How many weeks can you get unemployment benefits in Washington?

Thanks! So it's not automatically 26 weeks for everyone? How do they calculate the exact number?

Right, it's not automatic. Washington ESD uses a formula based on your total base year wages divided by your highest quarter wages. Most people get the full 26 weeks but some might get less depending on their work history.

What's a monetary determination letter? I filed my claim but haven't seen anything like that yet.

It's the document that shows your weekly benefit amount and how many weeks you're eligible for. Should arrive within a week or two of filing your initial claim.

How much does something like that cost? I've been trying to call for weeks about my adjudication status.

It's worth it just for the time savings honestly. I was spending hours every day trying to get through and this got me connected in under an hour.

That's interesting, I might check that out if I run into issues. Thanks for sharing!

So disappointing. 26 weeks goes by so fast when you're actually looking for decent work.

I understand the frustration. That's why it's important to start your job search immediately and meet all the work search requirements to avoid any delays or issues.

No, it's not the last 12 months. The base year is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim. So if you filed in January 2025, your base year would typically be January 2024 through December 2024.

That seems weird, why not just use the most recent earnings?

It's because employers need time to report wages to Washington ESD. The system needs complete quarters of data to calculate benefits accurately.

Good to know, thanks! Were you able to find work before your benefits ran out both times?

first time yes, second time it was close but found something in week 24. definitely motivating when youre running out of time

What happens if you miss filing a weekly claim? Can you make it up?

You might be able to request a late claim but it's not guaranteed. Washington ESD is pretty strict about the weekly filing requirements. Better to set a reminder and file on time every week.

I've been setting phone alarms every Saturday to remind myself. Don't want to mess this up.

The calculations are designed to relate your benefits to what you actually earned while working. It's meant to be fair based on your contribution to the system through payroll taxes.

I guess that makes sense but it's still confusing for regular people trying to figure out their benefits.

What counts as a job search activity? I've been applying to jobs but not sure what else I should be doing.

Job applications, networking events, career fairs, WorkSource workshops, informational interviews. Keep detailed records of everything you do.

I need to look into those WorkSource workshops. Haven't been doing those yet.

I tried it last week after seeing it mentioned somewhere else and actually got through to resolve my pending issue. Worth it just for the stress relief of not having to keep calling.

Might have to try this. I've been calling for 2 weeks about my monetary determination.

What's the unemployment rate threshold for extended benefits?

It's triggered when the state's unemployment rate reaches certain levels compared to previous years. The exact formula is complex but basically we need to be in a recession for it to activate.

Same boat here, on week 20. The pressure definitely increases as you get closer to the end.

Use these last weeks to really intensify your search. Consider expanding your geographic area or looking at adjacent fields to your experience.

Good advice, I've been too picky about location. Time to cast a wider net.

How does that work exactly? Do they reduce your weekly benefit amount?

Yes, they deduct a portion of your earnings from your weekly benefit but you can often still receive some unemployment money. There's a formula they use based on how much you earn.

How do you keep it active if you're not getting benefits anymore?

You continue filing your weekly claims even if they show zero dollars. This maintains your claim status in case anything changes with benefit programs.

I was skeptical at first but used it yesterday and spoke with an ESD rep within 30 minutes. They clarified exactly how many weeks I have left on my claim.

These testimonials are convincing me to try it if I run into any issues. Thanks everyone for all the helpful info about benefit duration!