How many months unemployment benefits can I get in Washington ESD 2025?

Thanks! What exactly is the base period? Is that the last year I worked?

The base period is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed. So if you file in January 2025, it would be January-December 2024.

How many jobs do I need to apply for each week?

It's 3 job contacts per week minimum. Can be applications, networking, interviews, etc. Just make sure to document everything properly.

How much does that cost? I'm already tight on money.

It's worth checking out their site for details. I was spending so much time calling that it paid for itself by helping me resolve my claim faster.

Never heard of this but honestly anything that helps with Washington ESD phone lines sounds good to me. Those wait times are brutal.

The federal pandemic extensions (PEUC, PUA) ended in 2021. Right now it's just regular state unemployment which is 26 weeks maximum in Washington.

Ugh, that sucks. 26 weeks goes by fast when you're looking for decent work.

I worked full time for 2 years straight, should be good then right?

Sounds like you should qualify for the full duration. You can check your potential benefit amount and duration in your online account once your claim is processed.

I feel you, but that's why the job search requirements exist. They want people actively looking, not just collecting.

Easy to say when there aren't any decent jobs out there. Most postings are either scams or pay half what they should.

Correct on both counts. The 26 weeks starts when your claim is approved, and yes, 3 job contacts per week is required throughout your entire claim period.

Don't forget you also have to file your weekly claims every week to actually get paid. Miss a week and you lose that week's benefits.

Adjudication can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks depending on the complexity of your case and Washington ESD's current backlog.

This is exactly why I used Claimyr - to get through and find out what was holding up my adjudication. Turned out they just needed one more document from me.

Maybe I should try that. I can't get anyone on the phone at Washington ESD no matter when I call.

Washington eliminated the waiting week, so you can be paid for your first week if you're eligible. The 26 weeks is your total potential benefit duration.

Good to know, thanks!

I filed 3 days after my last day of work. Hope that's quick enough.

That's perfect. Claims are effective the Sunday of the week you file, so you should be good.

I've been seeing the same thing. Apply to 50 jobs, hear back from maybe 2.

Exactly. And then they want you to do 3 rounds of interviews for a job that pays $15/hour.

Standby is different - you can collect benefits without doing job searches if you have a definite return date within 12 weeks. Talk to Washington ESD about your specific situation.

Thanks, I'll call them... if I can ever get through.

Again, this is where Claimyr really helped me. Got connected to someone who explained all my options for my layoff situation.

Good tip! Do I need to register with them separately or is it automatic when I file for unemployment?

You need to register separately at WorkSourceWA.com. It's required anyway for job search logging.

This happened to my neighbor. He made up job contacts and got audited. Ended up owing like $8,000.

Yep, not worth the risk. Just do the 3 real job contacts per week and document them properly.

Tell me about it. I had one company string me along for 4 months before finally saying no.

It's ridiculous. And then they wonder why people are frustrated with the job market.

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

You need to earn at least 6 times your weekly benefit amount in covered employment after your last claim started.

Thanks everyone! This has been really helpful. Time to get serious about the job search.

Good luck! The job market is tough but 26 weeks gives you some breathing room to find something decent.

That's good to know. Better than nothing if I can't find full-time right away.

Exactly. Just make sure to report every penny you earn or you'll get in trouble later.

I keep seeing people mention this service. Might have to check it out if I run into problems.

Worth it just for peace of mind. Washington ESD can be confusing to navigate on your own.

Makes sense. Do you know what the maximum weekly amount is right now?

I think it's around $1000 per week maximum but it depends on your specific earnings history. Washington ESD will calculate your exact amount.