How many weeks of unemployment do you get in Washington - confused about benefit duration

In Washington state, you can get up to 26 weeks of regular unemployment insurance benefits. This is the standard maximum for most people who qualify. The exact amount depends on your earnings history, but 26 weeks is the max duration for regular UI claims.

Thank you! So it's definitely 26 weeks maximum? That gives me about 6 months to find something new which feels more manageable.

yeah 26 weeks is right, just make sure you file your weekly claims on time or you'll lose benefits

The 26 weeks is correct for regular unemployment benefits in Washington. However, your weekly benefit amount will be calculated based on your highest earning quarter from the past year. With your $52k salary, you should get a decent weekly amount. Make sure to file your initial claim as soon as possible since there's usually a one-week waiting period.

I already filed my initial claim online through the Washington ESD website. Should I expect the one week waiting period even though I was laid off through no fault of my own?

Yes, the waiting period applies to almost all claims regardless of the reason for job separation. It's just how the system works in Washington.

I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks about my claim status and the phone lines are impossible! Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone? I keep getting disconnected after waiting for hours.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration!

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

Basically they handle all the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when they get an agent on the line. Way better than spending your whole day trying to get through.

Just so you know, during certain economic conditions Washington can extend benefits beyond 26 weeks. But right now we're back to the standard 26 week maximum since the pandemic extensions ended.

Good to know about potential extensions. Hopefully I won't need them but it's reassuring to know they're possible.

Those extensions only happen during really bad recessions or disasters. Don't count on them being available.

make sure you're doing your job searches every week too. washington requires 3 job search activities per week and they do check sometimes

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs or other things too?

Job applications, networking events, career fairs, informational interviews, and using WorkSourceWA all count. Keep detailed records of everything you do.

Thanks, I'll make sure to track everything carefully.

The Washington ESD system is so confusing! I thought I read somewhere that you get fewer weeks if you haven't worked very long. Is that true?

No, the duration is still up to 26 weeks regardless of how long you worked, as long as you meet the minimum earnings requirements to qualify. What changes based on work history is your weekly benefit amount, not the number of weeks.

Oh okay that makes more sense. I was worried I'd only get like 12 weeks since I've only been at my job for 2 years.

I've been on unemployment for 4 months now and still have 10 weeks left. The 26 weeks goes by faster than you think when you're job hunting though. Start looking immediately even if you think you have plenty of time.

Good advice. I'm already updating my resume and reaching out to contacts. Hoping to find something before I use up all 26 weeks.

Smart approach. The job market is competitive right now so give yourself as much time as possible.

Does anyone know if the 26 weeks resets if you work for a while and then get laid off again? Or do you have to wait a certain period?

You can establish a new claim if you've worked and earned enough wages since your last claim. The specific requirements are based on earning sufficient wages in your base period for the new claim.

That's helpful to know. Hopefully won't need it but good info to have.

Washington ESD's phone system is THE WORST. I spent literally 6 hours on hold yesterday just to get hung up on. How is this acceptable in 2025?

I know someone who used a service called Claimyr to get through. They said it was worth it just to avoid the endless calling. The website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out.

At this point I'm desperate enough to try anything. Thanks for the suggestion!

For everyone asking about getting through to Washington ESD - I finally connected with an agent last week using Claimyr. Took them about 2 hours to get me through but way better than the days I wasted trying myself. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that explains how it works.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like it might be expensive.

Actually way more reasonable than I expected, especially compared to the time I was wasting. Check their site for current info.

Might be worth it if you really need to talk to someone. The regular phone lines are impossible.

Just want to confirm - if I worked part time for the past year, do I still get 26 weeks of benefits?

As long as you meet the minimum earnings requirements, yes. Part-time work can still qualify you for unemployment benefits, though your weekly amount might be lower than someone who worked full-time.

Thanks! I was worried part-time work wouldn't count.

The whole unemployment system is designed to make you give up. 26 weeks sounds like a lot but it goes fast when you're dealing with Washington ESD bureaucracy and impossible phone lines.

I hear you on the frustration but try to stay positive. 26 weeks is actually pretty generous compared to some states.

I guess you're right. Just wish the system was easier to navigate when you're already stressed about losing your job.

Quick question - do you have to use all 26 weeks or can you stop claiming if you find a job earlier?

You can absolutely stop claiming benefits once you find employment. Just stop filing your weekly claims and report your return to work. No requirement to use all 26 weeks.

Perfect, that's what I thought but wanted to make sure.

Been collecting for 18 weeks now and getting nervous about running out. Anyone know if there are other programs after regular UI ends?

There aren't any automatic extensions right now. You might look into other assistance programs through DSHS or local resources depending on your situation.

Thanks, I'll start researching backup options just in case.

The 26 week limit includes any waiting periods right? So it's not 26 weeks plus the waiting week?

Correct, the waiting week counts toward your 26 week maximum. So you effectively get 25 weeks of paid benefits plus the unpaid waiting week.

Got it, thanks for clarifying that detail.