How many weeks can I get unemployment benefits in Washington state?

In Washington state, the standard unemployment insurance provides up to 26 weeks of benefits. This is based on your base year earnings and work history. Since you worked construction for 8 years, you should qualify for the full duration assuming you meet the wage requirements.

The 26 weeks is correct for regular UI benefits. However, your actual benefit amount and duration depend on your earnings during your base period. Washington ESD calculates this using your highest earning quarter. Construction workers usually do well since the wages are typically higher.

Just went through this myself after being laid off. Got approved for 26 weeks but the hard part was actually getting through to someone at Washington ESD to check my status. Spent hours calling that main line and kept getting disconnected. Finally found out about this service called Claimyr that helped me get through - they have some system that navigates the phone tree for you. Check out claimyr.com if you run into calling issues.

26 weeks IF everything goes smoothly but don't count on it being that simple. My claim got stuck in adjudication for 6 weeks and that time doesn't get added back. So technically you might lose weeks while they're processing issues.

wait so theres no extensions anymore? i thought there were extra weeks during covid

Important note about the 26 weeks - you have to be actively looking for work and filing your weekly claims on time. Washington has specific job search requirements now. You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep records.

construction is seasonal though right? might be able to get standby status instead of regular ui if your company does seasonal layoffs

The Washington ESD website has a benefit calculator that can give you an estimate of both your weekly amount and duration. Might be worth checking before you file so you know what to expect.

26 weeks sounds like a lot but it really flies by. Start applying for jobs immediately even while your claim is processing. The job market is competitive right now and construction work can be hard to find depending on the season.

Had a claim last year and the 26 weeks went by so fast. But honestly the hardest part was dealing with Washington ESD when I had questions. Their phone system is horrible - you call and either get busy signal or sit on hold forever then get disconnected. Someone mentioned Claimyr earlier and I wish I'd known about that service when I was dealing with my claim issues.

File ASAP like others said. There's a one week waiting period before benefits start, and every day you delay filing is money you're losing. The 26 week clock starts when you file, not when you were laid off.

Make sure you understand the difference between your benefit year and your 26 weeks of eligibility. Your benefit year lasts 52 weeks from when you file, but you only get up to 26 weeks of payments within that year.

this whole system is so confusing. why cant they just give straight answers about how long benefits last without all these conditions and exceptions

Don't forget about WorkSourceWA registration. It's required for unemployment benefits and they have job search resources that might help you find construction work faster.

I was in a similar situation - construction layoff after many years. The 26 weeks gave me enough time to find something but I had to be really disciplined about job searching. Don't treat it like a vacation, treat it like your full time job is finding your next job.

Quick tip - keep detailed records of everything from day one. Job applications, interviews, networking contacts, even rejected applications. If Washington ESD audits your job search activities you'll be glad you documented everything.

The 26 weeks is really the maximum - some people run out earlier if their benefit calculations are different. But for construction with steady employment history you should get close to the full duration.

Another thing about those 26 weeks - if you earn too much in part-time work while collecting, it can extend your claim duration but reduce weekly payments. There's a formula for how much you can earn before it affects benefits.

Bottom line for planning purposes - assume 26 weeks maximum, start job searching immediately, and don't count on extensions. That's the safest way to approach it. The benefits are there to help bridge you to new employment, not as long-term income replacement.