How long does unemployment insurance last in Washington state?

Thanks! What's the base period exactly? I worked steady for 8 years so I should qualify for the full 26 weeks right?

The base period is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed. With 8 years of steady work, you should definitely qualify for the maximum benefit duration.

Extensions depend on the unemployment rate and federal programs. Right now there aren't any federal extensions like during the pandemic, so 26 weeks is typically the limit unless Congress passes new legislation.

Yeah no more extended benefits like PUA or PEUC. Just the regular 26 weeks max unless something changes federally.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents - they handle the calling and waiting for you. Check out claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

never heard of that before. does it actually work? I've been trying to call for like 3 weeks straight

Yeah it worked for me. Saved me hours of redialing and sitting on hold. They got me connected to an actual person who answered all my questions about benefit duration and job search requirements.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs or other stuff too?

Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, interviews, using WorkSourceWA services, career counseling - lots of things count. You need to keep detailed records though.

and they actually check this stuff! my friend got audited and had to provide proof of all her job searches or they were gonna make her pay benefits back

That's what I'm worried about. Construction work is seasonal here and I might not find something until spring.

Maybe look into other types of work too? I had to pivot from retail to warehouse work but at least I found something before benefits ran out.

You can work part-time and still collect partial benefits as long as you report all wages. Washington ESD will reduce your weekly benefit amount based on what you earn, but you won't lose benefits entirely unless you work full-time.

just make sure you report EVERYTHING! even odd jobs or cash work. they cross-reference with employers and if they catch unreported wages you'll be in trouble

If you work long enough to establish a new benefit year (typically need to earn at least 680 hours of work), you can file a new claim and potentially get another 26 weeks. It's not forever, but it does reset under the right circumstances.

Good to know! So it's not just one-and-done then.

She might have filed during the pandemic when there were federal extension programs like PEUC and PUA that added extra weeks. Those programs ended in 2021 though, so now it's back to the regular 26-week maximum.

yeah the pandemic benefits were crazy - some people got like 80+ weeks total with all the extensions. nothing like that exists anymore

The weeks start counting from when you file your claim, not when you were laid off. That's why it's important to file as soon as possible after losing your job - every week you wait is a week of benefits you lose.

Ugh I wish I had known that. I waited almost a week thinking I needed to be sure first.

If you're disqualified for misconduct, you typically get zero benefits. However, you can appeal the decision if you disagree. The appeals process can take several weeks though, so file the appeal quickly if you think the misconduct determination is wrong.

I had to go through an appeal last year. Took like 6 weeks but I won and got all my back pay. Don't give up if you think they made a mistake!

For real! And good luck getting anyone at Washington ESD on the phone to explain it all. I've been trying for weeks.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. I was so frustrated trying to get answers about my benefit duration and job search requirements. They connected me with an actual Washington ESD agent who walked me through everything. Worth every penny to get real answers instead of guessing.

Military wages can count, but it's complicated. You need to get your military wage documents (DD-214 and wage statements) to Washington ESD. They'll determine if your military service adds to your benefit duration. Definitely worth looking into if you served recently.

Thanks! I'll dig up my DD-214 and see if that helps extend my benefits.

How do you find out exactly how many weeks you qualify for? Is it in your determination letter?

Yes, your monetary determination letter will show your weekly benefit amount and maximum number of weeks available. Keep that letter safe - you'll need it for reference.

This is so true. I thought I had plenty of time and ended up scrambling in the last few weeks. The stress wasn't worth it.

Good advice. I'm definitely starting my job search right away. Better to find something early than panic later.

Wait, seriously? So if my claim is stuck in adjudication for 8 weeks, that's 8 weeks I lose from my total 26?

Exactly. That's why it's so important to respond quickly to any requests from Washington ESD and provide all required documentation ASAP. Every week of delay costs you.

This is another reason why getting through to Washington ESD agents is so important when you have issues. Services like Claimyr can help you actually talk to someone instead of waiting weeks for a response to online messages.