How long do unemployment benefits last in Washington state?

Thanks for the quick response! What exactly is the base period? I'm still learning all this terminology.

Your base period is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. Washington ESD uses this to determine both your weekly benefit amount and total duration.

Thanks! So that's about 6 months max? That helps me plan a bit better.

Yeah but sometimes it can be less than 26 weeks if you haven't worked enough or your earnings were low in your base period.

Thanks! How do they calculate the base period? Is it just the last year of work?

The base period is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in January 2025, they'd look at January-December 2024 earnings.

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

It's 3 job search activities per week in Washington. Has to be documented in WorkSourceWA too.

Thanks! What's a base period? Is that just the last year I worked?

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

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

Yeah it's real - they basically handle the calling and waiting for you. I was skeptical too but it actually worked when I needed to clarify something about my claim.

If you're having trouble reaching them by phone, I discovered 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.

Interesting, I've never heard of that before. Does it actually work?

Yeah it worked for me! I was able to get my questions answered about my benefit duration and weekly claim filing. Much better than sitting on hold for hours.

Did you both work full time? I'm wondering if part-time work affects the duration.

Yeah we both worked full time. I think it's because I had higher earnings in my base period quarters.

Thanks for the info! I worked full-time for 3 years at my last job, so I should qualify for the full 26 weeks then?

Yes, with 3 years of steady full-time work you should definitely qualify for the maximum 26 weeks of benefits.

That's partially correct. You need to meet Washington ESD's minimum earnings requirements in your base period to qualify, but if you do qualify, you're generally eligible for up to 26 weeks regardless of exactly how much you earned (as long as you meet the threshold).

oh ok that makes more sense. i was worried i wouldn't get the full amount since i only worked part time for a while

Thanks! So even though I worked 8 years, I still only get 26 weeks max?

Correct - the 26 weeks is the standard maximum regardless of how long you worked, as long as you meet the minimum requirements.

This is crucial info. I was planning my budget assuming I might get extended benefits but sounds like 26 weeks is it.

Exactly. Plan for 26 weeks max and anything beyond that would be a bonus if the state adds extensions due to high unemployment.

Oh wow, I didn't realize that. So if I use 10 weeks now and then work for a few months but get laid off again, I'd only have 16 weeks left?

Exactly right. The benefit year runs for 52 weeks from when you first filed, and you get a maximum of 26 weeks of benefits within that year.

No, that's not correct. Washington state provides up to 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits. Your cousin might be thinking of a different state or maybe pandemic-era changes that are no longer in effect.

Oh thank god! I was panicking thinking I'd only have 3 months of benefits. 26 weeks gives me more time to find something decent.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr.com - they help you get through to Washington ESD agents without the endless calling. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of frustration.

That sounds too good to be true. How does it actually work? Do they just call for you?

They handle the calling process and wait on hold for you, then connect you when an agent is available. Way better than spending your whole day redialing.

What are the job search requirements? I want to make sure I don't mess anything up.

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and log them in your WorkSourceWA account. Keep records of every application, interview, and contact you make.

Good to know about the extensions. What are the job search requirements exactly? I've heard different things about how many jobs you need to apply for.

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

Actually, if you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD to clarify any of these requirements, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to agents. They have a website at claimyr.com and even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me hours of calling when I had questions about my claim.

Did you find work before your benefits ran out?

yeah barely, found something in week 24. was getting pretty stressed about it

That's really helpful! Is there anywhere I can calculate this before filing?

The Washington ESD website has a benefit calculator, but it's pretty basic. Your best bet is just to file and see what they determine.

What happens if you can't reach Washington ESD to ask questions about your claim? I've been trying to call for days.

That's unfortunately common. You might want to try Claimyr - it's a service that helps people get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com, they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

I feel you but that's why they require job search activities. You can't just sit back and wait.

Easy to say when you haven't been looking for 4 months already. Not everyone can take just any minimum wage job.

That's really helpful to know! So the benefit year is different from how long you can actually collect?

Exactly. The benefit year is your 'window' and the 26 weeks is your maximum 'usage' within that window.

This is crucial info. I was wondering why I kept seeing references to longer benefit periods online - must have been from the pandemic era.

Good to know. So it's definitely just the 26 weeks maximum right now. I need to plan accordingly.

Really? How does that work exactly?

They basically call Washington ESD for you and conference you in when they get an agent on the line. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Interesting, I might try that if I can't get through the normal way.

This is good to know. I was wondering what happens if I get a temporary job and then it ends.

Yeah, as long as you're still within your benefit year and haven't used up all 26 weeks, you can usually restart your claim. But you'll need to report any work and earnings.

No, you can work part-time and still collect partial benefits. You just have to report all earnings on your weekly claim. Washington ESD will reduce your benefit amount based on what you earn.

Yeah but be careful about the earnings limit. If you make too much in a week you might not get any benefits for that week.

What counts as a job search activity?

Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, interviews, even updating your resume or LinkedIn profile can count. Just make sure to document everything properly.

How often do you have to file these weekly claims?

Every week, usually Sunday through Saturday. You report any work you did and any income you earned that week.

Standby status doesn't change your total benefit duration - you still get up to 26 weeks of regular UI. But the weeks you were on standby would count toward that total.

Oh no, so I might have fewer weeks available now?

The federal pandemic programs like PEUC ended in 2021. Now it's just the regular state program. There might be extended benefits during high unemployment periods but Washington hasn't triggered those recently.

Got it, so basically plan for 26 weeks max unless something changes.

You're thinking of Training Benefits, which can extend your benefits if you're enrolled in approved training. But that's a separate program with specific requirements.

Good to know, thanks for clarifying!

What counts as a job search activity? I've been applying to jobs but haven't been tracking it formally.

Job applications, networking events, career fairs, interviews, even some online career development courses count. You need to log everything in the WorkSourceWA system.

And they really do check! My friend got a letter asking for proof of her job search activities from like 8 weeks back.

How does that calculation work? Like if I pick up some gig work or part-time hours?

Washington ESD has a formula where they deduct your gross earnings minus $5 from your weekly benefit amount. So if your weekly benefit is $400 and you earn $100, you'd get $295 that week ($400 - $100 + $5).

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. I got so frustrated with the busy signals and getting hung up on. The service actually gets you connected to real Washington ESD agents without all the hassle.

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

I was skeptical too, but it worked perfectly. They don't ask for any personal claim information - they just help you get through the phone system to talk to actual Washington ESD staff.

Good reminder about filing on time. What day of the week do you usually file?

I always file on Sunday mornings. The system is usually less glitchy then and it's a good way to start the week knowing it's done.

Yes! Their website is terrible. I can barely figure out how to file my weekly claims let alone understand my benefit timeline.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. Instead of trying to decode their confusing website, I just called and talked to a real person who could explain everything clearly.

Same here! The WorkSourceWA job search logging is the most annoying part for me.

Oh god yes, that job search requirement tracking is such a pain. But you HAVE to do it or they'll disqualify you.

How many jobs do I need to apply for each week?

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

It's currently 3 work search activities per week. Can be job applications, networking events, job fairs, etc. Keep good records!

So working part-time doesn't help stretch out the benefits longer?

Nope, you're still using up one of your 26 weeks even if you only get a partial payment because of part-time work.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. So much easier than trying to navigate their phone system.

I might have to look into that. This whole process is stressing me out.

That's what I'm worried about. Did you have any luck extending or getting other help?

nope, had to take a job paying way less than my old one just to keep the lights on

Thank you! This gives me a good starting point. I'll file my claim this week.

Good advice. Don't wait to file - there's a waiting week anyway so the sooner you start the process the better.

Yeah I'm already applying places. Did you find it hard to find work in your field?

manufacturing is tough right now but there are opportunities. just took longer than expected

Generally you need to be unemployed through no fault of your own. If you quit, you'd need to show 'good cause' like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or significant changes to your job terms. Washington ESD reviews quit cases individually.

Thanks, that makes sense. I was thinking about quitting my current job but wanted to understand the unemployment implications first.

How long was your adjudication? I'm worried mine might take forever.

Mine took 5 weeks but I've heard of people waiting 8+ weeks. It's frustrating but the benefits are backdated once approved.

That's correct - extended benefits are triggered by high unemployment rates and aren't available currently. But it's good to know they exist for future reference.

Good to know there are sometimes extensions available. Hopefully I won't need them but it's reassuring.

I'm permanent layoff, not standby, so I think I'm on regular UI. But good point for others to know.

Right, sounds like you're on regular UI then. Standby is for people expecting to be called back within a specific timeframe.

I was in the same situation last year. Start preparing now - look into food banks, utility assistance programs, and other resources before your benefits end. Don't wait until the last week.

That's smart advice. I should probably start researching those resources now instead of waiting.

Good advice. I already started applying places but good to know I need to keep track of everything for Washington ESD.

Exactly! Keep detailed records of every application and contact. Washington ESD audits job search activities regularly.

Washington eliminated the waiting week in 2021, so you don't have to serve an unpaid week before benefits start. The 26 weeks are all payable weeks.

Perfect, thanks for clarifying that! I was worried I'd lose a week of benefits.

This is important info. I worked part-time for most of last year so I'm wondering if that affects my benefit duration.

It could. You'd need to check with Washington ESD about your specific situation. They use a formula based on your total base period wages to determine both your weekly benefit amount and duration.

You can usually still claim benefits until your start date as long as you're available for work. Just make sure to report the job offer and start date when you file your weekly claim.

That's a relief! I was worried about a potential gap in income.

Never heard of that. Is it legit?

Yeah it's real, she showed me their website claimyr.com. They help you get through the phone queues to talk to ESD agents.

Good luck getting through though. I tried calling for two weeks straight.

That's where services like Claimyr really come in handy. Takes the frustration out of trying to reach them.

True, might be worth it if you have complex questions.

You can potentially qualify for a new claim if you worked enough after your previous claim ended. It's based on earnings in your new base period.

That makes sense. So it's not just automatically 26 more weeks, you have to re-qualify.

Make sure you're documenting all your job search activities. Sometimes there are resources through WorkSource WA that can help with job placement.

Yeah I've been working with WorkSource. Hoping something comes through soon.

Hang in there! I found a job in my last week of benefits. Don't give up.

That's why it's important to start your job search immediately and be open to different opportunities, even if they're not your ideal job.

True, I probably should have been less picky in the beginning.

I didn't realize other states had shorter benefit periods. That does make me feel a bit better about Washington's system.

Yeah, Washington is actually one of the more generous states for unemployment benefits.

I feel your pain. Adjudication can take forever, especially if there are any complications with your claim. Have you tried reaching out through multiple channels?

I've tried everything - calling, emailing, even went to the WorkSource office. Nobody can give me a straight answer about when my claim will be resolved.

This is another situation where Claimyr really helps. Getting a real person on the phone from Washington ESD can at least give you an update on what's holding up your adjudication process.

Smart idea. I should probably do this too instead of just hoping for the best each week.

That's really helpful - I'll definitely start tracking this myself.

Yes, if you work enough to establish a new base period and file a completely new claim (not just reactivating an old one), you can potentially qualify for another 26 weeks.

Thanks! That's what I thought but wanted to confirm.

Thanks, hopefully it won't come to that but good to know there are other options.

Also look into community resources and food banks. No shame in getting help while you're between jobs.

Can you explain that more? I thought everyone got 26 weeks if they qualified.

Your maximum benefit amount is calculated based on your earnings. If it's lower, you might get fewer than 26 weeks. If you have high earnings, you get the full 26 weeks.

This thread has been super helpful. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and knowledge!

Good luck with your job search! The manufacturing sector has been picking up lately so hopefully you'll find something soon.

I'll keep that in mind. Hopefully I won't need to call but it's good to know there are options.

I've heard good things about that service too. Sometimes it's worth paying a little to save the headache.

Good point about checking for extensions. Even though there aren't any federal ones, states can sometimes add their own programs.

That's a great idea! I should start doing that too. Organization is key with this whole process.

Definitely! It also helps when you need to reference specific weeks if you have questions or issues with your claim.

What kind of things can get your benefits stopped?

Missing your weekly claim deadlines, not doing enough job searches, turning down suitable work, failing to report earnings - lots of ways to mess up unfortunately.

That's a bit dramatic. The system works fine if you follow the rules and actually look for work.

tell that to everyone who's been looking for months with no luck

So if I find work after 10 weeks and then get laid off again 6 months later, I could still use my remaining 16 weeks?

Exactly, as long as it's within your original benefit year. But if you work long enough, you might want to file a new claim instead.

If you work enough to establish a new base period and earn sufficient wages, you can file a new claim with a fresh 26-week potential duration. But it depends on meeting the monetary eligibility requirements again.

Got it, so it's not automatic - you have to qualify all over again. Thanks for explaining that.

Totally agree! The learning curve is steep when you're already stressed about being unemployed.

This is another reason I was glad I found Claimyr. Having someone who actually understands the system explain things in plain English made such a difference.

Thanks for the reality check. I'll definitely start applying everywhere I can.

Smart approach. Better to find work early than scramble when benefits are about to run out.

I'll keep that in mind. Hoping I don't need it but good to know it exists.

Hope you don't either, but their phone system can be brutal during busy periods. The service saved me probably 20+ hours of calling.

Perfect summary, thank you! Filing my claim today.

You got this! Just stay organized and persistent with your job search.

Interesting, I hadn't heard about standby status. How do you qualify for that?

Your employer has to provide a recall date within 8 weeks, and Washington ESD has to approve the standby designation. It's pretty specific to certain industries like construction or seasonal work.

Good point. This is just regular unemployment insurance through Washington ESD that I'm dealing with.

Thanks for the real-world perspective. Did you find the job search requirements reasonable or was it a pain?

Honestly, it forced me to stay active in my job search which was probably good. Three applications per week isn't too bad if you're really looking for work.

Wait, really? So even if I'm approved I don't get anything for the first week?

That's right. You still have to file the claim for that first week, but you won't receive payment for it. It's called the waiting week.

Right, there are minimum earnings requirements. You need to have earned at least $1,000 in your base period and your total base period earnings need to be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter earnings.

That's something I hadn't considered. Hopefully I won't have to deal with any of that complexity.

Glad we could help! Don't hesitate to ask if you run into any specific issues with your claim.

Good luck with your job search! Remember to stay on top of those weekly claims and job search requirements.

You'd need to have enough new earnings in your base period to qualify for a new claim. If you've only been on unemployment, you probably won't have enough recent work to qualify again right away.

This is why the part-time work thing might be worth considering. Keeps some income coming in and adds to your work history.

Wait, really? So even though it's 26 weeks total, one of those weeks is unpaid?

Yep, the first week you file is your waiting week. No payment for that week, then payments start from week 2 if you're approved.

Washington ESD is pretty accurate with their calculations. Your benefit year and maximum benefits are determined when your claim is approved. Just keep filing weekly and they'll cut you off automatically when you're done.

If you're worried about it, that's another good reason to call Washington ESD through Claimyr and just verify your benefit information while you still have time.

This is my biggest fear. What's your backup plan if you don't find something by week 26?

Honestly? Probably have to take any job I can get, even if it's not ideal. Can't afford to have zero income.

This is confusing - so the benefit year and the 26 weeks are two different things?

Exactly. Your benefit year is the 12-month period your claim is valid. The 26 weeks is the maximum you can collect during that year.

Good attitude! And remember to keep your WorkSourceWA job search log updated every week. That's just as important as filing your weekly claim.

And don't hesitate to call Washington ESD if you have questions - Claimyr really does make it possible to actually reach someone when you need help.

Yes, found a job on week 22. The key is treating job searching like a full-time job itself. Set daily goals and stick to them.

I was in your position last year. Consider temp agencies too - sometimes temp work leads to permanent positions.

Good advice. I've been focusing mostly on permanent positions but temp work might be a good bridge.

That's helpful to know for budgeting purposes. At least it's predictable.

The Washington ESD website is honestly terrible for finding basic information. I've had better luck calling them directly when I can get through.

If you can get through! I mentioned earlier I found Claimyr helpful for actually reaching an agent. Made a huge difference in getting my questions answered.

Interesting! So working part-time doesn't automatically disqualify you from benefits?

Nope, as long as you report the earnings and it's under a certain threshold. Washington ESD has specific calculations for partial benefits.

Be careful though - there are earnings limits and you have to report everything correctly or you could get an overpayment notice later.

What did you do after your benefits ended? Did you find work or have other options?

Had to take a job that wasn't ideal but pays the bills. Sometimes you have to compromise while you keep looking for something better.

Good reminder. I'll make sure to stay on top of the weekly filings.

This is so important! I skipped filing for 2 weeks when I thought I had a job lined up, then the offer got rescinded and I lost those benefit weeks forever.

Perfect summary. Thanks everyone for all the helpful information!