Washington ESD - how long can unemployment be collected before it runs out?
I just got laid off from my construction job after 8 years and filed for unemployment with Washington ESD. My benefits got approved and I'm getting my weekly payments, but I'm wondering how long this can actually last? I've heard different things from people - some say 6 months, others say it depends on how much you worked. Does anyone know the actual rules for how long you can collect UI benefits in Washington? I'm trying to plan my job search timeline and budget accordingly.
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CosmicCommander
In Washington state, regular unemployment benefits last up to 26 weeks (6 months) maximum. This is based on your base period wages and how much you earned during your highest quarter. The exact number of weeks depends on your work history - if you worked consistently, you'll get the full 26 weeks.
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Oliver Zimmermann
•Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max? I worked full time for 8 years so I should qualify for the full amount then.
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Natasha Volkova
•Yeah that's right, 26 weeks is the standard maximum. But you also have to meet the weekly job search requirements to keep getting benefits each week.
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Javier Torres
Just to add - the 26 weeks starts from when you first file your claim, not from when you get approved. So if there was any delay in processing, that time still counts toward your 26 weeks. Also make sure you're filing your weekly claims every week even if you haven't heard back yet.
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Oliver Zimmermann
•Good to know about the timing. I filed about 2 weeks ago and just got approved, so I guess I have 24 weeks left?
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Javier Torres
•Exactly - your benefit year started when you first filed, so you'd have 24 weeks remaining of eligibility.
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Emma Davis
One thing to keep in mind is that Washington ESD can be really hard to reach if you have questions about your claim. I spent weeks trying to call them about my benefit duration and could never get through. Recently discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you connected to a Washington ESD agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration when I needed to verify my remaining weeks.
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Malik Johnson
•Interesting, never heard of that service. Does it actually work for getting through to Washington ESD?
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Emma Davis
•Yeah it worked for me. I was able to talk to an actual Washington ESD representative and get my questions answered about my remaining benefit weeks. Much better than sitting on hold for hours.
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Oliver Zimmermann
•That sounds helpful - I'll definitely look into that if I run into issues. Thanks for sharing!
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Isabella Ferreira
wait i thought it was longer than 26 weeks? my friend collected for like 8 months during covid
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CosmicCommander
•During COVID there were extended benefits and special programs like PUA and PEUC that lasted longer. But those ended in 2021. Regular UI is back to the standard 26 weeks maximum.
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Isabella Ferreira
•oh ok that makes sense. so its back to normal now
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Ravi Sharma
The 26 weeks is just for regular unemployment insurance. If you exhaust those benefits and unemployment is still high in Washington, there might be extended benefits available, but that's pretty rare and depends on economic conditions. Don't count on it - plan for 26 weeks max.
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Oliver Zimmermann
•Got it, so 26 weeks is what I should plan for. Hopefully I can find something before then!
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NebulaNomad
•Yeah definitely start your job search right away. The job search requirements are 3 contacts per week minimum, so you'll be looking anyway.
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Natasha Volkova
Also remember that your weekly benefit amount is calculated based on your wages during your base period. It's not the same for everyone - higher earners get more per week but everyone gets the same 26 week maximum duration.
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Oliver Zimmermann
•Right, I'm getting $847 per week which seems about right based on what I was making in construction.
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Freya Thomsen
•That's a good weekly amount! Make sure you're reporting any part-time work if you pick up odd jobs while looking for full-time work.
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Omar Fawaz
Don't forget you can also check your remaining weeks in your Washington ESD account online. It should show you exactly how many weeks of benefits you have left out of the 26 total.
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Oliver Zimmermann
•Good idea, I'll log into my account and check that. Still getting used to navigating the Washington ESD website.
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Chloe Martin
•The website can be confusing at first but once you find where everything is, it's easier to track your claim status and remaining weeks.
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Diego Rojas
26 weeks goes by faster than you think, especially if you're being picky about jobs. I used up all mine and had to take a job that paid less than I wanted just to avoid running out of benefits completely.
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Oliver Zimmermann
•Yeah that's what I'm worried about. Hopefully construction picks up again soon so I can get back to what I know.
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Anastasia Sokolov
•Construction usually picks up in spring/summer, so timing might work out okay for you depending on when your benefits would run out.
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StarSeeker
Just to clarify - the 26 weeks is your total benefit year, but if you find a job and then get laid off again within the same benefit year, you can't file a new claim. You'd just continue with whatever weeks you had left from the original 26.
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Oliver Zimmermann
•Oh interesting, I didn't know that. So if I work for 2 months and get laid off again, I'd still only have whatever weeks were left from my original claim?
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StarSeeker
•Exactly. You'd need to work enough to qualify for a new benefit year to get a fresh 26 weeks. Otherwise you just use up your remaining weeks from the current claim.
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Sean O'Donnell
The system is honestly frustrating - 26 weeks sounds like a lot but when you're actually looking for decent work that matches your skills, it's not much time. And trying to get answers from Washington ESD about anything is impossible.
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Emma Davis
•That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - got tired of never being able to reach anyone at Washington ESD when I had questions about my claim. At least with that service I could actually talk to someone.
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Zara Ahmed
•I might have to look into that too. I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my claim status with no luck.
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Luca Esposito
For construction workers specifically, a lot of people cycle through unemployment seasonally. Just make sure you're meeting all the requirements each week - filing your weekly claim, doing your job searches, and staying available for work.
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Oliver Zimmermann
•Yeah I'm used to some seasonal downtime, but this layoff was unexpected. Definitely staying on top of all the weekly requirements.
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Nia Thompson
•Construction can be tough with the seasonal nature. At least unemployment helps bridge the gap during slower periods.
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Mateo Rodriguez
One more thing - if you're doing any training or education while on unemployment, make sure it's approved by Washington ESD first. Some programs let you keep collecting benefits while in training, but you need approval beforehand.
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Oliver Zimmermann
•Good point! I was thinking about maybe taking some courses to upgrade my skills. I'll look into what programs Washington ESD approves.
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GalaxyGuardian
•The WorkSource offices can help you find approved training programs that won't interfere with your unemployment benefits.
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Aisha Abdullah
Bottom line - you get 26 weeks maximum in Washington, period. Use that time wisely to find something good rather than just taking the first thing that comes along if you can afford to be selective.
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Oliver Zimmermann
•That's the plan. Thanks everyone for all the helpful info about the 26 week limit and other requirements!
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Ethan Wilson
•Good luck with your job search! Construction should pick up again soon with better weather coming.
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Yuki Tanaka
Just remember to keep track of your job search activities too - Washington ESD can audit your job search log at any time and if you don't have proper documentation, they can deny your benefits even if you're within the 26 week limit.
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Oliver Zimmermann
•Yeah I'm keeping a spreadsheet of all my job applications and contacts. Better safe than sorry with Washington ESD.
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Carmen Diaz
•Smart approach! The job search requirements are strict and they do check up on people sometimes.
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