How many weeks can you collect unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

Thanks! So even though I worked for 3 years, I still only get 26 weeks max? That seems short for someone who paid into the system for so long.

Right, the 26-week limit applies to everyone. Your work history affects your weekly benefit amount and whether you qualify, but not the duration.

Thanks! So 26 weeks is the max? I worked for 2 years straight so I should qualify for the full amount right?

Yes, with 2 years of steady work you should qualify for the maximum. Washington ESD will calculate your weekly benefit amount based on your highest quarter earnings in your base period.

That makes sense. So if I use 20 weeks, find a job for 2 months, then get laid off again, I'd only have 6 weeks left?

Exactly! And you'd need to have worked enough hours and earned enough wages to requalify for benefits on that second claim.

Extended benefits are rare and only kick in during really high unemployment periods. Most people just get the standard 26 weeks.

Good to know about extensions, hopefully I won't need them and can find work before then.

Really? I've been trying to get through for days to ask about my claim status. How does that service work exactly?

It basically calls for you and gets you connected to an actual person at Washington ESD. Way better than the automated system that hangs up on you.

That might be useful if I run into issues with my claim. The Washington ESD phone system is notorious for being impossible to get through.

What counts as job search activities? Just applying for jobs or other stuff too?

Applying for jobs, networking events, job fairs, informational interviews, updating your resume - lots of things count. Check the Washington ESD website for the full list.

Have you tried using Claimyr? I found them at claimyr.com and they actually got me through to a Washington ESD agent in like 10 minutes. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than spending hours hitting redial.

Never heard of that but I'm desperate at this point. Does it actually work for getting through to real Washington ESD staff?

Yeah, it connects you to actual Washington ESD representatives. Saved me so much time and frustration trying to get answers about my claim status.

Extended benefits can be triggered during high unemployment periods, but Washington hasn't had them available recently. The state unemployment rate needs to hit specific thresholds for extended benefits to kick in.

oh ok so right now its just the regular 26 weeks then

When do you file the weekly claims? Is there a specific day of the week?

You can file Sunday through Saturday for the previous week. I always did mine on Sundays to stay consistent. Just don't wait until the last minute in case the website is down.

The Washington ESD website does crash sometimes, especially when lots of people are filing. Filing early in the week is smart.

Good point. What counts as a job contact? Just applying online or do you need to actually talk to someone?

Online applications count, but you need to keep detailed records. Job fairs, networking events, interviews all count too. Keep everything documented in case Washington ESD audits your job search.

You might want to look into WorkSource services for additional job training or placement help. They have programs that can extend your benefits if you're in approved training.

I'll check that out. Didn't know training could extend benefits.

That's good to know. I might take some temporary construction work while I look for something permanent.

Just make sure to report any earnings when you file your weekly claim. Being honest about work and earnings is super important.

I only had one employer for the past 3 years, so that should be straightforward then.

Yeah, single employer makes it easier. They'll look at your highest-earning quarter to determine your weekly benefit amount.

What's the base period? I keep seeing that term mentioned.

The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through December 2024.

Is that a separate website from Washington ESD?

Yes, it's a different site but you're required to register there within a certain timeframe after filing for unemployment. They'll tell you about it when you file your claim.

That's awesome! How much did it cost?

It wasn't free but honestly after weeks of trying to call on my own, it was worth every penny to actually get answers.

Any tips for the job search? Construction work can be seasonal so I'm worried about finding something good.

Use all the job boards - Indeed, LinkedIn, company websites directly. Also check with your union if you're in one. They sometimes know about jobs before they're posted publicly.

Yeah, this is a permanent layoff, not seasonal. Good to know the difference though.

Oh wow I didn't think about taxes. How much do they usually withhold?

You can choose to have 10% withheld for federal taxes. There's no state income tax in Washington so that's all you need to worry about.

What's a waiting week?

It's the first week after you file where you don't get paid benefits, but you still need to file your weekly claim. Think of it as a processing week.

How quickly were you able to get through using that service?

Both times I got connected to an actual Washington ESD agent within about 30 minutes. Way better than the 2+ hours I spent trying to call directly.

How long do you have to appeal a decision?

You have 30 days from the date of the determination letter to file an appeal. Don't wait if you disagree with their decision.

Any suggestions for networking in construction? I mostly just worked for one company.

Check out local contractor association meetings, union halls if applicable, and even suppliers - they often know which contractors are hiring.

Good advice. I'll start a spreadsheet to track everything.

Smart idea. Also save screenshots of your weekly claim confirmations in case there are technical issues with their system.

I was thinking about taking some safety certification courses. That should be fine right?

Training to improve your job skills is usually fine and might even be encouraged. Just report it when you file your weekly claims to be safe.

Thanks everyone! This has been super helpful. Feeling much more prepared to navigate the whole process now.

This thread was really informative. I'm saving it in case I ever need to file for unemployment.

Definitely bookmarking that for later. Hopefully I won't need it but good to know it exists.

Same here. The Washington ESD phone system is absolutely terrible for getting through to a real person.

Already started applying places. Definitely don't want to wait until the last minute.

Smart approach! The sooner you start, the better your chances.

That's exactly what I'm worried about. What type of construction work were you doing?

Mostly residential framing. Been tough to find steady work, lots of guys competing for the same jobs.

Have you looked into union opportunities? Sometimes they have better leads on upcoming projects.

Good point. I'm thinking about getting some additional certifications while I'm looking.