How long do you have to collect unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

In Washington, you typically get up to 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits. The amount depends on your earnings during your base period. You should apply as soon as possible after becoming unemployed - there's no specific deadline but you can't get benefits for weeks before you apply.

definitely apply asap, i waited like 2 weeks after getting fired and wished i had done it right away. the waiting week thing doesnt exist anymore but you still want to get the process started

Just went through this process myself. The 26 weeks is standard, but here's what I learned: if you can't get through to Washington ESD to check your claim status or resolve issues, try Claimyr.com. They helped me get connected to an actual agent when I was stuck in adjudication. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

The maximum duration is 26 weeks in most cases, but during economic downturns there have been federal extensions. Right now it's just the standard 26 weeks. Your benefit year lasts 52 weeks from when you first file, but you can only collect for up to 26 of those weeks.

I think there's also something about standby status that affects how long you can collect? Not sure about the details but might be worth looking into if you're expecting to be called back to work.

Another question - do you have to be actively looking for work the whole time to keep collecting?

Don't forget you have to file your weekly claims every week to actually get paid. Missing a week means you don't get benefits for that week, even if you're still within your 26-week limit.

I'm on week 15 of my claim and worried about what happens when I hit 26 weeks. Is there any way to extend beyond that?

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A JOKE!!! They make you jump through hoops for 26 weeks of measly benefits while companies get millions in tax breaks. At least file right away because they'll find any excuse to deny you.

Just to follow up on my earlier comment about Claimyr - I ended up using their service twice during my claim period when I had issues. Once for adjudication delay and once when my weekly claim got stuck. Really saved me a lot of stress trying to get through to Washington ESD on my own.

wait im confused about the benefit year vs collection period. can someone explain the difference?

One thing to watch out for - if you have any issues with your claim like adjudication or verification, that can eat into your benefit year time even though you're not getting paid. Get problems resolved ASAP.

my brother collected for almost the full 26 weeks last year and then found a job right at the end. timing worked out perfect for him

To summarize for the original poster: 26 weeks maximum, apply immediately after job loss, file weekly claims every week, maintain job search activities, and resolve any claim issues quickly. The benefit year is 52 weeks but you can only collect for 26 of those weeks.

Also remember that if you move to another state while collecting, you need to notify Washington ESD. The benefits are still from Washington but there are procedures to follow.

does anyone know if the 26 weeks ever gets extended during recessions? i keep hearing different things

Filed my claim 3 months ago and still fighting adjudication issues. Wish I had known about getting help earlier. Now I'm worried about running out of time in my benefit year.

The key thing is just get started ASAP. Even if you think you might get called back to work, file anyway. You can always stop collecting if you go back to work.

i was on unemployment for exactly 26 weeks last time. they cut you off right at 26 even if youre in the middle of interviews or whatever. no grace period

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I'm going to file today and make sure I stay on top of the weekly claims and job search requirements. Hopefully I won't need the full 26 weeks but good to know what to expect.