How many months can you get unemployment benefits in Washington state?

Thanks! So it's always 26 weeks maximum? I was worried it might be less since I haven't worked super long at this job.

Yes, 26 weeks is the standard maximum for regular UI benefits. Your work history at the current job doesn't matter as much as your total earnings during the base period.

You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week in Washington. That can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, or doing other approved activities through WorkSourceWA.

Got it, thanks. Do they actually check on this or is it honor system?

They do random audits and can ask for your job search log at any time, so keep detailed records of everything you do.

Never heard of that before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - I was skeptical too but it got me through to someone at Washington ESD within like 20 minutes. Way better than the usual calling nightmare.

I might try this if I run into issues with my claim. The phone system is already driving me crazy.

Yeah I was gonna say, my brother got like 79 weeks total during COVID but that was all the extra federal programs.

Exactly - PUA, PEUC, all that stuff ended in 2021. Now it's back to the regular 26-week maximum.

You can establish a new benefit year if you've worked enough to earn sufficient wages since your last claim. The key is meeting the minimum earnings requirements in your new base period.

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

You need at least $1,925 in total base period wages, with at least $1,365 in your highest-earning quarter. These amounts are for 2025.

Unfortunately, there aren't any state or federal extension programs active right now. You might want to look into WorkFirst (TANF) or other assistance programs through DSHS if you qualify.

Also check with your local WorkSource office about training programs. Some of them come with financial assistance while you're learning new skills.

Thanks, I'll look into both of those options. This is so stressful.

How long did it take them to fix it? I'm always paranoid about messing something up.

About 2 weeks once I finally got through to someone. That's when I started using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier - much easier than the regular phone system.

You might be thinking of disability benefits or some other program. Regular unemployment in Washington is definitely capped at 26 weeks.

Some states do have longer benefit periods but Washington is 26 weeks max for regular UI.

Ah okay, thanks for clearing that up. Guess I was confusing it with something else.

How do they calculate what you get each week?

It's based on your highest-earning quarter in the base period. Roughly about 3.85% of those earnings, but there are minimums and maximums.

That helps, thanks! I should find out my exact amount once my claim gets processed.

What was your appeal process like? I'm worried I might need to do that.

It involved a phone hearing with an administrative law judge. I had to provide documentation of my job separation and explain why I disagreed with their initial decision.

That sounds intimidating but good to know it's possible to win.

How much does it cost? I've been trying to call for weeks about an issue with my claim.

I don't want to quote pricing since it might change, but it was totally worth it to actually get my question answered instead of wasting hours on hold.

Fair enough, I'll check out their website. Thanks for the tip!

Yep, that's what I gathered from all these responses. Thanks everyone for the help!

Good luck with your job search! The 6 months goes by faster than you think.