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

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks maximum? I thought I read somewhere about extensions but wasn't sure if those still exist.

Yes, 26 weeks is the standard maximum. Extensions like PEUC ended after the pandemic programs wrapped up.

You're partially right - you need to meet minimum earnings requirements to qualify, but if you qualify, you still get up to 26 weeks. The earnings affect your weekly benefit amount, not the duration.

oh ok that makes sense, i was confused about that

Thanks for the info. I don't think I'll be called back since the company is downsizing permanently. How do they calculate the exact number of weeks I'm eligible for?

It's based on your earnings in your base period (first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed). Washington ESD divides your total base period wages by your weekly benefit amount to determine your maximum weeks, up to 26.

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 exactly how it works. I finally got my questions answered after weeks of trying on my own.

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

They basically handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent is available. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Correct! The benefit year starts when you file your initial claim, not when you became unemployed. That's why it's important to file as soon as possible after losing your job.

Ugh, wish I had known that earlier. Probably lost out on a couple weeks.

I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks to get clarification on my benefit duration but their phone lines are impossible. Keep getting the busy signal or hung up on after waiting for hours.

Had the same problem with calling Washington ESD until I found claimyr.com - they actually got me through to an agent in like 20 minutes. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Worth checking out if you're stuck in phone hell.

Never heard of that but at this point I'm willing to try anything. Getting so frustrated with this system.

The extended benefits that were available during COVID (like PEUC and PUA) have ended. However, Washington does have an Extended Benefits program that can kick in during periods of high unemployment, but it's not active right now.

That's concerning. Guess I better start job hunting immediately then.

Yeah definitely don't wait around. 26 weeks goes by faster than you think, especially with the job search requirements.

Good point about the job search requirements. How many contacts do I need to make each week?

It's 3 job search activities per week in Washington. Can be applications, interviews, networking events, etc. Keep detailed records because if they audit you and you can't prove it, they'll make you pay everything back.

Good point! I need to set up my WorkSourceWA account for that. Do those job search activities have to be actual applications or can they include networking events and stuff?

They can include various activities - job applications, networking events, job fairs, informational interviews, etc. Just document everything in your job search log.

I found work on week 23! It was cutting it close but don't give up. Use every resource available - WorkSource, networking, online applications.

That's encouraging, thanks! I've been pretty aggressive with job searching but the responses have been slow.

Extended Benefits (EB) are only triggered when unemployment rates hit certain thresholds. Washington's unemployment rate hasn't been high enough to trigger EB lately. Your cousin probably got pandemic-era benefits that ended in 2021.

Oh that makes sense. Didn't realize the pandemic stuff was all done.

Yeah those days are long gone unfortunately. Just the regular 26 weeks max now, assuming you qualify for the full amount.

No, the weekly benefit amount doesn't affect the duration. Everyone who qualifies gets up to 26 weeks regardless of their weekly benefit amount. The weekly amount is based on your wages during the base period.

Got it, that makes sense. I was worried I'd be penalized for having higher wages.

That's reassuring that you still have plenty of time left. Are you finding decent job openings in construction or is it pretty slim pickings?

It's mixed. Lots of residential stuff but commercial is harder to find. I'm being selective though because my last job had terrible safety practices.

You can work part-time and still collect partial benefits, but you need to report all earnings on your weekly claim. The 26-week clock keeps ticking regardless of whether you're getting full or partial benefits.

So basically the weeks count even if I'm not getting full benefits due to part-time work?

Exactly. Each week you file a claim counts toward your 26-week maximum, even if your benefit amount is reduced due to earnings.

Have you looked into WorkSource programs? They sometimes have retraining opportunities that can extend your benefits if you qualify for certain programs.

I tried calling WorkSource but same issue as Washington ESD - can never get through to talk to anyone.

I used Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD when I had questions about extending benefits for training programs. They might be able to connect you to someone who can explain your options. Really helped me avoid the phone runaround.

What kind of backup options are you talking about?

Food assistance, housing assistance, maybe picking up some cash work to bridge the gap. Also look into whether you qualify for any training programs that might extend benefits.

This is solid advice. The cutoff is harsh - one day you're getting benefits, next day nothing. No gradual reduction or anything.

I hear your frustration. Have you tried using Claimyr to get through to an agent? It's been a game-changer for people having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone.

Never heard of it, what is that?

It's a service that helps you connect with ESD agents without the endless hold times. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video that explains it better than I can.

Good tip! Even if I work a few days that week, I should still file?

Yes! Report the work and earnings, but still file. Washington ESD will calculate if you're eligible for partial benefits that week.

Good question. Part-time work reduces your weekly benefit amount but doesn't reduce your total weeks available. So if you're approved for 26 weeks, you still get 26 weeks even if some of those weeks are partial payments due to part-time earnings.

That's actually better than I thought. So working part-time could help stretch things out financially without shortening my benefit period.

You might be able to file a new claim if you've worked enough hours and earned enough wages to establish a new base period. But if not, you'd continue with any remaining weeks from your original claim.

That's complicated. How do I know if I've worked enough for a new claim?

You need to have worked at least 680 hours or earned wages in at least two quarters during your new base period. Washington ESD will determine this when you file.

Good to know there's not some lifetime limit. How long do you have to work before you can qualify for benefits again?

You need to earn at least 6 times your weekly benefit amount in covered employment after your claim ends to establish a new claim. It's not about time worked, it's about earnings.

Yeah their website is garbage. Try logging in early morning or late evening when fewer people are on. That usually works better for me.

I gave up on their website and just call when I need to check something. Well, I use Claimyr to call since I can never get through on my own. At least then I can talk to a real person who can tell me exactly how many weeks I have left.

Might have to look into that. Getting real tired of guessing how much time I have left.

The standard base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim. So if you filed in January 2025, they'd look at January-December 2023 wages.

wait that seems like old wages? what about 2024?

There's usually a lag because they need complete quarter data. If you don't qualify with the standard base period, they can use an alternate base period with more recent wages.

Yes, military service can count. There are special provisions for veterans, and you might be eligible for Unemployment Compensation for Ex-servicemembers (UCX) depending on your situation.

Good to know, I'll look into that when I separate next year.

That must have been incredibly stressful. I'm hoping to find something well before I get to that point.

It definitely was, but it motivated me to take a job I might have passed on earlier. Sometimes that pressure helps you be less picky.

Same thing happened to me. Found work literally the week after my benefits ended. The timing was terrifying but somehow it all worked out.

That's a good reminder. The requirements don't change just because you're near the end of your benefits.

Exactly. They can audit your job search activities at any time during your claim.

Did they charge you a lot for that?

I'm not going to get into pricing here, but for me it was worth it just to finally get my questions answered. Way less stressful than the endless calling.

That pretty much covers it! Thanks everyone for all the helpful info. I feel much more prepared to navigate this now.

Also remember that if you have questions about your specific situation, don't be afraid to reach out to Washington ESD or use resources like Claimyr to get official answers.