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don't forget you can also do part time work and still collect partial benefits as long as you report it correctly on your weekly claims
The system is honestly pretty straightforward once you get used to it. File your weekly claims every Sunday, document your job search activities, and you'll get your 26 weeks as long as you stay eligible.
Used Claimyr myself when I had issues with my claim going into adjudication unnecessarily. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person at Washington ESD to get things resolved quickly, and that service actually works for getting through the phone lines.
Bottom line for anyone reading this thread: Washington unemployment benefits last 26 weeks maximum. No extensions available right now. Make sure you file your weekly claims on time, meet job search requirements, and plan accordingly. The clock starts ticking when you file your initial claim.
One more thing - if you're getting close to exhausting your 26 weeks, don't just sit around waiting for something to happen. Start exploring other options like training programs, temporary work, or gig work. There's no safety net after those 26 weeks run out.
Exactly. It's better to take something temporary than to have zero income. You can always keep looking for better opportunities while working.
And if you need to discuss your specific situation with Washington ESD about work search requirements or other concerns, services like Claimyr can help you get through to speak with someone who can give you personalized guidance.
Final reminder for everyone: make sure you understand the difference between your initial application and your weekly claims. The application is a one-time thing, but you'll need to file weekly claims every week to continue receiving benefits. Don't confuse the two processes!
This thread should be pinned! So much good information here about filling out the Washington ESD application properly. I wish I had found something like this when I was applying last year.
Agreed! The application process is one of those things where having someone explain it makes all the difference.
That's exactly why services like Claimyr exist - sometimes you just need to talk to someone who understands the system instead of trying to figure it out on your own.
Paloma Clark
Last thing - make sure you start looking for work and logging your job search activities right away. You'll need to show you're actively seeking employment to keep receiving benefits.
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Paloma Clark
•Yes, you'll need to register there and log at least 3 job search activities per week to maintain eligibility.
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Sergio Neal
•Actually it's now 2 job search activities per week as of 2023, but yes you definitely need to register and keep detailed records.
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Heather Tyson
Been following this thread and wanted to add one more thing - if you do get into a dispute with your employer, having access to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD makes a huge difference. That Claimyr thing mentioned earlier really does work, used it myself when I couldn't get through the normal way.
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Tyler Murphy
•Seems like several people have had success with that. I'll definitely keep it in mind if I run into issues getting through to them.
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