to someone about my claim.

Good to know. So no chance of getting more than 26 weeks right now?

Not through regular UI. There might be other programs if you qualify - like training extensions if you enroll in approved education programs. But standard unemployment maxes at 26 weeks.

Good point about the pandemic stuff. I keep seeing old forum posts from 2020-2021 that mention way longer benefit periods but I figured those were special circumstances.

Yeah exactly - PUA and PEUC are done. We're back to the standard 26 weeks maximum for regular unemployment.

That's exactly what I'm worried about. What happens if you don't find a job by week 26?

Then you're on your own basically. No more weekly payments. That's why I'm ramping up my search now - can't wait until the last minute.

You should also look into WorkSource services before your benefits run out. They have job placement assistance and sometimes training programs that can help.

Wait, so there's no way to get more than 26 weeks anymore? What if you still can't find work after that?

Unfortunately no extensions right now. After 26 weeks you'd need to look into other assistance programs like SNAP or TANF if you qualify. That's why the job search requirements are so important.

What counts as a job search activity?

Applying for jobs, networking events, career fairs, informational interviews. There's a list on the Washington ESD website with approved activities.

What does 'able and available' mean exactly? I'm definitely looking for work but want to make sure I understand the requirements.

Basically means you're physically able to work, available during normal business hours, and actively seeking employment. Can't be on vacation, in school full-time, or have other major restrictions.

What counts as able and available? I have some medical appointments coming up.

Medical appointments are usually fine as long as they don't prevent you from accepting work. If you're temporarily unable to work due to illness, you'd need to report that when filing your weekly claim.

Good advice. I've been pretty focused on my specific role but maybe I should broaden my search.

Definitely! And document all your applications. Washington ESD wants to see you're making a genuine effort to find work.

Is WorkSource the same as Washington ESD?

No, WorkSource is the job placement service but it's connected to your unemployment claim. You'll need to register there within 4 weeks of filing.

That's what I'm worried about. I was making good money as a project supervisor and those jobs don't come up that often.

Yeah, you might need to take something temporary while you look for the right supervisor role. UI helps but it's not going to replace your full salary.

Look into WorkFirst if you qualify - it's the state's TANF program. Also check what training programs WorkSource offers. Sometimes there are grants for retraining.

Food banks and local assistance programs can help bridge the gap too. Don't wait until you're completely out of money to look into these resources.

Really? How much does something like that cost? I'm hesitant to pay for something when I should be able to call Washington ESD directly.

I was skeptical too but after spending hours trying to get through on my own, it was worth it to finally talk to someone who could explain my claim status.

That's helpful to know. So theoretically if I found work after 20 weeks of unemployment, I wouldn't lose those remaining 6 weeks?

Actually, once your benefit year ends, those weeks are gone. You'd need to establish a new claim with new qualifying wages to get benefits again.

This is confusing. I thought unused weeks rolled over?

No rollover unfortunately. Each benefit year is separate. That's why some people try to spread out their claims if they think they might need benefits again soon.

What about if there's another recession? Do they extend benefits again like they did during COVID?

Extended benefits can kick in when unemployment rates are high enough, but it's not automatic. It depends on both state and federal trigger rates. During COVID there were special pandemic programs but those all ended.

Is that service legit? Sounds almost too good to be true.

Completely legit. I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

I've heard about services like this but never tried one. Might be worth it if you really can't get through.

Interesting, I've never heard of that service. How does it work exactly?

Basically they handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of being on hold and getting disconnected.

Is this legit? Sounds too good to be true with how impossible it is to reach Washington ESD normally.