Washington ESD - how long can you be on unemployment for in 2025?

Thanks! So 26 weeks is the absolute max? What if I can't find work by then?

Yes, 26 weeks is the maximum for regular UI benefits. After that, you'd need to look into other programs or requalify for a new benefit year if you've worked enough.

What counts as job search activities? Just applying for jobs or other stuff too?

Applications count, but so do things like attending job fairs, networking events, interviews, skills training. You log it all in WorkSourceWA.

Never heard of that before. Is it legit? I hate calling Washington ESD because I can never get through.

Yeah it's real. I used it when my claim got stuck in adjudication. They basically call for you and get you connected to an actual person at Washington ESD. Check out claimyr.com if you want to see more.

Interesting, might have to try that if I run into issues with my weekly claims.

Every state has different rules. In Washington, it's up to 26 weeks. Some states have less, some have more depending on their unemployment rate.

That's so stupid. Why can't it just be the same everywhere?

How do I find out what my base period earnings were? Is that something I can check online?

Yes, you can see your wage history when you log into your Washington ESD account online. It shows all the employers who reported wages for you.

When do you have to file the weekly claims? Is there a specific day?

every week you have to file by the end of the week for the previous week. i do mine on sundays. don't miss it or you're screwed for that week.

What's alternate base period? Never heard of that.

It's when they use the last 4 completed quarters instead of the first 4 of the last 5. Sometimes helps if your recent earnings were higher than older quarters.

Exactly right. Alternate base period can help people who recently increased their earnings or had gaps in employment.

So I won't get paid for the first week I file?

Right, the first week is unpaid. It's called the waiting week. Benefits start from week 2 if you're eligible.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. When my claim got stuck, I used their service and actually got through to someone who could explain what was happening. Saved me weeks of frustration.

I might have to try that. I'm desperate at this point. Can't keep calling and getting nowhere.

Yeah the pandemic extended benefits are long gone. It's back to just regular state benefits now.

Good to know. So I definitely need to use these 26 weeks wisely.

How do they check if you're really looking for work?

Random audits, employer callbacks, checking your WorkSourceWA activity. They take it seriously so keep good records of everything you do.

You can work part-time and still collect partial benefits as long as you report all earnings. Your benefits will be reduced based on what you earn, but you can still collect for the full 26 weeks potentially.

That's helpful, thanks. So working part-time doesn't reduce the number of weeks, just the weekly amount?

Correct. The 26-week maximum stays the same regardless of part-time work, as long as you're still partially unemployed.

Any specific tips for manufacturing jobs? That's kind of similar to warehouse work.

Check with temp agencies, they often have manufacturing positions that can turn permanent. Also look into apprenticeship programs if you want to level up your skills.

Really? How does that work exactly?

It's called Training Benefits. If you're approved for certain training programs, you might be able to extend benefits while you complete the training. Check with WorkSourceWA about what's available.

Good luck with your interviews! How many applications did you put in before getting interviews?

Probably around 50-60 applications. It's a numbers game but quality matters too. Tailor your resume for each job.

So if I find a job after 10 weeks but get laid off again, I could still use my remaining 16 weeks?

Exactly, as long as it's within the same benefit year and you still have weeks remaining on your original claim.

Thanks for the reality check. I definitely don't want to waste time feeling sorry for myself.

Yeah, use the time productively. Update your resume, learn new skills, network. Make yourself more marketable.

Seems like a few people have mentioned that service. Good to know it's an option if I run into problems.

Yeah, I wish I had known about it sooner. Would have saved me weeks of calling and getting nowhere with Washington ESD's phone system.

Perfect summary, thank you! This thread has been really helpful. Feel much more prepared now.

Glad we could help! Remember to file your initial claim as soon as possible if you haven't already. Don't wait.