How many months of unemployment benefits can I get in Washington state?

Standard Washington unemployment is 26 weeks, which is about 6 months. The weekly amount stays the same throughout your claim period. Your benefit amount is calculated based on your earnings during your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed). You'll need to file weekly claims and meet job search requirements to keep receiving benefits.

Just went through this myself. Filed in September and my benefits run out in March, so exactly 6 months like the previous poster said. Make sure you're doing your job searches every week - Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week. Keep good records because they do audit.

I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks to ask about my benefit duration and other questions, but their phone lines are impossible. Anyone else having trouble reaching them? I tried claimyr.com after seeing it mentioned somewhere and it actually got me through to an agent pretty quickly. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Important clarification: while regular Washington unemployment is 26 weeks, your actual benefit duration depends on your work history. If you didn't work enough hours or quarters, you might get fewer weeks. Also, if you're on standby status (temporary layoff expecting to return), different rules apply. Check your determination letter for your specific benefit year and weekly amount.

been on unemployment twice in the past 5 years and its always been 6 months. the amount stays the same each week unless they find an issue with your claim or you have income to report from part time work

One thing to keep in mind - after your 26 weeks are up, you generally can't file a new claim until you've worked again and earned sufficient wages. Washington requires you to earn at least 6 times your weekly benefit amount in covered employment before you can establish a new benefit year. So plan accordingly and don't rely on being able to immediately file again.

Washington ESD benefits are definitely 26 weeks maximum under normal circumstances. During the pandemic there were extensions but those are long over. Focus on your job search requirements - 3 activities per week minimum. Document everything in case they audit your claim.

The 6 month limit is firm unless there's some kind of state or federal extension program, which is rare. I'd suggest treating it as if you have 5 months to find work to give yourself a buffer. Also remember you have to be actively seeking work - you can't just collect and wait.

Make sure you understand the difference between your benefit year (52 weeks from when you file) and your maximum benefit duration (26 weeks of payments). You have a full year to use up those 26 weeks if needed, like if your claim gets suspended and later reinstated.

Been trying to get clarification on my benefit duration from Washington ESD but their customer service is brutal. Spent hours on hold just to get disconnected. Someone mentioned claimyr.com earlier - I tried it yesterday and actually got through to speak with an agent. They confirmed my 26 week eligibility and answered questions about my job search log. Much better than the endless calling.

To directly answer your question - Washington unemployment is maximum 26 weeks (6 months) of benefits. Your weekly amount is calculated when you file and stays the same throughout. No extensions currently available. Make sure you file your weekly claims on time and keep up with job search requirements or you could lose weeks.

26 weeks is standard but depends on your earnings history too. I only qualified for 20 weeks when I filed because I hadnt worked long enough in one of the quarters they look at. Check your determination letter carefully when you get it.

Washington state = 26 weeks max. Period. No current extensions. Use the time wisely and don't count on anything beyond those 6 months. Also set up your job search tracking system early - Washington ESD can audit your activities at any time.

Since you mentioned budgeting - remember your unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld or pay quarterly/annually. Factor that into your 6-month financial planning.