How many weeks is unemployment in Washington - confused about my benefit duration
I just got approved for regular unemployment benefits through Washington ESD and I'm trying to figure out exactly how long I can collect. I keep seeing different numbers online and I'm getting confused. Some sites say 26 weeks, others mention different amounts. My monetary determination letter doesn't make it super clear either. Can someone explain how the weeks work? I lost my job at a warehouse in Tacoma last month and really need to understand what I'm looking at for duration. Also does the amount of weeks depend on how much I made before or is it the same for everyone?
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Mateo Lopez
In Washington state, regular unemployment insurance (UI) provides up to 26 weeks of benefits. This is pretty standard across most states. The duration doesn't depend on your previous wages - everyone gets the same maximum 26 weeks if they qualify. Your benefit amount is what changes based on your earnings, but the weeks stay the same.
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CyberNinja
•Thanks! So 26 weeks is like 6 months right? That seems reasonable for finding a new job.
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Mateo Lopez
•Yes exactly, 26 weeks equals about 6 months. Just remember you have to keep filing your weekly claims and meeting the job search requirements to keep receiving benefits.
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Aisha Abdullah
Wait I thought it was different now? My brother got laid off from Boeing and he said something about extended benefits being available. Are there more weeks you can get after the regular 26?
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Ethan Davis
•Extended benefits (EB) can kick in during periods of high unemployment, but that program isn't active right now in Washington. Your brother might be thinking of the pandemic programs that ended in 2021.
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Aisha Abdullah
•Oh that makes sense, he was laid off during COVID so probably different rules then.
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Yuki Tanaka
I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks to ask about this same thing but their phone lines are impossible! I've called hundreds of times and either get busy signals or get disconnected after waiting on hold. It's so frustrating when you just need basic information about your claim.
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Carmen Ortiz
•I had the same problem until I found Claimyr (claimyr.com). They actually help you get through to Washington ESD agents by calling for you. I was skeptical at first but watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ) and decided to try it. Got connected to an actual person within a few hours instead of spending days trying myself.
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Yuki Tanaka
•Really? That sounds almost too good to be true. How does it work exactly?
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Carmen Ortiz
•They basically call the Washington ESD numbers repeatedly until they get through, then connect you to the agent. Way better than sitting there redialing all day.
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MidnightRider
The 26 weeks starts from when you first file your claim, not when you get approved. So if there was a delay in processing your application, you don't lose those weeks. But you do need to keep certifying every week even during adjudication periods.
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CyberNinja
•Good to know! I was worried I was losing time while my claim was being processed.
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Andre Laurent
•Actually that's not quite right. The weeks start counting from your benefit year begin date, which is usually the Sunday of the week you filed. But you're right about needing to keep filing weekly claims.
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Zoe Papadopoulos
Just remember that if you work part-time while collecting unemployment, you can still receive partial benefits but it might extend how long your benefits last. Washington ESD has specific rules about reporting any work or earnings.
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CyberNinja
•I might pick up some part-time work while job hunting. Do I report that on my weekly claims?
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Zoe Papadopoulos
•Yes, you have to report ALL work and earnings on your weekly claim, even if it's just a few hours. They'll calculate if you still qualify for partial benefits that week.
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Jamal Washington
26 weeks goes by faster than you think, especially if you're in a specialized field. I'd recommend starting your job search immediately and not waiting around. The job search requirements are there for a reason.
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Mei Wong
•What are the current job search requirements? I heard they changed after COVID.
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Jamal Washington
•You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. You have to register with WorkSource too. Check the Washington ESD website for the full details.
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Liam Fitzgerald
Does anyone know if the 26 weeks can be extended if you're in a training program? I'm thinking about going back to school while collecting unemployment.
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Ethan Davis
•There are some approved training programs that can extend benefits, but you need approval from Washington ESD before starting. Don't just enroll in any program and expect it to count.
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Liam Fitzgerald
•Thanks, I'll contact them about approved programs before making any decisions.
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PixelWarrior
The system is so confusing! I wish they made this information clearer upfront. Had to learn everything the hard way when I got laid off from my restaurant job last year.
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Amara Adebayo
•I feel you. The Washington ESD website has the info but it's buried in so much legal language. A simple FAQ would help so much.
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Giovanni Rossi
•That's why I ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Sometimes it's worth it to just get a human on the phone who can explain things in plain English.
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Fatima Al-Mansour
Quick question - if I exhaust my 26 weeks and still haven't found work, what happens then? Are there other programs available?
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Mateo Lopez
•Once regular unemployment ends, you'd need to look into other assistance programs. There's no automatic extension to the 26 weeks unless extended benefits are triggered statewide due to high unemployment rates.
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Dylan Evans
•You might qualify for other state assistance programs or SNAP benefits. Worth checking with DSHS if you're still unemployed after 26 weeks.
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Sofia Gomez
I'm on week 20 of my benefits and getting nervous about finding something soon. The job market in my field (retail management) is tough right now. Anyone else cutting it close to the 26 week limit?
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StormChaser
•Same boat here, week 22 and starting to panic. I've been applying everywhere but not getting many callbacks.
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Dmitry Petrov
•Don't give up! I found my current job in week 25. Sometimes it takes time but something will come through. Make sure you're using all the WorkSource resources too.
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Sofia Gomez
•Thanks for the encouragement. I'll check out more WorkSource services this week.
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Ava Williams
For anyone still confused about the 26 weeks - that's the maximum you can receive in a benefit year. Some people might not qualify for the full 26 weeks depending on their work history, but most people who qualify for regular UI get the full duration.
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CyberNinja
•How do they determine if you get less than 26 weeks? I worked full-time for three years before getting laid off.
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Ava Williams
•With three years of full-time work you should definitely qualify for the full 26 weeks. It's usually people with limited work history who might get fewer weeks.
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Miguel Castro
Just want to add that the 26 weeks is per benefit year, so if you use up all your weeks and then work again for a sufficient period, you could potentially qualify for a new claim later. But there are specific requirements about wages earned and time worked.
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Zainab Ibrahim
•Good point! I had to requalify after working for about 8 months. The process was much faster the second time since I already had an account set up.
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Miguel Castro
•Exactly, and if you do need to contact Washington ESD about requalifying or any other questions, that Claimyr service people mentioned really does work. Saved me hours of calling.
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