How long is unemployment paid in Washington - confused about benefit duration

Thanks! So even though my benefit year goes to December, I only get 26 weeks of actual payments?

Exactly. The benefit year is just the timeframe when you can collect benefits, not how long you get paid.

Those were temporary pandemic extensions that ended in 2021. We're back to the regular 26-week maximum for standard UI benefits.

oh that sucks, thanks for clarifying

Wait, so if I work a few hours one week and don't get paid unemployment, that still counts as one of my 26 weeks?

No, only weeks where you actually receive a payment count toward your 26 weeks. But if you're disqualified for a week due to earnings, that doesn't count.

This is confusing - I had a similar situation and couldn't get through to Washington ESD to clarify. I ended up using Claimyr.com to get connected to an agent who explained it clearly. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

After your regular 26 weeks, you might be eligible for Extended Benefits (EB) if the state unemployment rate is high enough, but that's not guaranteed. There's also the option to file a new claim if you've worked enough since your last claim.

How do I know if Extended Benefits are available?

Washington ESD announces when EB is triggered. You can check their website or contact them directly. Right now I don't think it's available but it changes based on unemployment rates.

You can file a new claim, but you need to have earned enough wages since your last claim started. Washington ESD will calculate if you qualify based on your recent work history.

What if I only worked part-time during my benefit year? Would that count?

It depends on how much you earned. You need to meet the monetary requirements for a new claim, which means earning a certain amount in covered employment.

Different states have different rules. In Washington, regular UI is 26 weeks max. Extended Benefits can add up to 13 more weeks (for a total of 39) but only when triggered by high unemployment rates.

How often does that happen in Washington?

Not very often. It was triggered during the pandemic but ended in 2021. Before that, it hadn't been available for several years.

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents when the phones are busy. Saved me hours of calling and redialing.

Is that legit? I'm desperate at this point.

Yeah, check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video that shows exactly how it works. Much better than sitting on hold for hours.

Standby benefits also have the 26-week maximum, but the rules are different. You're attached to your employer and don't have to do job searches, but you still have the same time limits.

Good to know, thanks!

That's a tough situation. Make sure you're doing everything required - filing weekly claims, doing job searches, attending any required appointments. If you exhaust benefits, you might qualify for other assistance programs.

What kind of other programs?

Things like SNAP (food stamps), housing assistance, utility help. Contact DSHS for information about what's available in your area.

Also check with WorkSource for job training programs that might help you find work faster.

It starts from when you file your initial claim, not when you get approved. So if there's a delay in processing, that doesn't give you extra weeks.

That seems unfair if they take forever to process your claim!

I agree it can be frustrating, but that's how the system works. The benefit year and payment weeks are tied to your filing date.

No, weeks in adjudication where you don't receive payment don't count toward your 26-week limit. Only weeks where you actually get paid count.

That's a relief! My claim has been in adjudication for 3 weeks now.

If you need to check on your adjudication status, I'd recommend trying Claimyr to get through to someone at Washington ESD. I was stuck in adjudication for a month before I used their service to finally talk to an agent who could explain what was happening.

Exactly right. And if you exhaust your 26 weeks, you might be able to file a new claim if you've worked enough, or wait for Extended Benefits if they're triggered (which is rare).

Thanks, that's the clearest explanation I've seen!

Agreed! Half the time I can't even find the information I need on their site. The phone system is even worse.

Right? I've wasted so much time trying to figure out basic stuff like this.

Good point! I've been keeping a log of all my applications and contacts.

Smart - that's exactly what you should be doing!