How many weeks of ESD benefits with 1750 work hours? Different than what my employer said

The number of work hours doesn't directly determine your benefit duration. With 1750 hours, you definitely qualify for benefits (you only need 680 hours), but standard benefit duration in Washington is 26 weeks, regardless of how many hours you worked beyond the minimum. Your hours and earnings determine your weekly benefit amount, not how long you can receive benefits. The 26 weeks can be extended during periods of high unemployment, but right now there are no extensions in place.

ur boss is wrong dude. i got laid off from framing job last month, had like 1500 hrs and got approved for 26 weeks. just make sure u do all ur job searches every week

Everyone qualifies for the same maximum number of weeks (26) as long as you have the minimum required hours. Your boss might be confusing it with the calculation for weekly benefit amount, which is based on your earnings. Just make sure you do your 3 job search activities each week and document them properly!

When I applied last year, I also had trouble figuring out how many weeks I qualified for. The 26 weeks is the maximum, but I found out that your actual benefit duration can be calculated by dividing your total benefit amount by your weekly benefit amount. Have you received your monetary determination letter yet? That will tell you the exact number of weeks in your specific case. I had issues reaching ESD through their regular phone line to ask questions (kept getting disconnected), but I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual agent in about 15 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Might be worth checking out if you need clarification on your specific situation.

To clarify some of the mixed information here: In Washington state, the standard maximum is 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits. However, your actual benefit duration is calculated by dividing your maximum benefit amount by your weekly benefit amount. For most people with steady work history and at least 680 hours, this calculation results in 26 weeks. But if you had irregular earnings or didn't work all quarters, it could be less. With 1750 hours, you're well above the minimum and will likely get the full 26 weeks, but check your monetary determination letter to be certain. The letter will show three important numbers: 1. Your weekly benefit amount 2. Your maximum benefit amount 3. The number of weeks (typically 26) Make sure to complete your 3 job search activities every week and document them correctly to maintain eligibility.

my cousin only got 16 weeks even though he had over 1000 hours!!! said it was because he didnt work for 2 months during his base year or something like that. ESD is ALWAYS looking for ways to pay u less, dont assume u'll get 26 weeks just because thats what everyone is saying!!!

Update: I just got my monetary determination letter today! You all were right - I qualified for the full 26 weeks since I had steady work over my base year. My weekly benefit amount is $844 and maximum benefit amount is $21,944. Thanks everyone for the help! Now I just need to make sure I keep up with those job search requirements.