How long do you get unemployment benefits in Washington - confused about duration limits

Thanks for the info! What exactly is the base period? I worked steadily for 2 years so I'm hoping that helps.

The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file now, it would include most of 2024. Your steady work history should definitely help establish a good claim.

What's a base period? And does the 26 weeks start counting from when I filed or when I was approved?

Base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed. The 26 weeks starts from your benefit year begin date, which is when you filed your initial claim.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. It actually worked for me after months of trying on my own.

Never heard of that but I'm desperate at this point. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - they basically handle the calling and waiting for you. I was skeptical too but got connected to an actual Washington ESD agent within a day. Way better than spending hours on hold myself.

Oh no, I hope I get the full 26! I worked pretty consistently for the past two years at my retail job.

You should be fine then. They look at your total base period wages to determine duration.

Oh no, I didn't know it could be less than 26 weeks! How do they determine the exact number? I'm worried now.

Don't panic - with 2 years of steady work you should be fine. They calculate it based on your base period wages. The monetary determination explains everything when you get it.

Never heard of Claimyr - is it legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days with no luck.

Yeah it's real, they just help you get through the phone system. Saved me hours of redialing and actually got me connected to someone who could answer my questions.

Hmm sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

Good point - I heard about the weekly filing requirement. Do you file online or by phone?

online is way easier through the washington esd website. just dont forget to do it every week or you'll lose benefits for that week

Unfortunately, once your regular UI benefits are exhausted, that's it for that benefit year. You'd need to requalify with new work to file another claim. There used to be extended benefits during the pandemic but those ended.

That's terrifying. So if I don't find work in 26 weeks, I'm just out of luck? No other programs to help?

You might qualify for other assistance programs like food stamps or temporary assistance, but not more unemployment benefits. That's why it's important to actively job search and use WorkSource services.

I totally feel your frustration. That's exactly why I'm considering trying that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier.

Never heard of it but if it actually works I might try it too. This is ridiculous.

How many job search activities do you need to do each week? I want to make sure I'm doing everything right.

It's typically 3 job search activities per week, but check your specific requirements when you file. Keep detailed records of everything you do.

So if I find a job after 10 weeks of unemployment but then get laid off again 3 months later, I can still collect the remaining 16 weeks?

Exactly, as long as it's still within your benefit year and you meet the work requirements for reopening your claim.

That's reassuring! How long did it take to get the monetary determination after you filed?

About a week or so. They mail it to you so check your mailbox regularly.

It's based on how much you worked and paid into the system. Someone who worked 6 months shouldn't get the same as someone who worked 2 years.

i guess that makes sense but still confusing

Yeah I read about that. Do they actually check the job search log or is it just for my records?

They can audit you at any time and ask for proof of your job search activities. Keep detailed records with dates, company names, and contact information.

Good to know. How much do you have to earn to qualify for a new benefit year?

I think it's something like 680 times your weekly benefit amount, but don't quote me on that. Washington ESD has the exact requirements on their website.

That's scary. I really need these benefits to pay my rent. How did you finally get it resolved?

Had to keep calling and eventually got someone who actually knew what they were doing. Document everything and be persistent.

Do you have to report work even if it's just a few hours or temporary?

Yes, report any work no matter how small. They'll adjust your benefits accordingly but it's better than getting in trouble for not reporting.

Good to know. I was wondering if there were any extensions available like I heard about during COVID.

Nope, those were federal programs that expired. Just the regular state benefits now.

WorkSource has some good resources for job searching and resume help. They also have workshops that count toward your job search requirements.

Thanks, I'll check that out. Every little bit helps at this point.

Wait, really? I thought they would pay you retroactively once approved?

They'll pay from your claim date forward, but only for weeks you actually filed. If you skip a week, that week is gone.

Working part-time while collecting doesn't extend your benefit year, but it can stretch out your weeks if you earn enough to reduce your weekly benefit to zero for some weeks.

that's confusing but i think i get it. so you still have the same benefit year but might not use up all your weeks?

Exactly. Your benefit year is still 52 weeks from when you filed, but you might not exhaust all your available weeks if you're working part-time.

That sucks! Is there any way to use different quarters if the timing is bad?

There's something called alternate base period but I don't think it helps with duration, just the benefit amount calculation.

That's exactly the kind of situation where Claimyr really helps. They specialize in getting through to Washington ESD agents for complex cases like yours.

I'm getting desperate enough to try anything. The automated systems don't handle complicated situations well.

I don't think I'm on standby since I was permanently laid off. But good to know there are different types of claims.

Yeah, standby has different job search requirements and sometimes different duration rules. Sounds like you're on regular UI though.

That doesn't apply to me since I was permanently laid off, but good info for others.

I might try that. Been trying to call for a week with no success. Getting frustrated.

Check out their demo video first to see how it works. Made the whole process way less stressful for me.

I made about $35,000 last year. Any idea what my weekly benefit might be?

Hard to say without knowing your quarterly breakdown, but you can estimate on the Washington ESD website. There's a benefit calculator tool.

What if I have a doctor's appointment during the week? Do I need to report that?

Short appointments are usually fine, but if you're unavailable for a full day you should report it. Better to be honest than risk an overpayment later.

Oh I didn't think about taxes! Should I have them withhold taxes from my benefits?

It's usually a good idea to avoid owing a big tax bill later. You can change this setting in your account anytime.

I want to understand it though so I don't make any mistakes that could affect my benefits.

That's what I'm trying to do but can't get through on the phone. Maybe I'll try that Claimyr service someone mentioned.

Worth a shot if you're having trouble getting through. Getting accurate information is important.

Good advice. I'll start a folder with all my unemployment paperwork.

You're right. I've already started looking but haven't been as aggressive as I should be. Time to step it up.

Exactly. Use the unemployment benefits as a safety net while you find your next opportunity, not as a long-term solution.

Good luck with your job search! Feel free to come back if you have more questions.

You've got this! The unemployment system can be confusing but you seem to have a good handle on it now.

Definitely planning to start job hunting right away. Thanks for the reminder!

That's a good distinction to understand. So even if I find work after 10 weeks, I could potentially file again later in that same benefit year if I lose the job?

Yes, as long as you haven't used up all your available weeks and you're still within your benefit year.

Good advice. I'm planning to take the job search seriously and not just coast on benefits.

Smart approach. The people who find work fastest are usually the ones who treat it like their job to find a job.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much more prepared to file my claim now.

Good luck with your claim! Remember to keep good records of everything and don't hesitate to reach out if you have more questions.