How long do you get unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

Thanks! So it's not automatically 26 weeks for everyone? How do they calculate the shorter amounts?

Right, it's based on your earnings in each quarter of your base period. If you didn't work consistently or had lower wages in some quarters, your benefit duration might be less than the full 26 weeks.

Thanks! So if I file now in January 2025, my base period would be from January 2024 to December 2024?

Not exactly - it would be October 2023 through September 2024. The base period doesn't include the most recent completed quarter.

Good to know! Did you have any trouble with the weekly claims or job search requirements?

The job search part was manageable - you need to do 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. The weekly claims were pretty straightforward once I got used to the system.

Yeah I've been doing my weekly claims. The job search requirement is 3 contacts per week right?

yep 3 job contacts minimum, gotta log them in WorkSourceWA too

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

Exactly. Once you exhaust your 26 weeks of benefits, you'd need to file a new claim after your benefit year ends, and you'd need to meet the work requirements again.

That's kind of scary. Really puts pressure on finding something before the 26 weeks are up.

Never heard of that before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

I was skeptical too, but I got through to an ESD agent in like 10 minutes when I couldn't reach them for weeks on my own. Really helpful for getting specific questions answered about your claim.

Is that legitimate? I'm always suspicious of third-party services for government stuff.

Yeah it's legit - they don't ask for any personal info, just help you get through the phone queue. Way better than spending hours trying to call yourself.

I feel you on this. It's really stressful knowing there's a countdown timer on your benefits.

The 26-week duration has been standard for decades. It's meant to be temporary assistance while you search for work, not long-term support.

Easy to say when you're not the one trying to find a decent job in 6 months while dealing with all the Washington ESD bureaucracy!

It's 26 weeks per benefit year. If you start a new claim, you get a fresh 26-week entitlement as long as you meet the earnings requirements for the new base period.

ok cool so i should be able to get the full amount again then

The waiting week doesn't count toward your 26 weeks of benefits. So you actually get 26 weeks of payments plus that initial waiting week.

Oh good! I was worried that first week counted against my total.

Can you make up missed weekly claims or are they just gone forever?

You can sometimes file late weekly claims, but there are strict deadlines. Generally you have to file within 4 weeks of the week you're claiming, but it's best to file on time every week.

That's my biggest worry - I need to know I can count on this while I'm looking for work.

Adjudication can take 4-6 weeks unfortunately. Try calling first thing in the morning or using that Claimyr service someone mentioned.

What exactly counts as job search activities? Just applying for jobs?

Applying for jobs, networking events, career fairs, WorkSource appointments, updating your resume - there's a list on the Washington ESD website.

I'm at week 22 and yes, the stress is real! I've been applying to everything just to have something before my benefits end.

Same here. It's like a horrible countdown clock in the back of your mind.

This is exactly what I'm worried about. I just started my claim but already thinking about this deadline.

How much does something like that cost? If I'm already unemployed I don't want to spend money I don't have.

I can't remember the exact cost but it was worth it for me to get my questions answered directly by an ESD agent. Sometimes you just need that official confirmation about your claim.

I made about $65,000 last year so I should qualify for a decent amount then?

Yeah you should be fine. The formula is roughly 3.85% of your total base period wages divided by 52, but capped at the maximum.

I should probably look at my determination letter more carefully then. I just focused on the weekly benefit amount.

Yes, definitely read the whole letter. It has all your important claim information including your benefit year dates and maximum benefit amount.

Working part-time doesn't reduce your total weeks available, but it might reduce your weekly benefit amount depending on how much you earn. You still have the same maximum duration though.

That's good to know! I was worried taking a part-time job would somehow hurt my benefits.

Good to know! I might pick up some freelance work while I'm looking.

Just make sure to report all earnings on your weekly claim. They'll figure out the reduction automatically.

That's terrifying. Did you have to do anything special to verify your identity?

had to upload like 5 different documents through their secure portal. pain in the ass

If you're disqualified and later win your appeal, you can usually get back pay for the weeks you were disqualified. Your benefit year and total weeks available typically remain the same.

ok good because he was really stressed about losing his whole claim

Definitely planning to start looking right away. Just want to understand what safety net I have.

Smart approach. And keep detailed records of everything - all your job search activities, any issues with your claim, etc.

You still need to file your weekly claims during holiday weeks. The Washington ESD system is usually available, though there might be processing delays. Don't skip filing just because it's a holiday.

Thanks! I wasn't sure if they paused everything during holidays.

Any specific advice for making the most of the time while on benefits?

Don't just apply to jobs online. Network, do informational interviews, maybe take some free online courses to improve your skills. The job search requirements are minimums, not maximums.

I get your frustration, but at least it's something while we look. Better than nothing.

I guess, but it would be nice if they considered the reality of today's job market when setting these limits.

I might need to try that. I've been calling ESD for weeks about a question on my claim and can never get through.

That's exactly why I used it. Sometimes you just need to talk to someone who can look at your actual account and give you real answers.

This has been really helpful everyone. I feel like I understand the system a lot better now.

Good luck with your job search! The 26 weeks can feel like pressure, but it's also motivation to stay active in looking for work.

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

It's when your employer expects to call you back to work within a certain timeframe. You might not have to do job searches, but you still have the same benefit duration limits.

Good idea! It's always better to know exactly where you stand rather than guessing.

Same here. I'm going to dig out that letter when I get home.

Yeah, there's so much they don't explain clearly when you first file your claim.

Definitely! This whole discussion has been way more helpful than the Washington ESD website.

What kinds of things would get you disqualified?

mostly if they think you quit without good cause or got fired for misconduct. or if you refuse suitable work

How much does it cost though? I'm already tight on money.

It's worth it when you need answers fast. Check out their site for details - claimyr.com

Thanks, I needed to hear that. I've been paying into the system for years so I shouldn't feel guilty about using it.

So if my weekly amount is $500, I could get up to $13,000 total over 26 weeks?

Exactly, assuming you're eligible for the full 26 weeks and don't have any deductions.

Noted! I'll keep very detailed records of everything I do.

Yeah I know someone who got audited and had to pay back like $8000 because their job search log was incomplete.

Great tip! I'll look for that on their website.

I do have about 2 weeks of vacation pay coming. Will that delay my benefits?

It might create a waiting period where you can't collect for those weeks. Washington ESD will tell you exactly how it affects your claim.

Good to hear multiple people vouching for it. I'll keep it in mind if I run into issues.

Perfect summary, thank you! I feel much more prepared to file my claim now.

Glad this thread was helpful. Good luck with your job search!