How many weeks do you receive unemployment in Washington - confused about benefit duration

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

Right, it's based on your earnings in the base period. Washington ESD uses a formula that looks at your total wages and how they were distributed across the quarters. You need earnings in at least two quarters of your base period to qualify.

Wait, so the benefit year is different from the number of weeks? I thought if you get 26 weeks that means 26 weeks from when you start claiming?

The benefit year is 52 weeks total, but you can only collect up to 26 weeks of benefits within that year. So if you find work and stop claiming, then get laid off again within the same benefit year, you'd continue with whatever weeks you had left.

Good to know there aren't extended benefits right now. So 26 weeks is the max I should plan for.

Actually, Washington does have an Extended Benefits program that can trigger during high unemployment, but it's based on specific unemployment rate thresholds and isn't active currently.

How does that work exactly? Do they call for you or something?

They help you get through the phone system more efficiently. Instead of wasting hours redialing and waiting on hold, they handle the calling process and connect you when an agent is available.

Interesting, I might need to try that. I've been trying to call Washington ESD for two weeks about my claim status with no luck.

Yes, Washington has a SharedWork program that allows partial benefits if your employer reduces your hours instead of laying you off. Both you and your employer have to participate in the program.

oh cool, so that would extend how long you can get some benefits then? instead of using up all 26 weeks at once?

Exactly. If you're working reduced hours and getting partial benefits, you're using up your benefit weeks more slowly. So your 26 weeks could stretch over a longer period.

Once you exhaust regular benefits, there's no additional state or federal assistance currently available. However, you might be eligible for other programs like SNAP (food assistance) or emergency rental assistance depending on your situation.

Make sure you're using all the job search resources available through WorkSource Washington too. They have training programs and job placement services that might help you find work before your benefits run out.

Thanks, I've been working with WorkSource but haven't found anything yet. Really hoping something comes through soon.

I get the frustration but unemployment isn't meant to be permanent income replacement. It's temporary assistance while you look for work.

Yeah I know that, but 26 weeks isn't realistic for everyone. Some people need more time, especially in tough economic periods.

That's why states can trigger extended benefits during high unemployment periods. The system does have some flexibility built in, just not right now.

Washington eliminated the waiting week in 2023. You can now receive benefits for your first week of unemployment if you're otherwise eligible. So it's 26 weeks of actual benefit payments.

Oh that's great! I didn't know they got rid of the waiting week. That definitely helps.

There aren't special duration rules for union workers, but seasonal workers might have different base period calculations. Construction workers often have irregular work patterns that can affect their benefit calculations.

Yeah, seasonal workers can sometimes have their benefits calculated differently, but they still get the same maximum 26 weeks if they qualify.

How many job contacts do you need to log each week? I've been doing 3 but want to make sure that's enough.

I believe it's 3 job search activities per week, but they should be quality contacts. Just applying online might not count - you need to show genuine effort to find work.

Good point about documenting everything. I've been keeping track of all my applications and interviews just in case.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like you shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to the agency that owes you benefits.

I thought the same thing at first, but when you're spending days trying to get through and getting nowhere, it's worth it to actually reach someone who can help. They focus on the value of getting you connected rather than just the cost.

That's a good point. So if I used 10 weeks, found a job for a few months, then got laid off again, I'd still have 16 weeks left on my original claim?

Exactly, as long as it's within the same benefit year. You wouldn't start over with a fresh 26 weeks - you'd continue with whatever you had remaining.

I agree it's complex, but it's designed to be fair based on your individual work history. Someone who worked one quarter shouldn't get the same benefits as someone who worked multiple years.

The complexity is definitely frustrating when you're already stressed about being unemployed. Takes time to understand all the rules and requirements.

Wait, that doesn't sound right. I thought once you qualify for a certain weekly amount, that's what you get each week until your weeks run out?

You're right to question that. Your weekly benefit amount is fixed once determined. You don't get to choose between higher weekly amounts for fewer weeks or lower amounts for more weeks. The 26 weeks is the maximum duration regardless of your weekly amount.

Yes, if you work enough to establish a new base period after your benefit year ends, you can file a new claim. The work you did after filing your previous claim would count toward your new base period.

That makes sense. So theoretically you could get another 26 weeks if you worked enough in between claims.

Exactly. Each new claim has its own 26 week maximum, assuming you meet the earnings requirements for the new base period.

Good to know there are options when the regular phone system doesn't work. I've been wondering about my exact benefit timeline too.

The online account is pretty confusing. It shows numbers but doesn't always explain what they mean or how they're calculated.