How many weeks unemployment can I get in Washington ESD?

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max? I worked full time for 2 years so I should qualify for the full amount right?

Yes, with 2 years of steady work you should qualify for the maximum. Just make sure to file your weekly claims on time and meet the job search requirements.

The benefit year starts from your claim filing date, but you won't receive payments until adjudication is complete. If approved, you'll get backpay for eligible weeks.

That's somewhat reassuring. I just wish I could get through to someone at Washington ESD to check on my status. The phone lines are always busy.

I had the same problem with getting through to Washington ESD - couldn't reach anyone for weeks. Then I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually got me connected to an agent within a few hours. They have this demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Honestly saved me so much frustration.

The pandemic programs like PEUC and PUA ended in 2021. Currently, Washington only offers the standard 26 weeks unless Congress passes new federal extensions, which isn't happening right now.

Got it, thanks for clarifying. So 26 weeks is all we get for regular unemployment in 2025.

You'd need to establish a new benefit year, which requires sufficient earnings in your new base period. If you don't have enough earnings, you might still have weeks left from your original claim.

This is confusing. So I might have leftover weeks from my first claim?

Exactly. If your benefit year hasn't expired and you haven't used all 26 weeks, you can continue on the same claim if you don't qualify for a new one.

That's what I'm worried about. 6 months sounds like a long time but I know it'll fly by when I'm job hunting.

Start applying immediately, don't wait. And document everything for your job search log - Washington ESD is strict about those requirements.

There's no automatic extension program right now. You might qualify for other assistance like food stamps or temporary assistance, but those are separate from unemployment benefits.

Thanks, I'll look into those options. This whole system is so complicated.

Yes, any week you file a claim counts toward your 26 weeks, even if it's a partial claim due to part-time work.

Good to know, thanks! I was hoping partial weeks wouldn't count against me.

There are training programs that can extend benefits in some cases, but they have specific requirements and aren't available to everyone. You'd need to check with WorkSource Washington.

I'll contact them ASAP. Only 6 weeks left and I need more time to find something.

If you need to speak with someone at Washington ESD about training extensions, I'd recommend trying Claimyr again. They helped me get through when I needed to discuss my benefit options. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

I agree it's not enough, but that's been the standard for decades. Some states have even less.

Just because it's standard doesn't make it right. Cost of living has skyrocketed but benefit duration hasn't changed.

Washington eliminated the waiting week in 2020. You can receive benefits for all eligible weeks from your claim start date.

That's good news at least. Every week counts when you only get 26 total.

Higher earnings in your base period increase your weekly benefit amount, not the number of weeks. Everyone who qualifies gets up to 26 weeks maximum.

Ah okay, so it's either 26 weeks or whatever you qualify for based on work history, but never more than 26.

If you find work before your benefit year expires, those unused weeks are still available if you become unemployed again within the same benefit year.

That's actually helpful to know. So there's some flexibility there.

Same problem here! The website is confusing and the phone is impossible.

This is exactly why I used Claimyr - I needed to know my exact benefit status and couldn't get through on my own. They connected me to an agent who explained everything clearly. Worth checking out if you're stuck.

I might have to try that. This is so frustrating when you just need basic information.

How long did it actually take you to find something?

About 4 months, so I had a couple weeks of benefits left. But I know people who've searched for much longer.

Good point. The resources are out there, you just have to know where to look.

Thanks everyone for all the info. Sounds like I need to plan for 26 weeks max and start job hunting immediately.