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

Thanks! I worked full-time for about 18 months before getting laid off, so I should qualify for the full 26 weeks then?

Most likely yes, but Washington ESD will calculate your exact benefit year duration when they process your claim. It's based on a formula using your earnings from your base period quarters.

Good point about the job search requirements. How many job contacts do you have to make each week?

It's 3 job search activities per week minimum. Keep good records because they do audit people randomly.

Interesting, have you actually used it? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days but keep getting busy signals.

Yeah, used it twice now. Once when my claim was stuck in adjudication and again when I had questions about my remaining weeks. Beats sitting on hold for hours.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like it might be worth it if you really need to talk to someone at Washington ESD.

Extended Benefits (EB) can trigger during periods of high unemployment, but those programs aren't currently active in Washington. The regular 26-week maximum is what's available right now.

Oh okay, that makes sense. I was thinking of the pandemic programs but those ended a while ago.

Good to know. I might pick up some gig work to supplement while I'm looking for full-time employment.

Just make sure you report every penny you earn on your weekly claims. They cross-check with employers and the penalties for not reporting can be severe.

That's exactly what I'm worried about. The job market in my field is pretty competitive right now.

Same here. I'm at week 20 and starting to panic. Might have to expand my search to jobs I'm overqualified for.

That's confusing. So the benefit year and the weeks you can collect are two different things?

Exactly. Your benefit year establishes the period during which you can collect benefits, but you're limited to 26 weeks of actual payments within that year.

Washington ESD really doesn't make this stuff easy to understand does it?

I wish I had known about that when I was dealing with my claim. Spent so many hours on hold just to get disconnected.

Yeah, that's exactly why I started using it. Time is money when you're unemployed, and fighting the phone system just adds to the stress.

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

Oh good, I thought I remembered hearing they got rid of that but wasn't sure.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs or other things too?

Applications, networking events, job fairs, informational interviews, even some training activities. Washington ESD has a list on their website. Keep detailed records of everything.

WorkSourceWA also has resources to help you track and document your job search activities. Might be worth registering there.

It's not about length of employment at one job, it's about your total earnings during your base period (first 4 of the last 5 quarters). 8 months of steady work should be fine if you were earning decent wages.

Okay that makes sense. I was making about $4,000 per month so hopefully that's enough.

Definitely file as soon as possible! Your benefit year starts the week you file, not the week you were laid off. Don't lose any potential benefits by waiting.

Yeah, I filed mine the day after I got laid off. The online application wasn't too bad, just make sure you have your employment history ready.

Standby means you're temporarily laid off with an expected return-to-work date within 8 weeks. You don't have to do job searches but you still have the same 26-week maximum if the recall doesn't happen.

oh ok that makes sense. my employer said they might call me back in 4-6 weeks so i think thats why im on standby

I'm desperate at this point. Been trying to reach them for two weeks about an issue with my claim. Might have to try this Claimyr thing.

Definitely worth it when you're stuck. The peace of mind from actually talking to someone who can give you real answers is huge.

Good advice. I'm already updating my resume and reaching out to my network. Not taking any chances.

Smart move. I wasted the first few weeks thinking something would come up easy. Big mistake.

That's sobering. Really emphasizes the importance of using those 26 weeks wisely.

Exactly why I ended up taking that lower-paying job. Running out of benefits with no backup plan is terrifying.

You're right that 26 weeks is common, though some states do have variable durations based on unemployment rates. Washington has stuck with the flat 26-week maximum for regular UI.

Same here! This thread has been way more informative than the Washington ESD website.

Glad we could help. The key thing is to stay proactive with your job search and keep up with all the requirements. Those 26 weeks can be put to good use if you approach it strategically.

Good point. I should probably ask about that if I end up taking any contract work while job hunting.

Definitely something worth clarifying with an actual Washington ESD agent. Another good reason to have a reliable way to reach them when you need answers.