How long is unemployment benefits in Washington ESD - maximum duration?

Thanks! So the 26 weeks is the max but I might get less? How do they calculate the exact number of weeks I'd get?

It's based on your earnings in your base period (first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters). Washington ESD calculates your weekly benefit amount and total benefit amount when you file your initial claim.

Yeah the pandemic extensions are long gone. No more PUA or PEUC programs.

Got it, so I should plan for a maximum of 26 weeks and hope I find work before then.

Interesting, I haven't tried calling yet but I've heard the wait times are brutal. Does that service actually work?

Yeah it worked for me when I needed to talk to someone about my adjudication issue. Way better than trying to call on your own.

Never heard of this but might be worth trying if the phones are as bad as everyone says.

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

Applying counts, but also networking events, job fairs, skills training, even some online job training courses. Check WorkSourceWA for approved activities.

That's reassuring to hear you got the full amount both times. Did you have any issues with your claims or did they go smoothly?

first claim was smooth, second one got stuck in adjudication for like 3 weeks but eventually got approved retroactively

I was definitely laid off due to lack of work, not fired. Should be pretty straightforward then?

Layoffs due to lack of work are usually the easiest cases. Just make sure you report it accurately on your application.

Even layoffs can get reviewed if there's any question about the circumstances. Better to be prepared for possible delays.

My layoff is permanent, the company lost the contract we were working on. So probably regular UI for me.

Yeah sounds like regular unemployment then. Standby is more for seasonal stuff or temporary shutdowns.

Good tip! So I should file the initial claim first, then start doing weekly claims right away?

Exactly. File your initial application ASAP, then you'll get instructions on when to start filing your weekly claims. Don't skip any weeks.

This is crucial advice. You can't go back and claim weeks you didn't file for, even if you were eligible.

Yeah I'm definitely not planning to just sit around. Construction work can be competitive so I need to stay on top of it.

Smart attitude. Also register with WorkSourceWA early, they have good job matching services for construction trades.

You need to earn enough in new employment to establish a new benefit year. Generally you need significant earnings in covered employment to qualify for a new claim.

Thanks, that makes sense. So you can't just work a few weeks and immediately qualify for another full 26 weeks.

5 weeks?? That's crazy long. Was there something complicated about your case?

nope just regular layoff but they kept asking for more documentation. finally got approved but man it was stressful

This is exactly why I recommend using Claimyr to actually talk to someone when things get delayed. Sometimes a quick phone call can resolve issues that take weeks through their online system.

That's helpful to know. Hopefully I won't need to worry about that scenario but good to understand how it works.

Yeah hopefully you'll find steady work quickly. Construction can be unpredictable though so it's good to understand all the rules.

Right, so if my weekly amount is $400, my maximum would be around $10,400 total?

Exactly, assuming you qualify for the full 26 weeks. Your weekly amount depends on your previous earnings.

I hear you, but the extensions were emergency measures during the pandemic. The regular program has always been 26 weeks in Washington.

yeah i know but still feels short when jobs are hard to come by

I've thought about joining a union. Do you know if that affects unemployment eligibility at all?

Union membership doesn't affect your UI eligibility. If anything, union jobs often provide more stable income history which can help your benefit calculation.

Wait, so there's a whole week with no payment? That seems harsh when you're already dealing with job loss.

Yeah it's been that way for years. The first week is unpaid, then you start getting benefits from week 2 onwards if approved.

Actually, Washington eliminated the waiting week a few years ago. You can now receive benefits for your first eligible week of unemployment.

Oh really? That's great news, I must have outdated info. Thanks for the correction!

Yeah I'm planning to file this week. Better safe than sorry, and it sounds like the process can take a while anyway.

Smart move. Even if you find work right away, at least you'll have the claim established and know your eligibility.

I filed my claim a few months ago and the website seemed pretty user-friendly. Much better than the old system from what I remember.

Good to hear. I was dreading dealing with government websites but maybe it won't be too bad.

The website is definitely better but if you run into any issues or need to talk to someone, that's where services like Claimyr really help. Sometimes you just need to speak with a human to sort things out.

Thanks for the reminder. I have most of my recent pay stubs but I should probably gather everything together before I start the application.

Definitely. Being prepared with documentation can speed up the whole process and prevent delays in getting your benefits started.