How many weeks of unemployment benefits can I get from Washington ESD?

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks for everyone? I was worried it might be less since I only worked at this job for 8 months.

As long as you meet the minimum earnings requirements, you should get the full 26 weeks. The 8 months shouldn't matter as long as you have enough work history in the base period.

Thanks! That's actually longer than I expected. Do I have to use all 26 weeks within a certain timeframe?

Yeah, you have to use them within your benefit year which starts when you first file your claim. So if you start in January, you have until the following January to use up those 26 weeks.

Wait, I'm confused about the base period thing. I got laid off in January 2025, so what quarters would they look at for my claim?

For a claim filed in January 2025, they'd look at July-September 2024, April-June 2024, January-March 2024, and October-December 2023. That's your base period.

Thanks! So even if I find a job after 10 weeks but then lose it again within that same benefit year, I could still collect the remaining 16 weeks?

Exactly, as long as you're still within your benefit year and meet the eligibility requirements for the new job separation.

The pandemic extensions ended in 2021. Right now it's back to the standard 26 weeks for regular UI in Washington state.

oh ok thanks for clarifying, thought there might still be some extra weeks available

How do they determine if Extended Benefits are available? Is it based on the state unemployment rate?

Yes, it's triggered when Washington's unemployment rate reaches certain thresholds compared to previous years. Right now EB is not active but that can change if economic conditions worsen.

I was hoping EB would be available but my 26 weeks ran out last month and no extension was offered. Guess the unemployment rate isn't high enough.

I used a service called Claimyr that got me through to Washington ESD in like 15 minutes. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration!

Really? That actually works? I'm desperate at this point, I've been trying to reach them for 3 weeks about my claim status.

Yeah it really does work. I was skeptical too but it's way better than sitting on hold for hours. They basically keep calling until they get you connected to an actual agent.

Wait, so not everyone gets 26 weeks? How do they calculate how many weeks you actually get?

Washington ESD looks at your earnings in your base period (first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed). The more you earned and the longer you worked, the more weeks you qualify for, up to that 26 week maximum.

No, all the pandemic extensions ended in 2021. It's back to the regular 26 weeks maximum for regular UI benefits. No more PUA, PEUC, or any of those special programs.

That sucks, I remember when people were getting like 79 weeks total with all the extensions. Those were the days I guess.

No, working part time doesn't extend the duration. You still get a maximum of 26 weeks of benefits, but working part time might reduce your weekly benefit amount depending on how much you earn.

Damn, I was hoping it would stretch it out longer. Thanks for clarifying that.

I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days to get clarification on my claim. How does Claimyr work exactly?

You give them your info and they call Washington ESD for you, then connect you when they get an agent on the line. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.

Never heard of this service but sounds interesting. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - they don't ask for your SSN or anything sensitive. Just your name and phone number so they can call you back when they reach an agent.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents by phone. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

What exactly are the job search requirements? I know I need to look for work but how many jobs do I have to apply to each week?

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. Can be applications, interviews, networking events, job fairs, etc. Just make sure to document everything in case Washington ESD audits your claim.

And don't forget you have to register with WorkSource too! I almost missed that requirement and it could have messed up my whole claim.

Good point! I've been logging my job searches on WorkSourceWA. Is that sufficient or do I need to do more?

WorkSourceWA is perfect for tracking. Just make sure you're doing 3 qualifying activities each week - job applications, networking events, skills training, etc.

Are there any extension programs running right now in 2025?

Not that I know of. The federal pandemic programs ended a while back and I haven't seen any new extensions announced. Just the regular state benefits.

Unless Extended Benefits get triggered (which they haven't been), 26 weeks is it for regular unemployment. You might want to look into job training programs or other assistance programs.

thanks, guess i better step up my job search efforts

I get the frustration but the 26 week limit is set by federal and state law. Washington ESD doesn't have discretion to just extend benefits without legislative approval.

then the laws need to change. 26 weeks goes by fast when you're actually trying to find good employment

At least Washington has better benefits than some states. I moved here from a state that only gives 12 weeks maximum.

After your regular UI benefits are exhausted, you might qualify for other programs like SNAP (food stamps), Basic Food, or emergency assistance through DSHS. There's also job training programs through WorkSource that might be helpful.

Check with your local food bank too. A lot of them have resources for people transitioning off unemployment benefits.

Thanks, I'll look into those options. This whole thing is so stressful.

I get the frustration but it's really not that complicated once you understand the basics. 26 weeks max, file weekly, look for work, done.

yeah but what if you get a part time job? what if you go back to school? what if you move? there's like a million what-ifs

Thanks! I found it under the 'Claim Summary' section. Shows I have 22 weeks remaining.

Perfect! That means you used 4 weeks so far. The online portal is really helpful for tracking your benefits.

How long did it take for your claim to get approved? I submitted mine last week and it's still showing pending.

Mine took about 2 weeks to get approved. Some people get stuck in adjudication longer especially if there are any issues with their work separation or eligibility.

You can file a new claim if you've worked and earned enough wages since your last claim. There's no specific waiting period, but you need to meet the earnings requirements again to qualify for a new benefit year.

I think you need to work for at least 6 weeks and earn 6 times your weekly benefit amount to be eligible for a new claim, but I'm not 100% sure on that.

What's the difference between standby and regular unemployment? I might be called back but it's not guaranteed.

Standby is for when you have a definite return date within 8 weeks. If it's not guaranteed or no specific date, you'd probably file regular UI instead.

Adjudication can take forever, especially if there's any question about why you left your job. I waited 6 weeks for mine to clear. The good news is if you're approved, you'll get back pay for all the weeks you filed.

6 weeks?! I can't wait that long, I have rent due next week. This system is broken.

Try using Claimyr to get through to an agent - they can sometimes tell you what's holding up your claim. Way better than trying to call on your own.

You might be thinking of a different state. Washington state provides up to 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits.

ah ok thanks for the correction

Good to know! I'm on standby right now and wasn't sure if it counted differently.

Nope, standby weeks count toward your 26 week total just like regular unemployment weeks.

Someone else mentioned Claimyr too. Is it expensive to use?

They don't publish prices but it was worth it just to save the time and frustration. Check their site claimyr.com for details.

Standby is when you're temporarily laid off but expect to be called back to work within a specific timeframe. With standby, you don't have to do job searches, but you still get benefits for the same 26 week maximum period.

I was on standby for 3 months last year. It's nice not having to do the job search requirements but you still have to file your weekly claims.

This is exactly why I started using Claimyr. They handle all the calling frustration for you and only connect you when they actually reach an agent.

Might have to try that if I can't get through again today. This is ridiculous.

If you quit voluntarily, you typically won't qualify for benefits unless you can prove it was for good cause. Things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or significant changes to your job duties might qualify.

I quit my last job because of a toxic manager and still got approved for benefits. You just have to document everything and be prepared to explain your situation during the adjudication process.

You can establish a new benefit year if you work enough after your previous claim. Generally need to earn at least 680 hours of work or equivalent earnings to qualify for a new claim.

Good to know! So it's not a one-time thing, you can potentially get another 26 weeks later if you work enough in between.

How much do you need to earn to qualify for a new benefit year?

You need to earn at least your weekly benefit amount times 6 in covered employment. So if your weekly benefit is $500, you'd need to earn at least $3,000 in a job to potentially qualify for a new claim.

That's good to know! I was worried about what happens after the 26 weeks but this gives me hope.

Your benefit year lasts 52 weeks from when you first filed your claim. Within that year, you can claim up to 26 weeks of benefits. So if you work for a month and then get laid off again, you can continue claiming benefits for the remaining weeks in your benefit year.

That's good to know. I was worried I'd lose my remaining benefits if I took a temporary job.

I'm in the same boat - week 22 and nothing solid yet. The pressure is real. I've been applying to jobs I'm overqualified for just to have something lined up.

Have you checked out the job training programs through WorkSource? They might have IT bootcamps or certification programs that could help you stand out.

I haven't looked into WorkSource much. Do they have good programs for tech workers?

Washington eliminated the waiting week in 2021, so you can get benefits starting from your first week of unemployment. The 26 weeks is the total maximum you can receive.

That's one good thing they did - the waiting week was such a pain when you're already stressed about money.

Overpayments don't reduce your total weeks available, but you'll need to pay back any money you weren't entitled to. Contact Washington ESD ASAP to report the error - it's better to be proactive about it.

I had a similar situation and they worked out a payment plan for the overpayment. Much better than trying to pay it all back at once.

It's 26 benefit weeks, which are typically Sunday through Saturday. So if you started claiming in week 1 of January, you'd have benefits through week 26 of your benefit year.

You can see your exact benefit year dates in your Washington ESD account online. It shows when your claim started and when it expires.

There are no regular extensions beyond 26 weeks for standard unemployment insurance. The only potential extensions would be during specific economic emergencies when Congress authorizes them, like during the 2008 recession or COVID.

Basically we're out of luck unless there's another major economic crisis. The 26 weeks is it for now.

Yes, you can continue claiming benefits until you actually start work, as long as you're still available and looking for work. Just make sure to report the job offer and start date when you file your weekly claims.

Congrats on the job offer! It's such a relief when you get something lined up before your benefits run out.

I've had luck with Claimyr - it's a service that keeps calling until you get connected. Way better than sitting on hold for hours. Check out their demo video to see how it works.

Tuesday mornings right when they open seem to be the best time if you're calling manually. But yeah, Claimyr is probably your best bet for actually getting through.

I was in your exact situation last year. Don't give up - keep applying, network with everyone you know, and look into temp agencies. Something will come through. Also check out food banks and other assistance programs to help bridge the gap.

Temp work saved me when my benefits ran out. It's not ideal but it's income while you keep looking for something permanent.

Thanks for the encouragement. I'll look into temp agencies this week.

obviously nobody wants to be on unemployment forever but sometimes it takes a while to find something decent that pays the bills

Absolutely true. Just wanted to emphasize that the job search requirements are there for a reason and Washington ESD does check up on them occasionally.

Same thing happened to my brother. He held out for something better but had to settle when he got close to the end of his benefits.

Yeah it's a tough balance between holding out for the right opportunity and making sure you don't run out of support completely.

Nothing I've heard about. Unemployment benefit duration is usually pretty stable unless there's a major economic crisis that triggers federal intervention.

26 weeks is actually pretty typical for most states. Some are shorter, some longer, but Washington is right in the middle range.

Wait, what if I forgot to file one week? Can I go back and file it late?

You might be able to request a late filing but it's not guaranteed. Washington ESD can deny late claims so it's better to file on time every week even if you worked or had other issues.

Definitely try Claimyr if you're having trouble getting through. I mentioned it earlier but it really does work. Way better than the alternative of calling hundreds of times yourself.

At this point I'm willing to try anything. The automated system doesn't answer specific questions and I can't get through to a human.

Thanks everyone for all the info! This thread has been super helpful. I feel like I actually understand the system now.

Good luck with your claim! The 26 weeks should give you decent time to find something as long as you stay on top of the requirements.

Can you file late weekly claims or are they just lost forever?

You can file late claims but only within about 4 weeks of the missed week. After that Washington ESD won't accept them and you lose those benefits.

Actually, the 26 weeks is the maximum duration regardless of your earnings. Your earnings affect your weekly benefit amount, not the number of weeks available.

oh really? i thought it was both. thanks for the clarification

Have you looked into WorkSource services? They have job placement assistance and sometimes training programs that can help you land something before your benefits end.

I've used WorkSource for job searches but didn't know about placement assistance. I'll check that out.

Also consider temporary work or part-time jobs. You can sometimes still collect partial unemployment benefits while working reduced hours.

Perfect summary! This thread has been super helpful. I feel much more confident about understanding my benefits now.

Agreed! Wish I had found this info when I first started collecting. Would have saved me a lot of confusion.