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

Thanks! So it's always 26 weeks no matter what? I was worried it might be less since I only worked construction and had some slow periods.

Yes, 26 weeks is the maximum for regular UI benefits. Your work history in construction shouldn't hurt you as long as you meet the base period requirements. The seasonal nature is pretty common and Washington ESD accounts for that.

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

Right, it's based on your earnings. Washington ESD uses a formula that looks at your total base period wages divided by your highest quarter earnings. The minimum is usually around 16-18 weeks if you barely qualify.

Thanks! I worked full-time for 2 years so hopefully that's enough. Do they count all 2 years or just certain quarters?

They look at your base period which is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed. So if you filed now, they'd look at your earnings from early 2024 through late 2024.

Oh no, really? I was hoping to get this sorted out quickly since I have bills to pay.

Same here! I tried calling for days and kept getting disconnected. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to an agent. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

Wish I had known about that! I literally called 200+ times over 3 weeks before getting through.

Good point about the job search stuff. Do I need to start that right away or is there a waiting period?

You need to start job search activities immediately, even during your waiting week. Keep track of everything in your job search log because they can audit you anytime.

No, Washington provides up to 26 weeks of regular UI benefits. Some states have less but Washington is 26. Your friend might have been thinking of a different state or maybe she didn't qualify for the full amount.

Also depends on if she had enough earnings in her base period. If you don't have enough work history, you might get fewer weeks even if the maximum is 26.

What's adjudication? Should I be worried about that happening to me?

Adjudication happens when there's something on your claim that needs to be reviewed - like if there's a question about why you left your job or if there's conflicting information. It can take weeks to resolve.

Exactly. And good luck reaching anyone to find out what's actually happening with your case. The phone system is a nightmare.

Good to know. So 26 weeks is the max I should plan for then?

Right, 26 weeks maximum for regular UI benefits. Make sure you're actively job searching and filing your weekly claims on time to keep getting benefits.

Start looking into other resources now - WorkSource has job training programs and there might be other assistance available through DSHS depending on your situation.

Same boat here. I'm at week 22 and getting anxious. Have you tried reaching out to Washington ESD about any training programs that might extend benefits?

I've tried calling but can never get through. Maybe I should try that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier.

Where on the ESD website is that calculator? I've been looking around but can't find it.

It's under the 'Estimate Your Benefits' section when you log into your account. You'll need your wage information from the past year.

Interesting, never heard of that service. Did they charge you anything to help get through to Washington ESD?

They do charge a fee but honestly it was worth it to actually talk to someone and get my questions answered instead of guessing. Way better than spending entire days trying to call.

I might have to try this. I've been calling Washington ESD for weeks about my claim and can never get through.

Yeah I worked pretty consistently the past few years so hopefully I qualify for the full 26 weeks.

I agree their website could be clearer, but the 26-week limit is pretty standard information. The complexity comes from all the different benefit programs and eligibility requirements.

Still ridiculous that you need a PhD to understand basic unemployment benefits. No wonder people are confused and frustrated.

Filing online is definitely the way to go initially. Keep all your documentation and be prepared to provide details about your work history and why you're unemployed.

And if you run into any issues that require talking to someone, seriously consider using Claimyr. Saved me so much frustration compared to trying to call directly.

How many jobs do I need to apply to each week?

You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week. This can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking, etc. Keep detailed records.

yeah and they're pretty strict about this now. I know someone who got disqualified for not having proper documentation of their job search.

What about if you find part-time work while collecting? Does that extend your benefit period?

No, working part-time while collecting doesn't extend the total weeks available. You still have the same maximum, but the weeks might stretch out longer since you're earning partial benefits.

That's confusing. So if I work one day a week, I still use up one of my 26 weeks even though I'm only getting partial payment?

Got it, so no extensions right now. Hopefully I can find something before the 26 weeks run out.

What happens if you can't find work after 26 weeks? Is there any other assistance available?

After regular UI benefits end, you might qualify for other programs like SNAP or TANF, but there's no additional unemployment benefits unless Congress authorizes federal extensions.

Good point, I'll file this week. Better to get the process started even if it takes time to get approved.

Because they don't want to make it easy. The more hoops they make you jump through, the more people give up and don't collect benefits they're entitled to.

While the system can be frustrating, the requirements exist to prevent fraud and ensure benefits go to people who are genuinely unemployed through no fault of their own.

Perfect summary, thank you! I feel much more prepared now.

Don't stress too much! Just be consistent with your weekly claims and keep good records of your job searches. Most people figure it out as they go.

Thanks, I just don't want to mess anything up and lose my benefits by accident.

That's really helpful! I was worried the winter slowdowns would affect my benefits. Good to know they look at the high earning quarters.

I might have to try that. I'm so tired of calling and getting hung up on or waiting on hold for hours.

Same, definitely checking this out if I run into problems with my next claim.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to ESD agents automatically - check out claimyr.com. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Is that legit? I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point.

Yeah it worked for me. I was able to get my benefit duration question answered in about 30 minutes instead of spending days trying to call.

Yeah that seems to be the consistent answer. Hope you find something soon!

How quickly did they get you through the second time?

About 20 minutes that time. Way better than the hours I used to spend trying to call directly.

I understand the frustration, but the formula is designed to be fair based on how much you contributed through payroll taxes. Someone who worked full-time at higher wages contributed more than someone who worked part-time.

i guess that makes sense but still annoying when you just want a straight answer

The requirements exist to ensure benefits go to people actively seeking work. It's not perfect but there are legitimate reasons for the job search and weekly claim requirements.

I get that, but the system could be way more user-friendly without compromising integrity.

You'd need to requalify for a new benefit year. If you worked enough in your new base period, you could get a fresh set of weeks. The unused weeks from your previous claim don't carry over.

Got it, so it's basically starting over with a new claim. That actually sounds better than I expected.

Unfortunately, there aren't extended UI benefits available right now. You might want to look into SNAP (food assistance), housing assistance, or other social services. Also check with WorkSource for additional job training programs.

Thanks, I'll look into those options. Really hoping to find something before my benefits run out completely.

Have you considered expanding your job search to related fields? Sometimes taking a slightly different role can help bridge the gap.

Different states have different maximum durations. Washington's 26 weeks is actually pretty standard - some states do less, some do more. The benefit amount varies more than the duration between states.

Ah okay, that makes more sense. I was confused because I heard we had really good unemployment benefits here.

Yeah same here! I feel much better about taking time to find the right job instead of just grabbing the first thing available.

Just make sure you're still doing your job search requirements every week. Washington ESD is pretty strict about that part.

What's standby status? I haven't heard of that before.

It's when your employer expects to call you back to work within a certain timeframe. You don't have to do job searches but you have to be available when they call you back.

Good point - standby claims can affect your total weeks available since you might go back to work before using all your benefits.

Don't beat yourself up about it. It's better to find a good fit than to jump into something you'll hate or that won't last.

True, but now I'm down to my last few weeks and getting desperate. The pressure is real when you see that countdown.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already strapped for cash being unemployed.

It's worth it when you consider how much time you save. Plus getting your questions answered quickly could prevent issues that might delay your benefits.

That's the letter that shows your weekly benefit amount too, right?

Exactly. It shows your weekly amount, total benefit amount, and the maximum number of weeks you can collect.

Mine took forever to come in the mail. I think they're backed up with processing.

Wait, what? I thought you had as long as you needed to use up your weeks.

Nope, your benefit year is exactly 52 weeks from when you first filed. After that, the claim expires whether you used all the weeks or not.

This is correct. That's why it's important to keep certifying for benefits even if you're doing some part-time work - you don't want to lose weeks by not claiming them.

Agreed! I feel so much more prepared now. Good luck with your job search everyone!

Same here. It's nice to know we're all in this together and helping each other out.

Good to know I'm not the only one who was confused about this!

Yeah that's good advice. I'm hoping to get called back but probably shouldn't count on it.

Exactly. Better to have options than to be scrambling at week 20 with no prospects.

Oh wow, I didn't realize that. So the clock starts ticking right away even if there are delays?

That's right. The benefit year is 52 weeks from when you file, and you can collect up to 26 weeks of benefits within that year.

Thanks for the encouragement! How's the job search going for you?

Getting some interviews finally. It takes time but staying consistent with applications helps.

Good to have that confirmed by someone who's been through it multiple times.

What kind of things count as valid job search activities?

Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, interviews, creating profiles on job sites. They want documentation for everything.

Yeah, keep detailed records. Date, employer name, type of activity, and any contact information. Makes life easier if they audit you.

How much did it cost if you don't mind me asking?

I'd rather not get into specifics about cost, but it was reasonable considering how much time and frustration it saved me.

Better than some states doesn't mean it's good enough. We should expect better from government services.

Fair point, there's always room for improvement.

Thanks everyone! This thread has been really helpful. I feel much more confident about filing my claim now.

Glad we could help! Feel free to ask if you run into any issues during the process.