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

Thanks! So 26 weeks is the maximum? What determines if you get less than that?

It's based on your quarterly earnings during the base period. If you didn't work enough quarters or earn enough, you might get fewer weeks. Check your monetary determination letter from Washington ESD.

The standard 26 weeks hasn't changed. During COVID there were federal extensions like PEUC but those ended. Regular state UI is still 26 weeks maximum.

ok good to know, was worried they cut it down

What's the base period? Is that the last year I worked?

The base period is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim. So if you filed in January 2025, it would be January-December 2024.

Thank you! So it's definitely 26 weeks max? I was worried it might be shorter since I only worked for 2 years.

Yes, 26 weeks is the maximum, but you need to meet the minimum earnings requirements. Since you worked 2 years, you should be fine as long as you earned enough during your base period.

Thanks! Do you know if part-time work affects the 26 week limit? I might need to take some temporary work while looking for full-time.

Part-time work doesn't reduce your total weeks available, but you'll need to report all earnings on your weekly claims. Washington ESD will reduce your weekly benefit amount based on what you earn, but the weeks still count toward your 26-week maximum.

Ok that makes sense. So everyone gets 26 weeks no matter what? And what's a base period exactly?

The base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed. So if you file in January 2025, they look at your wages from April 2023 through March 2024. And yes, 26 weeks is the maximum for regular UI benefits.

Thanks! So it's not automatically 26 weeks for everyone? How do they calculate exactly how many weeks I get?

Right, it's not automatic. They look at your total wages in your base period and divide by your weekly benefit amount. Maximum is 26 weeks but some people get less if they didn't work enough or earn enough.

Oh no, I did have about 3 weeks off between jobs last spring. Does that mean I won't get the full 26 weeks either?

might affect it but not sure exactly how they calculate it. you won't know until you file and they process your claim

Thanks! I haven't received my monetary determination yet. How long does that usually take after filing?

Usually within 7-10 business days if there are no issues with your claim. Keep checking your SecureAccess Washington account for updates.

Are there any signs they might extend benefits again? The job market still seems tough in some sectors.

Extensions are federal decisions, not state level. Washington ESD would implement them if Congress passes legislation but nothing is pending right now.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to Washington ESD agents without waiting on hold forever. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Try calling right at 8am when they open or during lunch hours around 12-1pm. Sometimes you can get through faster then.

Thanks! So 26 weeks is about 6 months right? That should give me enough time to find something hopefully.

yeah but dont count on it being easy to find work these days, took me 8 months last time i was unemployed

Thanks! What's a base year exactly? Is that the last year I worked?

The base year is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you filed in January 2025, your base year would be October 2023 through September 2024.

Thanks! So 26 weeks is about 6 months right? That should give me enough time to find something decent.

Correct, 26 weeks equals about 6 months. Just make sure you're documenting your job search activities in WorkSourceWA because Washington ESD requires 3 job contacts per week.

Thanks! So even if I worked 2 years, I still only get 26 weeks max? That seems short.

Yes, that's correct. The 26 weeks is the standard maximum for regular UI benefits in Washington. Your work history affects your benefit amount, not the duration.

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

Right, it's not automatic. They look at your total wages in the base period and divide by your weekly benefit amount to determine your maximum benefit amount. You can't exceed 26 weeks though.

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks maximum? I worked full-time for 2 years so I should qualify for the full duration right?

Yes, if you have sufficient work history you'll likely get the full 26 weeks. You can check your potential benefit amount by logging into your Washington ESD account.

What counts as high unemployment for extended benefits? And how does partial unemployment work exactly?

Extended benefits kick in when the state unemployment rate hits certain triggers, usually around 6.5% or higher for 13 weeks. For partial benefits, you can work up to certain hours and still collect some unemployment, but you have to report all work and earnings on your weekly claim.

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

Right, it's based on a formula. You need at least 680 hours of work in your base period to qualify for the full duration. Lower hours = fewer weeks of benefits.

I haven't gotten any letter yet. How long does it take for Washington ESD to send that?

usually takes about a week or two after you file your initial claim

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Saved me so much time and frustration. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Try calling right at 8am when they open. Sometimes you can get through then.

Exactly. You won't know your exact duration until they review your base period wages and calculate your benefits. The good news is construction workers usually have steady wages when working, which helps with the calculation.

Don't wait to file though! Your benefit year starts when you file your initial claim, not when you lost your job. The sooner you file the better.

After regular unemployment ends, you might qualify for programs like SNAP (food assistance), Medicaid, or local assistance programs. Some workforce development programs also offer extended support while you retrain or job search.

Check with WorkSource Washington too - they have job placement services and sometimes funding for training programs that include income support.

No, benefit duration isn't tied to how long you worked at your last job. It's based on your total earnings in your base period (first 4 of last 5 completed quarters). As long as you meet the minimum requirements, you get up to 26 weeks.

Oh that's a relief! I was panicking thinking I'd only get a couple months.

What counts as job search activities? Is it just applications or other stuff too?

Applications, networking events, job fairs, interviews, career counseling sessions - there's a whole list on the Washington ESD website. You have to keep a log of everything.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents without the endless hold times. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How does it actually work?

It automates the calling process so you don't have to sit on hold. When they get an agent on the line, they connect you directly. Saved me hours of frustration.

26 weeks is roughly 6 months, so your friend was approximately right. But the exact number of weeks can vary based on your earnings history.

Oh okay that makes sense. Thanks for clarifying!

What kind of job search requirements are there? I haven't started looking yet since I just got laid off yesterday.

you need to do 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. check the washington esd website for details

Good point about the weekly claims. I've been doing those but wasn't sure if I should continue while it's still processing.

Wait, is it 3 job contacts or 3 work search activities? I thought they changed the requirements recently.

It's 3 work search activities per week, which can include job applications, networking contacts, job fairs, etc. Check the WorkSourceWA website for the full list of qualifying activities.

This is so confusing, I thought it was different during covid times?

COVID-era programs like PEUC and PUA ended in 2021. We're back to regular state UI programs only, which is the 26 weeks in Washington.

Good to know, thanks. Did your claim process quickly or did it take a while?

took about 3 weeks to get my first payment but no major issues

How do I find out exactly how many weeks I qualify for? Do I have to wait until I file my claim?

You can get an estimate by looking at your quarterly wages, but Washington ESD will give you the exact number when you file your initial claim.

That makes sense. How do I know what my base period earnings were? I haven't received anything from Washington ESD yet.

You'll get a monetary determination letter that breaks down your base period wages and benefit amount. Usually arrives within 10 days of filing your claim.

That's reassuring. I'm worried I didn't work long enough since I was only at this job for 2 years.

2 years is definitely enough work history. Washington ESD looks at your base period which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed.

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to ESD agents - they handle the calling and waiting for you. Check out claimyr.com, they even have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of frustration!

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How much does something like that cost?

It's worth checking out their site for details. For me, the time saved was definitely worth it since I was spending entire days trying to get through.

What kind of training programs qualify for extensions? I'm thinking about going back to school.

Washington ESD has approved training programs through WorkSource. You'd need to get approval before starting to maintain eligibility. Contact your local WorkSource office for details.

Be careful with training programs! I heard some people lost their benefits because they didn't get proper approval first.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. I finally got my questions answered after weeks of trying on my own.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How does it work exactly?

It basically handles the calling and waiting for you. When an agent becomes available, they connect you directly. Saved me hours of frustration dealing with busy signals and hold times.

There could be several reasons - maybe she didn't have enough work history, or there might have been an issue with her claim. Without seeing her specific case, it's hard to say exactly what happened.

She worked there for like 8 months full time though. Wouldn't that be enough?

It depends on her earnings during the base period. Washington ESD has specific requirements for both wages earned and weeks worked. She might want to appeal if she thinks there was an error.

Interesting, never heard of that service. Is it legit?

Yeah it's real. I used it last year when I couldn't get through to resolve an adjudication issue. Saved me hours of calling.

How much does something like that cost though?

At least I'm not alone in this confusion. Did you try calling Washington ESD?

I've called probably 50 times. Either busy signal or I get disconnected after waiting on hold forever.

Same here!! The phone system is absolutely terrible. I gave up and just filed my weekly claims hoping for the best.

How many job contacts do I need to make each week in Washington?

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a detailed log. Make sure you're registering with WorkSourceWA too.

Wait, I thought it was 5 contacts per week? Or is that only for certain people?

I was definitely laid off, not fired or quit. Whole department got eliminated due to budget cuts.

thats good then, layoffs are usually straightforward for unemployment

Unless there are other issues like availability or job search problems that come up later.

Did you find a job before the 26 weeks was up?

Yeah, found something at week 22. Once you start working again, the benefits stop, but any unused weeks don't carry over.

That's what I'm worried about - what happens if I don't find work in 26 weeks?

Because everyone's work history is different! They can't give you an exact answer without looking at your specific wages and employment record.

I get that but they could at least have better online tools to estimate it before you file.

So basically I have 26 weeks max and then I'm on my own?

For the most part, yes. There might be other assistance programs available through DSHS, but unemployment insurance specifically maxes out at 26 weeks in normal circumstances.

This is exactly why I'm stressed about my claim taking so long to process. Every week of delay is a week less of benefits.

No, most states have 26 weeks as the standard maximum but some states have less. A few states have reduced their duration to 20 weeks or even less in recent years.

Washington still has 26 weeks which is better than some states. Be grateful for that at least.

Those were special pandemic programs like PEUC and extended benefits that ended in 2021. Right now in 2025, it's back to the standard 26 weeks maximum for regular unemployment.

Oh okay that makes sense. I was confused why my friend only got 26 weeks when he filed last month.

Yep, no more PEUC or extended benefits. It's just the regular 26 weeks now unless Washington state decides to trigger extended benefits during high unemployment periods.

Good to know there's no extensions right now. I'll plan for 26 weeks max then.

Is that like a paid service? I'm already worried about money with being unemployed.

It focuses on getting you connected rather than costing a fortune. Way better than spending hours on hold or getting disconnected. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to get clear answers about your specific situation.

I've heard of this but never tried it. Does it actually work for getting through to Washington ESD?

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr.com - they help you get through to Washington ESD agents. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How does it work exactly?

It's basically an automated calling service that keeps trying to reach Washington ESD for you and connects you when they get through. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting hung up on.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like it would be expensive.

It's actually pretty reasonable considering how much time it saves. Way better than sitting on hold for hours just to get hung up on.

I've heard of services like this but always wondered if they're legit. Did they actually get you connected?

Yeah, got connected within a couple hours instead of days of trying myself. The agent was able to explain exactly how my benefit duration was calculated.

Yeah those pandemic programs like PEUC are history. Now it's just regular state unemployment insurance.

Got it, so no more extended benefits. Good to know I shouldn't count on anything beyond the 26 weeks.

That's actually really good advice. I'll start my job search immediately but keep that timeline in mind.

This is smart. I made the mistake of being too picky for too long and ended up scrambling at the end.

You're thinking of the weekly benefit amount, which varies by person based on earnings. In Washington, everyone who qualifies gets up to 26 weeks, but the dollar amount per week is different for each person.

Ohhhh that makes more sense. So the weeks are the same but the money amount is different?

Exactly! Your weekly benefit amount is calculated as a percentage of your average weekly wage during your highest earning quarter in your base period.

It should show your benefit year dates and remaining weeks in your online account. Check under 'Claim Summary' or 'Payment History' sections.

I looked but it's all confusing numbers and dates. I just want to know if I have 26 weeks or less.

What do you mean by benefit year? Is that different from the 26 weeks?

Your benefit year is 52 weeks from when you filed your initial claim. Within that year, you can collect up to 26 weeks of benefits. If you go back to work and get laid off again within that same benefit year, you might not qualify for a new claim.

Good to know. I hope I can find work before the 26 weeks are up anyway.

Make sure you're doing your job search activities and logging them properly. That's a requirement to keep receiving benefits.

How do I know which base period they're using for me? I started my job in March 2023 and got laid off last month.

If you filed in January 2025, your standard base period would be October 2023 through September 2024. If you didn't earn enough during those quarters, they'd look at January 2024 through December 2024 as your alternate base period.

I feel your frustration. That's part of why I posted here - hoping to get clearer info than what's on their website.

This is exactly when that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier comes in handy. When you really need to talk to someone and can't get through the normal way.

At this point I'm willing to try anything to get answers!

If you have reasonable assurance of returning to work, you might not qualify for regular unemployment. But if the layoff is indefinite and you're available for other work, you should qualify normally.

I collect every winter as a seasonal construction worker. As long as there's no definite return date, Washington ESD treats it like any other layoff.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

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

It's worth it when you consider how much time you save not sitting on hold for hours. I got through in like 20 minutes when I tried calling myself for 3 weeks straight.

Never heard of that service before. Is it legit? I'm always skeptical of third-party services for government stuff.

Yeah it's legitimate. They just help you get through the phone queue faster. I was able to talk to an actual Washington ESD representative about my specific benefit calculation.

Interesting, I've never heard of that. How does it work exactly?

Basically they help you get through to an actual Washington ESD agent when you can't get through on your own. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.

Sounds like another way to take advantage of people who are already struggling financially

Really? How does that work exactly? Do they charge a lot?

They just help you get connected to a real person instead of waiting on hold forever. Way better than trying to call yourself and getting hung up on. The service handles the wait time for you.

I've heard of services like this but wasn't sure if they were legit. Good to know it actually works.

I haven't gotten that letter yet. My claim is still showing 'pending' status. How long does it usually take?

Mine took about 2 weeks to get the monetary determination. If it's been longer than that, you might want to call and check on the status.

Wait, so if I find a job after 10 weeks but get laid off again, I can still use the remaining 16 weeks?

Exactly, as long as it's within your benefit year. But you might need to reopen your claim depending on how long you worked.

This is confusing - I thought you had to use it all consecutively or lose it

How many job contacts do I need to make each week?

It's usually 3 job search activities per week, but check your specific requirements. They'll tell you when you file your weekly claims.

Correct - and make sure you document everything. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities at any time.

Never heard of that but sounds useful. The Washington ESD phone system is terrible

I'll check that out if I need to call them, thanks for the tip

You can file a new claim if you've worked and earned enough wages since your last claim. There's no specific waiting period, but you need to meet the earnings requirements again.

Thanks! So if I work for 6 months and get laid off again, I could potentially get another 26 weeks?

Potentially yes, if you earned enough during those 6 months to qualify for a new benefit year.

i know its frustrating but once you get your monetary determination letter it will spell everything out clearly

When does that come? I filed 2 weeks ago and still nothing!

Wait, I have to prove I'm looking for work? How do they check that?

Yes, you log your job search activities in WorkSourceWA.com. You need to keep detailed records of your job contacts, and they can audit you at any time. If you don't meet the requirements, they can disqualify you and make you pay back benefits.

The job search requirement is 3 contacts per week minimum, but it can be more depending on your situation. Make sure you understand what counts as a valid job search contact.

Did you have any issues with the weekly claims? I'm nervous about messing something up.

Not really, just make sure you answer the questions accurately. The biggest thing is reporting any work or earnings, even if it's just a few hours. They're pretty strict about that.

They combine all your wages from all employers in your base period. Doesn't matter if you had 1 job or 5 jobs - they look at your total earnings.

Same here, had 3 different construction companies in my base period and they just added up all the wages. Got my full 26 weeks.

Yeah that's what I'm worried about. Did you have any luck getting an extension or anything?

Nope, once regular benefits run out that's it unless there's some special federal program going on. The pandemic extensions are long gone.

I definitely worked more than that, so I should be good for the full 26 weeks then?

Probably, but Washington ESD will calculate it based on your actual wages. You'll see the exact number of weeks on your determination letter.

No, this is a permanent layoff. The store is closing completely so there's no return date.

Then you'll be on regular UI benefits with the 26 week maximum. Make sure you're doing your weekly claims every week and meeting the job search requirements.

Age doesn't affect the duration - it's still 26 weeks maximum regardless of age. However, older workers might want to look into workforce retraining programs through WorkSource which can sometimes extend benefits while in approved training.

That's good to know about the training programs. I'll look into that for her.

Unfortunately, without federal extension programs, 26 weeks is the maximum for regular UI. After that, you'd need to either find work or see if you qualify for other assistance programs. Make sure your job search activities are well documented in case you need to appeal any decisions.

That's what I was afraid of. At least I have 8 weeks left to find something.

Washington eliminated the waiting week a few years ago, so you can be paid for your first week of unemployment if you're otherwise eligible. The 26 weeks is 26 weeks of actual payable benefits.

Perfect, thanks for clarifying that!

Wait, so I could get less than 26 weeks even if I worked full time for years?

It's possible, but unlikely if you worked consistently. The formula is designed so most people get close to the full 26 weeks.

The maximum benefit amount is typically 26 times your weekly benefit amount, so most people do get the full duration.

Yes, they just stop. You get a notice a few weeks before your benefits end warning you that you're approaching your maximum. After that, no more payments unless there's a federal extension.

You can't reopen your claim either until you work enough again to establish a new base period. So make sure you're actively job searching before your benefits end.

Were you required to take any job offer or could you be selective about pay and type of work?

You can be somewhat selective but Washington ESD expects you to take 'suitable work' after a certain point. The definition gets broader the longer you're unemployed.

After 13 weeks, you may be required to accept work that pays 75% of your previous wage. After 20 weeks, it drops to 70%. This is called the 'suitable work' requirement.

Wait, so if there are delays in processing my claim, that eats into my 26 weeks? That doesn't seem fair.

That's correct. Your benefit year is 52 weeks from when you file, and within that year you can collect up to 26 weeks of benefits. Processing delays don't extend your benefit year.

Exactly. That's why it's important to file as soon as possible after losing your job, even if you're not sure about all the details.

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

Job applications, networking events, career fairs, interviews, creating profiles on job sites - there's a list on the Washington ESD website. You need to keep detailed records.

Extension programs are federal and only activated during specific economic conditions. Right now there are no active extension programs, so it's the standard 26 weeks maximum.

Got it, so just the regular 26 weeks then. Better start job hunting seriously.

Standby is different - you can get benefits without doing job search if your employer expects to recall you within 4 weeks. But it's still the same 26 week limit overall.

oh ok that makes sense. i was confused about that part

I understand the frustration. The system has to verify your work history and wages before they can calculate your exact benefit amount and duration. That's why there's a processing period.

still shouldnt take this long tho, people have bills to pay

That sounds like you might have had a different issue - maybe partial benefits or a disqualification that affected your total?

They said something about my base period wages but the calculation made no sense

Good to know there might be extensions available if needed. Hopefully I won't need them but it's reassuring.

The extended benefits during COVID were different - those were special pandemic programs. Regular extended benefits are much more limited.

WorkSource has some good resources but they can't extend your benefits beyond 26 weeks. Focus on their job placement services and training programs.

Yeah I figured as much. Time to get serious about applying everywhere.

What happens if you do mess up? Can you fix it?

You can usually fix it but it involves calling them, which brings us back to the whole problem of actually getting through to someone. That's where services like Claimyr come in handy.

Yeah, I've seen people wait weeks just to get a simple correction made to their claim. The phone system is overwhelmed.

Don't panic - Washington ESD will calculate it for you when they process your claim. You'll see the number of weeks on your determination letter.

Part-time work still counts toward your base period hours, so you're probably fine

Ok that makes me feel better, I'll wait for the letter

What are the job search requirements exactly? I've been applying to jobs but I'm not sure if I'm doing it right.

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. Check the Washington ESD website for the specific requirements.

And make sure you're actually looking for work in your field or related fields. They can audit your job search activities.

That's good to hear. Did you have any issues with your claim or was it pretty straightforward?

Pretty smooth process. Just had to wait for the monetary determination and then started receiving payments. The hardest part was actually getting through to ask questions when I was confused about something.

Good point. I might pick up some gig work to supplement. Do I need to report that?

yes definitely report any income even small amounts. better to be honest than get hit with an overpayment later

I couldn't find that on their website. Do you have a direct link?

I think they moved it around. Try searching for 'calculator' or 'estimator' on esd.wa.gov. Sometimes their site reorganization makes things hard to find.

Have you tried WorkSource? I think they have job placement help.

Yeah I'm registered with WorkSourceWA but haven't had much luck yet. The job market is tough right now.

WorkSource does have career counseling and job placement assistance. You might also look into their training programs if you want to change fields.

If you exhaust your regular benefits, you might be eligible for extended benefits during high unemployment periods, but that's not always available. Focus on your job search activities and networking.

That's what I'm afraid of - that there won't be extended benefits when I need them. This is so stressful.

I understand the frustration. The system is complex because it's designed to match benefits to your work history. When you file your initial claim, Washington ESD will calculate your maximum benefit amount and duration based on your wages.

Ugh, so I lose a week of benefits right off the bat? This is getting more complicated than I thought.

The waiting week is just how the system works. You still file your weekly claim for that first week, you just don't get paid for it.

Yeah I'm checking my account like 10 times a day