Washington ESD unemployment - how many weeks does unemployment last?

Thanks! So even if I worked for 10 years, it would still max out at 26 weeks?

Correct - the duration is the same regardless of how long you worked. What changes based on work history is your weekly benefit amount, not the duration.

The extensions only happen during economic emergencies or recessions. Regular times it's just the 26 weeks.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Really? Does it actually work? I'm so frustrated with not being able to get answers about my claim.

Yeah it worked for me. I was able to get my questions answered about my weekly claim filing and they explained the whole 26-week timeline clearly.

Wait, seriously? That seems unfair if they're taking forever to process claims.

Actually that's not correct. The 26 weeks starts from when you first receive a payable week, not when you file. Processing delays don't count against your benefit year.

Are you sure? I thought I read somewhere that the benefit year starts from filing date.

Good point. I'm still waiting for my first payment but I've been filing weekly like they said.

This is so important! I missed filing one week early on and lost that week's benefits forever.

Washington eliminated the waiting week requirement. You can get paid for your first week of unemployment if you're eligible.

Oh that's good news! Thanks for clarifying.

After 26 weeks you'd need to file a new claim if you're still unemployed, but you need sufficient wages in your new base period. Otherwise you're out of luck unless Congress passes emergency extensions.

What if I haven't worked enough to qualify for a new claim? Just SOL?

That's when you'd need to look into other assistance programs like SNAP or TANF. Unemployment has time limits.

Sounds like there might be some confusion about your claim. Sometimes if you have partial weeks or weeks where you earned too much, it affects the count.

This is exactly why I used Claimyr to get through to someone who could actually explain my claim properly. The regular customer service line is useless.

You lose them. Each benefit year is separate. If you get laid off again later, you'd file a new claim based on your recent work history.

Damn, that sucks. Guess I better make sure this job is stable before I take it.

Don't turn down good work just to collect unemployment! The whole point is to get you back to work.

True, but cost of living here is way higher than Florida so 26 weeks doesn't go as far.

Fair point. Still better than nothing though.

Same 26 week limit applies to standby claims. Standby just means you're waiting to be recalled to work, but you're still using your regular UI benefits.

Got it, thanks. My union rep wasn't clear on that.

Don't panic apply! Focus on quality applications for jobs you actually want. Better to have 5 good applications than 50 trash ones.

easy for you to say, bills don't care about quality applications

There used to be training extensions but they're rare now. You'd need approval from Washington ESD and it has to be for an approved training program. Most people don't qualify.

Ah okay, probably not worth pursuing then. Thanks!

You're in the gap - too recent to qualify for new UI but old claim is used up. This is when you apply for other assistance programs.

Check if you qualify for Pandemic unemployment assistance... oh wait that ended years ago. Yeah you might be stuck.

Great, so I'm just screwed then. Thanks unemployment system.

Good advice. I'm already sending out applications even though I just got laid off last week.

Yep, and keep track of your job search activities. Washington ESD requires you to be actively looking for work.

Wait really? Even if you're only getting like $50 that week because of the part time work?

Yep, any week you file a claim counts toward the 26, regardless of how much you actually receive.

Don't stress too much! Most people find work before hitting 26 weeks. The key is staying active in your search and not getting comfortable with the benefits.

I found work at week 14 of my claim. The unemployment gave me breathing room to be selective and find something good instead of just taking anything.

That's reassuring, thank you both.

Good luck getting through though. I tried calling 47 times last week and never got through to a human.

That's exactly why I recommend Claimyr - it cuts through all that busy signal nonsense and gets you connected to an actual agent who can give you specific answers about your claim.

Might have to try that. This is ridiculous.

Perfect summary, thank you! This thread has been really helpful in understanding the timeline.

Agreed, lots of good info here. Good luck with your job search OP!