How many weeks do you get for unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

Thanks! So everyone gets the same 26 weeks regardless of how long they worked at their job?

Pretty much, yes. It's based on your earnings history during the base period, not how long you worked at your last job specifically.

No, Washington ESD is definitely 26 weeks maximum for regular UI benefits. You might be thinking of extended benefits that sometimes kick in during high unemployment periods.

Ah that makes sense, maybe I got some extended benefits without realizing it during the recession.

Interesting, never heard of that service. Is it legit? Seems weird to pay someone to help you call a government office.

Yeah it's legitimate. I was skeptical too but when you're stuck in adjudication for weeks and can't get through their phone system, it's worth it to actually talk to a human.

I used Claimyr last month when my weekly claim got stuck. Saved me probably 20+ hours of calling and redialing.

You might get fewer weeks if your base period earnings were low. Washington ESD calculates your benefit year based on your earnings, so part-time workers sometimes get less than the full 26 weeks.

That's what I was afraid of. Guess I need to look at my earnings statement more carefully.

That's rough, sorry you went through that. Did you look into any other assistance programs after UI ran out?

Yeah, applied for food assistance and got some help with utilities through LIHEAP. There are other programs out there but none replace unemployment income.

Same boat here. The 26 weeks went by so fast when good jobs were hard to find.

Wow that's really specific math. Where do you find these exact numbers?

It's in the Washington ESD handbook. I had to learn all this when I was helping my sister with her claim last year.

Those calculations make my head spin. I just let ESD figure it out and tell me what I get lol

Good point! I need to set up my WorkSourceWA account and start tracking those job contacts from day one.

Yes, the job search requirement is critical. Keep detailed records of every application and contact you make.

Extended benefits can trigger when unemployment rates are high enough, but that's separate from regular UI. It's not automatic and depends on economic conditions.

Makes sense. Probably shouldn't count on that being available when I need it.

I feel you. Started looking at jobs way below my previous salary around week 20. Sometimes you just have to take what you can get.

Have you considered expanding your search to different areas or remote work? Sometimes that opens up more opportunities.

Yeah, I've been applying to remote positions but the competition is fierce. Everyone's doing that now.

The weeks count from when you're eligible to receive benefits, not from when you filed. Processing delays don't eat into your 26 weeks.

That's a relief! Was worried I'd lost those weeks during processing.

Good advice. I'm definitely not going to treat this like a vacation. Starting my job search today.

Absolutely this. I treated my first few weeks like a break and regretted it later when good opportunities passed by.

No, unemployment benefits are tied to a specific benefit year. If you start a new claim later, it's based on your new base period earnings, not leftover weeks from before.

Bummer, but makes sense I guess. Thanks for clarifying that.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. Their whole thing is getting you connected to ESD agents without the endless busy signals and hang-ups.

Might have to look into that. I'm so tired of calling and never getting through.

That's encouraging to hear! What industry are you in, if you don't mind me asking?

Healthcare administration. Took a while because I was being picky about salary at first, but eventually had to be more flexible.

Good point. My layoff is permanent so I think the regular 26 weeks applies to me.

Standby can be tricky. Sometimes you think you're going back and then the recall never happens.