How long is unemployment benefits in Washington ESD - confused about duration limits

So the benefit year is different from how long I can actually collect? That's confusing.

Exactly. Your benefit year is the 52-week period during which you can use your claim. Within that year, you can collect benefits for up to 26 weeks (or whatever you qualify for) as long as you meet the weekly requirements.

Wait, so someone could get less than 26 weeks even if they worked full time? That seems unfair.

Yes, it's based on your earnings pattern. If you had a job for only part of your base period or earned less in your highest quarter, your duration will be shorter. The system is designed around wage history, not just employment status.

Never heard of that before. How does it work exactly?

It's basically a callback service that handles the waiting for you. You put in your info and they call you back when they get an agent on the line. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

The pandemic extensions (PEUC, PUA, etc.) all ended in September 2021. Now we're back to the regular system. Extensions only kick in during periods of high unemployment when the state triggers Extended Benefits (EB), which is rare.

So basically if you don't find work in 26 weeks, you're on your own?

Pretty much, unless Extended Benefits are triggered statewide, which hasn't happened recently. That's why it's important to use your job search time effectively during those 26 weeks.

Part-time work doesn't extend your benefit duration, but it might reduce your weekly benefit amount depending on how much you earn. You still need to report all earnings on your weekly claims. If you work too many hours or earn too much, you might not get any benefits that week.

So I'd still be using up my 26 weeks even if I'm only getting partial benefits some weeks?

It is complex, but once you understand the basics it makes more sense. The key things are: 26 weeks maximum, benefit year lasts 52 weeks, and your work history determines both your weekly amount and total duration.

thanks. still seems like they make it complicated on purpose sometimes

It depends on your earnings during your base period, which is typically the first four of the last five completed quarters before you filed. Eight months of work might not give you the full 26 weeks, but you should still qualify for something if you earned enough.

You can estimate your benefit duration by looking at your highest-earning quarter during your base period. Washington ESD uses that to calculate both your weekly benefit amount and how many weeks you can collect.

Only if you work long enough to establish a new claim with sufficient earnings. You can't just work for a few weeks and get a fresh 26 weeks. You need to earn enough in covered employment to qualify for a new benefit year.

How much do you need to earn to qualify for a new claim?

I understand the frustration, but the system is meant to be temporary assistance while you search for work. The job search requirements are part of showing you're actively looking.

easy for you to say. some of us have specialized skills and cant just take any minimum wage job

You can't just reapply for the same benefit year. You'd need to work and earn enough wages to establish a new claim. Until then, you'd have to wait until your current benefit year expires (52 weeks from when you first filed) to potentially reopen with any remaining balance.

Got it, so basically I need to find work and build up new earnings before I can get benefits again.

Is there a cost for using that service?

There is a fee but honestly it was worth it to get actual answers instead of guessing about my claim status. Way less stressful than the endless calling.

I think I threw that letter away! Can I get another copy?

Yes, you can access it through your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account online, or request a copy from Washington ESD if you need a hard copy mailed to you.

Correct. The 26 weeks applies to regular unemployment insurance. Other programs like standby or shared work have different rules and durations.

thanks for clarifying. this stuff gets confusing fast

You can generally continue collecting Washington ESD benefits if you move to another state, as long as you continue to meet all the requirements including job search. You'll need to notify Washington ESD of your address change and may need to register for work search in your new state.

Good to know. I was worried I'd lose my remaining weeks if I had to relocate for family reasons.

You should definitely intensify your job search efforts and consider expanding your search criteria if you haven't already. Also make sure you're documenting all your job search activities properly in case you need to appeal any future decisions.

Same boat here. I've been using every job search resource I can find and applying to anything remotely related to my field. It's stressful knowing the clock is ticking.

Yes, Extended Benefits (EB) can be triggered when the state's unemployment rate reaches certain thresholds. This would provide additional weeks beyond the standard 26. However, this is determined by specific economic indicators and isn't common.

Has it been triggered recently or are we not at those levels yet?

You're absolutely right. Standby status has its own duration limits and requirements. It's designed for temporary layoffs where you expect to be recalled to work, so the rules are different from regular UI benefits.

Yeah, I was on standby once and it was much more limited. Good point to mention for people who might be in that situation.

Thanks everyone for all the detailed explanations. This helped me understand the system so much better.

Agreed, this thread was really helpful. The Washington ESD website doesn't explain it this clearly.

I might try that. I've been trying to call for weeks to ask about my remaining balance and can never get through.

It's definitely frustrating trying to reach them the regular way. The callback service at least eliminates the endless hold time.