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

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks for everyone? I was worried it might be less since I've never filed before.

Yes, 26 weeks is the standard maximum. Your work history of 8 years definitely qualifies you for the full duration.

What exactly are the job search requirements? How many jobs do I need to apply for each week?

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep detailed records. This includes applications, interviews, networking events, etc.

Wait, I thought it was 5 job search contacts per week? Did they change it recently?

Thanks! I worked pretty consistently for the past 2 years, so hopefully I qualify for the full 26 weeks.

Yeah but don't count on getting all 26 weeks right away. Washington ESD has been super slow with processing claims lately.

Thanks! Do you know where I can check the current unemployment rate to see if extended benefits are active?

Washington ESD posts the unemployment rate updates on their website. Extended benefits trigger when the rate hits 6.5% for 13 weeks or 8% for any period.

Thanks! So it's a flat 26 weeks regardless of how much I made? That's actually better than I thought.

Yeah but you still have to meet the work search requirements every week and keep filing your weekly claims on time or you'll lose benefits.

Thanks! I worked full-time for 2 years straight, so I should qualify for the full 26 weeks then?

Most likely yes, but Washington ESD will calculate your exact benefit amount and duration based on your quarterly earnings during your base period.

How do I find out what my base period wages were? Is that something I can check online?

Yes, once you file your claim you can see all that info in your Washington ESD account. It'll show your quarterly wages and benefit calculation.

Thanks! Do I need to have worked a certain amount of time to get the full 26 weeks?

You need sufficient earnings in your base period, which is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. With your income level, you should easily meet the monetary requirements.

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 frustration.

Never heard of that before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit. I was skeptical too but it got me connected to an agent in about 15 minutes instead of calling for days.

Thanks! So even if I can't find work for the full year, I only get 26 weeks of payments?

Exactly. After 26 weeks, regular UI benefits end unless there are extended benefits available during high unemployment periods.

Thanks! What exactly is the base period? Is that just the last year I worked?

The base period is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim. So if you filed in January 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through September 2024.

Thanks! So if I worked steadily for 5 years at the same place, I should qualify for the full 26 weeks then?

Most likely yes, as long as you earned enough during your base period. Washington ESD looks at your highest quarter of earnings to determine your weekly benefit amount and total weeks available.

Same here! The phone system is terrible. I used this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to actual agents - found it at claimyr.com. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made getting answers so much easier.

Interesting, never heard of that. Did it actually work for you?

Yeah, got connected to an agent within like 20 minutes instead of waiting hours. They were able to explain my benefit calculation and weekly claim requirements clearly.

How do they calculate exactly how many weeks you get?

It's based on your total base period wages divided by your highest quarter wages, up to 26 weeks maximum. The formula ensures you have enough work history spread across multiple quarters.

What are the job search requirements exactly? How many jobs do I need to apply for each week?

You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and log them in WorkSourceWA. Can be applications, networking, job fairs, etc. Keep detailed records!

I thought it was 2 activities per week? Or did they change it recently?

What kind of issues would cause adjudication? I was laid off due to downsizing, so it wasn't my fault.

Even innocent things can trigger adjudication - like if your employer contests the claim or if there's any confusion about your work history. The system is set up to deny first and ask questions later.

This is exactly what happened to me. Took 6 weeks to resolve adjudication and I lost benefits during that time.

That's good to know. So the 26 weeks doesn't have to be consecutive?

Correct, as long as you're within your benefit year. But you still need to file weekly claims even during weeks you're working.

That matches what I'm seeing too. My claim shows the same 26 week total.

Extended benefits are triggered when unemployment rates hit certain thresholds. Washington hasn't had extended benefits available for a while now since the economy improved.

Where do I find that letter? I don't think I got one yet.

It should be in your SecureAccess Washington account under documents. If you just filed, it might take a few days to show up.

Mine took almost a week to appear online, don't panic if you don't see it right away

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 frustration.

Never heard of that but I'm desperate at this point. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

No it's legit. They basically call for you and connect you when they get an agent. Way better than sitting on hold all day.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They basically call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to an actual agent. Saved me hours of calling myself.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How does it work exactly?

You just give them your info and they handle the calling. There's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

What are the job search requirements exactly? I want to make sure I don't mess this up.

You need to do 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. This can be applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking activities, etc. Washington ESD has the full list on their website.

Extended benefits are only available during specific economic conditions and aren't currently active in Washington. The pandemic programs like PEUC ended in 2021. Right now it's just the standard 26 weeks of regular UI.

Ugh that sucks. 26 weeks doesn't seem like enough time to find a decent job these days.

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

Really? How does that work exactly? I'm desperate at this point.

You just go to claimyr.com and they handle all the calling and waiting for you. When they get an agent on the line, they connect you. Way better than sitting on hold all day.

I worked pretty consistently for 2 years, so I should qualify for the full amount then?

Most likely yes, if you had steady employment for 2 years. You'll need to have earned at least $3,850 during your base period and meet some other wage requirements.

Good point, I heard they check up on that. Do they actually verify the applications you submit?

Yes, they can audit your job search activities. Keep detailed records of where you applied, when, and any responses you received. Upload documentation to your WorkSourceWA account.

How much does that cost? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for two weeks with no luck.

It's worth checking out their site for current info. Saved me so much frustration compared to calling on my own.

Sounds like another service trying to make money off people who are already struggling financially.

The phone lines are definitely swamped. I discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

No, it's not about how long you worked at one job. It's about your total earnings during your base period across all jobs. You could work 6 months at one place but still get 26 weeks if your earnings qualify.

oh ok that makes more sense. i was worried cause i only worked at my last job for 4 months

Wait really? So if it takes them 3 weeks to approve my claim, I only get 23 weeks of actual payments?

No, you'd still get paid for those 3 weeks as back pay once approved, but your benefit year is still only 52 weeks total. Most people get their full 26 weeks of payments.

This is confusing. I thought the benefit year was separate from the 26 weeks of payments?

Wait, so if I can't find a job in 26 weeks I'm just out of luck? That's terrifying.

Pretty much, unless Extended Benefits get triggered. That's why it's crucial to use your time wisely and really focus on the job search. Consider retraining programs too if your industry is struggling.

This thread is specifically about Washington state. The original poster mentioned Washington ESD, which is Washington's unemployment agency.

oh ok my bad didn't read that part carefully

After regular UI benefits end, there aren't automatic extensions like there were during the pandemic. You'd need to look into other programs like WorkFirst or retraining programs if you're still unemployed.

That's terrifying. 26 weeks doesn't seem like enough time, especially in this job market.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to ESD agents without all the waiting and busy signals. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. It was honestly a lifesaver when I needed to check on my adjudication status.

Is that legitimate? I'm so desperate at this point I'll try anything

Yeah it's real. They basically handle the calling process for you so you don't have to sit there hitting redial all day. Worth checking out if you need to actually speak with someone at ESD.

That's what I'm worried about. What did you do after your benefits ran out?

Had to take a part-time job while continuing to look for full-time work. Not ideal but it helped pay some bills.

I'm not in training or on standby, just regular unemployment after being laid off. So sounds like 26 weeks is my limit unless extended benefits kick in?

Exactly right. Regular UI is 26 weeks max unless state unemployment rates trigger extended benefits.

What are the job search requirements exactly? I keep hearing different things about how many jobs you have to apply to each week.

It's 3 job search activities per week minimum. Can be applications, networking events, job fairs, etc. You have to log them in WorkSourceWA.

I tried that calculator but it's confusing. It asks for quarterly wages but I only know my annual salary.

You can estimate by dividing your annual salary by 4, but it's better to look at your actual paystubs or tax documents for the precise quarterly amounts.

The calculator gave me a weird result - said I might only get 18 weeks even though I worked full time for 3 years. Something seems off.

Actually, Washington hasn't brought back the waiting week yet. You should be able to collect for your first week if you're eligible.

Good to know, thanks for the correction. I wasn't sure if that had changed.

That would be huge if I could get close to $1,000 per week. That's more than I was expecting.

Just remember it's taxable income, so you might want to have taxes withheld to avoid a big bill next year.

Wait, so if I use 10 weeks of benefits, find a job, then get laid off again 6 months later, I could still have 16 weeks left?

Exactly, as long as it's within your original benefit year. But you'd need to reopen your claim and meet the eligibility requirements again.

You'd need to have worked and earned enough wages since your last claim to qualify for a new benefit year. It's not automatic - you have to meet the eligibility requirements again.

ugh this system is so confusing. how much do you need to earn to qualify again?

For 2025, you need to have earned at least $1,047 in your highest earning quarter during your base period. But it's more complicated than that - there are other requirements too.

I agree the website could be more user-friendly. The key things to remember are: 26 weeks maximum, file weekly claims on time, meet job search requirements, and report any earnings if you do part-time work.

I feel you! The Washington ESD website is like navigating a maze. At least the weekly claims are pretty straightforward once you get used to them.

Maybe for you but I keep getting confused about reporting my part-time work hours. Afraid I'm gonna mess something up and get in trouble.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying to jobs or other stuff too?

Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, WorkSource workshops, creating or posting resumes online. Check the Washington ESD website for the full list of approved activities.

Is that legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days and can never get through.

Yeah, it's legitimate. They basically handle the wait time for you so you don't have to sit on hold for hours or keep getting disconnected. Was worth it for me to get answers about my specific situation.

How much does something like that cost though? I'm already tight on money being unemployed.

How long does it usually take to file the weekly claim? I haven't started yet.

Maybe 10-15 minutes if you have all your job search info ready. The website walks you through it pretty clearly.

What do you mean by earnings pattern? I thought if you made enough money you automatically get 26 weeks.

They look at how your wages are distributed across the quarters in your base period. If most of your earnings were in just one or two quarters, you might get fewer weeks than someone with more evenly distributed wages.

I hear you on the phone issues. I was lucky to discover Claimyr when I was having problems with my weekly claims. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents without all the waiting and busy signals.

How much does something like that cost though? I'm already stretched thin.

It's worth it when you're dealing with claim issues that could affect your benefits. Check out their site at claimyr.com - they explain how it works better than I can.

When do the weekly claims need to be filed? Is there a specific day?

You can file starting Sunday for the previous week. I always do mine on Sunday morning to make sure I don't forget.

I file mine on Saturday nights as soon as the system opens. Seems to process faster that way.

Part-time work doesn't reduce your total weeks available, but it will reduce your weekly benefit amount. Washington has a partial benefit formula - you can work part-time and still collect some unemployment as long as you report all earnings.

That's awesome! I might need to try that too if I run into issues with my claim.

Wish I had known about that when I was dealing with my claim issues. Would have saved me so much frustration.

Those pandemic extensions (PUA, PEUC) ended years ago. We're back to the standard system now - 26 weeks regular UI plus potential extended benefits if unemployment rates are high enough.

oh damn ok that makes sense why my friend ran out of benefits faster than expected

Oh interesting, I didn't know that. So the benefits don't just disappear if I find work quickly?

Correct, they carry over within your benefit year. Just make sure to report any work and wages when you do your weekly claims.

Yeah, I'm worried about having to take a big pay cut. My last job paid $28/hour and I don't want to go backwards.

I get it, but sometimes you have to take what's available. Washington ESD does have some flexibility on 'suitable work' requirements early in your claim, but that changes as weeks go by.

What do you mean the requirements change? I thought suitable work was just anything in your field?

Extended benefits only kick in during periods of high unemployment. Right now, the unemployment rate isn't high enough to trigger extended benefits in Washington.

That's disappointing. I was hoping there might be something for people who've been out of work for a long time.

Ugh, seriously? So I have to wait a whole week before getting any money?

Yep, the first week is always unpaid. You still need to file for it though because it counts toward your total weeks. Just budget for that gap.

Extended benefits only kick in when unemployment rates hit certain triggers. Right now there aren't any federal extensions available like there were during COVID.

So after week 26 I'm just done? That's terrifying

You might want to start looking into other programs like SNAP or see if you qualify for any training programs through WorkSource

Extended benefits are usually automatic if you're eligible and the state triggers them. Washington ESD will notify you if extended benefits become available.

good to know, thanks!

Are extended benefits still a thing? I thought those ended after COVID.

Extended benefits are a permanent program that can trigger on during high unemployment periods. It's separate from the pandemic programs that ended.

That could be a system glitch or it might be related to how Washington ESD calculates partial weeks. You should call to verify your exact benefit duration.

This is exactly the kind of question where Claimyr helped me get through to an actual person at Washington ESD. The automated system never gives clear answers about benefit calculations.

Tell me about it. I finally gave up trying to call and used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Actually got through to a real person who explained everything clearly.

Was it worth it? I'm at my wit's end trying to get answers.

Definitely. They got me connected within a few hours instead of days of failed calling attempts.

You can work part-time and still collect partial benefits. Washington has a partial benefit formula - they reduce your weekly benefit amount based on how much you earn, but you can still get something as long as you earn less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5.

That's good to know. I was worried about taking a part-time job and losing everything.

When are the weekly claims due? Is there a specific day I need to file by?

You can file starting Sunday for the previous week, and you have until the following Saturday. But don't wait - file as soon as you can each week.

I was laid off due to company downsizing, so that shouldn't be an issue right?

Layoffs due to lack of work are typically straightforward for eligibility. Just make sure you have documentation from your employer if needed.

Even straightforward cases can get hung up sometimes. I had a simple layoff situation that went into adjudication for weeks. Finally used Claimyr to get through to someone who could expedite it.

My layoff is permanent, so I don't think standby applies to me. But good to know for others.

Wait, there's a waiting week? What does that mean exactly?

First week after you file, you don't get paid benefits. It's like a penalty week. So if you're approved for 26 weeks, you really only get paid for 25 weeks unless you do the whole training waiver thing.

I feel you on that frustration. The Washington ESD website could definitely be clearer about benefit durations.

How many job contacts do I need to make each week in Washington?

Currently it's 3 job search activities per week. This can include applications, networking events, job fairs, or other approved activities. You need to log these in your WorkSourceWA account.

It affects both potentially. If you earn too much in a week, you might not get any benefits that week, but it doesn't extend your benefit year. You still have the same end date.

Got it, so I could theoretically run out of weeks faster if I'm working part-time and still collecting some benefits each week.

Have you tried using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier? I used it last week when my claim got stuck in adjudication and finally got to talk to someone who could explain what was happening.

I'll try anything at this point. This is ridiculous.

Good luck getting through to them though. I've been trying for weeks to get clarification on my claim status and can't reach anyone.

Try using Claimyr - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD faster. My cousin used it last month and finally got her adjudication issues resolved.

Is that the one with the video demo? I think I saw someone mention it earlier in this thread.

Good reminder! I forgot about that. Is it better to have them withhold taxes or pay later?

Depends on your situation, but many people find it easier to have the 10% federal tax withheld so they don't owe a big amount at tax time.

That's good to hear. I'm hoping my application goes through without any issues.

Just make sure you have all your employment dates and wage information accurate. Any discrepancies can cause delays in adjudication.

Already started looking actually. There seem to be some openings in manufacturing but a lot require different skills than what I have.

Look into WorkSource training programs. Sometimes you can get training approved while collecting benefits, which extends your job search time effectively.

Yes, any week you claim benefits counts toward your 26 weeks, even if it's a partial claim. So if you work part time for 10 weeks and claim partial benefits, that's 10 weeks used up.

Ugh that sucks. I thought partial weeks didn't count the same way

The only weeks that don't count are weeks where you don't file a claim at all, or weeks where you're disqualified from receiving benefits.

Are you keeping track of your job search in a spreadsheet or something? I want to make sure I'm documenting everything properly.

I use a simple notebook to track my applications, interviews, and networking contacts. As long as you have the date, company name, and contact method documented, you should be fine.

Same here! I found something in week 24 and was sweating bullets. The pressure really mounts up toward the end.

This is making me nervous. I really hope I can find something quickly.

Yeah, I'm planning to start applying right away. Better to find something early than scramble at the end.

How do you know if you worked enough? Is there a minimum?

You need earnings in at least 2 quarters of your base period, and your total base period earnings need to be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter. It's kind of complicated.

This is super helpful, thank you! So basically I should plan for 26 weeks but keep an eye on whether extended benefits get triggered.

Exactly. And make sure you're doing your job search requirements to stay eligible for all 26 weeks.

Good point. I keep seeing old articles online that mention longer durations but those were temporary pandemic programs.

So right now in 2025, 26 weeks is definitely the maximum I can expect?

Correct. 26 weeks maximum for regular unemployment insurance in Washington state, assuming you meet all the eligibility requirements.

Good to know for the future I guess. Hopefully I won't need it again!

Same thing happened to me. The second time around was actually easier because I knew what to expect.

This is solid advice. I made the mistake of being too picky at first and almost ran out of benefits before getting serious about my job search.

Same here. The job market is tough right now so 26 weeks can go by quick if you're not finding anything.

When your benefit year ends, you can potentially file a new claim if you've worked enough since your last claim started. Otherwise, you'd need to look into other assistance programs.

That makes sense. Hopefully I'll find work before hitting the 26 week limit.

Can I set up direct deposit when I apply or do I need to do it separately?

you can do it during the application process or add it later through your secure access washington account

I filed within a week of my layoff, so I should be good there. Thanks for all the helpful info everyone!

Smart move filing quickly. I waited 3 weeks thinking I might find work right away and ended up regretting it.

That's really helpful to know. I might try that if I run into issues with my claim.

The online portal does show your remaining balance if you know where to look, but it's not very user-friendly.

Yes, your benefit year expires exactly one year from when you first filed, regardless of how many weeks you've used. So if you filed in March 2024, your claim expires in March 2025 even if you have unused weeks left.

That seems really unfair. Why don't you get to use all the weeks you qualified for?

It's designed that way to encourage people to find work quickly rather than spacing out their claims. The system assumes most people will either find work or use up their benefits within the year.

If you're still within your original benefit year, you can reopen your existing claim and use your remaining weeks. You don't have to start over with a new application.

Oh that's good to know! I was worried I'd lose everything if I took a temporary job

Just make sure to report all your work and wages when you reopen. ESD tracks everything and you don't want to get hit with an overpayment later.

I feel you. The delays are insane right now. Have you tried getting help to actually reach someone at ESD?

When I was stuck in adjudication, I used Claimyr to get through to an ESD agent who could explain what was holding up my claim. Sometimes you need that direct contact to move things along. Check out their demo video if you're interested: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

At this point I'll try anything. The not knowing is worse than anything else

How do they calculate what you get? I have no idea what my weekly amount will be

It's based on your wages during your base period. Generally it's about 3.85% of your total base period wages, up to the maximum weekly amount.

Mine was way less than I expected. I think I got like $340 a week even though I made decent money at my last job

Good advice. I made the mistake of filing claims even when I was working just because I thought I should. Used up weeks I could have saved for later.

Exactly. You only have 26 weeks total for the entire benefit year, so use them strategically.

Yes, weeks where you receive standby benefits count toward your 26-week maximum just like regular UI claims.

Good to know. Hopefully I get called back before I use too many weeks

What exactly is standby status? I keep seeing people mention it but don't understand how it's different from regular unemployment

Standby is for temporary layoffs where you expect to return to the same employer within a specific timeframe. You don't have to do job searches but you still get benefits that count toward your 26 weeks.

Correct. The only extensions would be if the state unemployment rate triggers extended benefits, which hasn't happened recently, or if there's federal legislation creating new programs.

It's wild that we went from having like 79 weeks available during COVID to just 26 weeks now. What a difference

Yeah those pandemic programs were temporary though. 26 weeks is the normal amount it's always been in Washington

How much does something like that cost? I'm already stressed about money

I don't want to get into specific pricing, but for me it was worth it to finally get answers about my claim instead of being stuck in limbo. They have info on their website at claimyr.com

I'm definitely checking this out. I've wasted so many hours trying to call ESD directly

Thank you! This thread has been super helpful. At least now I know what to expect

Same here. I had no idea about the benefit year expiring even if you have unused weeks. Good to know

Standby status still counts against your 26 weeks, but you don't have to do job search activities while on standby. You just need to be available if your employer calls you back.