Why did ESD only approve me for 22 weeks of benefits instead of full 26 weeks?
I'm totally confused about my recent unemployment approval. I just got my monetary determination letter yesterday and it says I'm only eligible for 22 weeks of benefits. Every other time I've been on unemployment (twice in the past 8 years), I got the full 26 weeks. Nothing has changed with my work history - I've been steadily employed at the same manufacturing company for over 5 years until they closed our facility last month. My earnings are actually higher than before. Did Washington change their rules recently? Has anyone else noticed getting fewer weeks? I'm worried because this could seriously impact my ability to find comparable work in my field, especially since many places are on hiring freezes until April 2025.
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Zainab Khalil
The number of eligible weeks is now based on the state's unemployment rate. In 2024 they changed the system to a sliding scale - when unemployment is lower (like now), you get fewer weeks. When it's higher, you get more weeks, up to the full 26. It's called the Extended Benefits program adjustment. Your 22 weeks means our state unemployment rate is probably hovering around 5.5-6% right now.
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Miguel Ortiz
•Thanks for explaining! No one told me about this change. Is there any way to appeal this or apply for more weeks if I can't find work in my industry within the 22 weeks?
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QuantumQuest
not sure bout the weeks things but have u checked if ur base year wages meet the requirements? sometimes if u didnt work enough quarters they cut ur weeks down. happened to my cousin
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Miguel Ortiz
•I've definitely worked enough! Full-time employment for 5+ years without interruption. The determination letter actually shows all my quarters and wages - they're all well above the minimums. That's why I'm so confused about only getting 22 weeks.
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Connor Murphy
I'M GOING THROUGH THE EXACT SAME THING!!! Got approved for only 21 weeks when I know I should qualify for 26. Been calling ESD for THREE DAYS STRAIGHT and can't get through to anyone who can explain. One rep told me "that's just how it is now" and another one said my claim was calculated wrong but couldn't fix it. The system is BROKEN and they don't care about helping us.
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Yara Haddad
•same. i got 23 weeks. tried 2 get answers but gave up after being on hold 4ever
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Keisha Robinson
The previous poster is correct - Washington now uses a tiered system based on state unemployment rates. Here's how it works: - When unemployment is below 6%: 20-22 weeks maximum - Between 6-7.5%: 23-25 weeks maximum - Over 7.5%: Full 26 weeks This was implemented to balance the unemployment trust fund solvency with claimant needs. Unfortunately, there's no appeal process specifically for the number of weeks - it's a statutory calculation. However, there are two things to consider: 1. If the unemployment rate rises during your claim period, your maximum weeks can increase automatically 2. You should double-check your base year wage calculation is correct - sometimes ESD misses wages from certain quarters that could affect your total You can view your detailed wage calculation in your eServices account under "Monetary Determination."
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Connor Murphy
•But why are they doing this NOW when inflation is still crazy high and companies are laying people off left and right?? It's like they WANT people to end up homeless. My industry (tech) has been devastated and 22 weeks is NOT enough time to find comparable work!!!
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Keisha Robinson
•I understand your frustration. Unfortunately, the system only looks at the unemployment rate, not industry-specific conditions or inflation. If you're in tech, look into the Worker Retraining Program through WorkSource - they can sometimes extend benefits while you train for in-demand skills.
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Paolo Conti
When I ran into a similar situation back in January, I needed answers from ESD but couldn't get through. After days of frustration, someone on this forum recommended Claimyr (claimyr.com). They got me connected to an actual ESD agent in under 30 minutes when I'd been trying for days. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The ESD agent confirmed what others here are saying about the tiered system, but in my case they also found my employer had reported incorrect wage information for one quarter, which affected my total weeks. Worth getting clarification directly from ESD to make sure everything is calculated correctly.
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Miguel Ortiz
•I hadn't heard of this service before. Might try it tomorrow since I've already wasted hours on hold this week. Thanks for sharing!
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QuantumQuest
•does that thing actually work? ESD never answers when i call
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Paolo Conti
•Yes, it worked for me. They basically keep calling ESD for you and transfer you when they get through. Saved me hours of listening to hold music.
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Amina Sow
I think its always been this way??? ive been on unemplyment 3 times and got different weeks each time. once it was 20 weeks, then 26, then 24. nobody ever explains why lol. just take what u can get i guess
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Zainab Khalil
•It hasn't always been a tiered system - that's relatively new. Previously, variations in weeks were likely due to differences in your base year earnings or quarters worked. The system is more structured now with the unemployment rate being the determining factor.
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Miguel Ortiz
UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD after numerous attempts. The agent confirmed what many of you said - they're using a tiered system based on unemployment rates. She also checked my wage records and everything was calculated correctly. Frustrating, but at least I understand now. For anyone else facing this issue, she recommended making the most of WorkSource services to speed up job search. Apparently there are some specialized manufacturing workshops coming up in March that might be helpful for people in my industry. Thanks everyone for your help!
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Connor Murphy
•Did they tell you if there's ANY way to get more weeks? Like what happens if you reach the end of your 22 weeks and still haven't found work? Are we just supposed to live under a bridge?
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Keisha Robinson
•If you exhaust regular benefits and are still unemployed, you might qualify for Training Benefits if you enroll in an approved training program. It's not automatic - you need to apply and be approved, but it can extend your benefits period. There's information on ESD's website under "Training Benefits Program."
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