How long am I eligible for unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

Thanks! So I have a full year to use up those 26 weeks if I need to? That's good to know.

Yeah but don't forget about the job search thing. You need to do 3 job search activities per week and keep a log.

Got it, so no extensions right now. Do you know if they ever bring those back or is it just during emergencies?

Extensions usually only happen during recessions or major economic downturns when unemployment rates get really high statewide.

I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD when I couldn't reach them. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Really? How does that work exactly? I'm desperate at this point.

It basically handles the calling process for you so you don't have to sit on hold. They call you back when they get an agent on the line.

What requirement? Usually if you get cut off early it's because of job search issues or not reporting work/earnings properly.

They said something about not being actively seeking work but I was doing my 3 activities every week! Never got a clear explanation.

You should appeal that decision if you were meeting the job search requirements. Sounds like there might have been a mistake.

WorkSourceWA? Is that separate from my Washington ESD account? I haven't set that up yet.

Yes it's a different site but you'll need it for job search tracking. Go to worksourcewa.com and create an account.

After 26 weeks your claim ends unless there are federal extensions available, which there aren't right now. You'd have to wait until your benefit year ends to potentially file a new claim if you have new qualifying wages.

So basically I need to find work in the next 3 weeks or I'm out of luck until next year?

Pretty much, unless you have earnings from work during your benefit year that would qualify you for a new claim. But that's complicated.

26 weeks is about 6 months, not 4. Maybe you're thinking of some other program?

oh yeah you're right, I was thinking of something else. thanks

How do they calculate the weekly amount? Mine shows $340 but I'm not sure how they got that number.

It's based on your earnings in your base period, which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 quarters before you filed. There's a formula but it's complicated.

Was it expensive? I'm hesitant to pay for something like that.

It was worth it for the time saved. Much better than spending entire days trying to call and getting nowhere.

I'm skeptical of services like that but if it actually works... might be worth trying since I can never get through either.

What if I get a part time job? Can I still collect some benefits?

Yes, you can work part time and still get partial benefits as long as you report all your earnings. They'll reduce your weekly benefit amount based on what you earn.

They do send a monetary determination letter that shows your benefit amount and duration, but it's not always easy to understand.

I got that letter but it's full of jargon. I just want to know in plain English how long I can collect benefits.

That was during the Great Recession when there were multiple federal extension programs. Normal times it's just 26 weeks in Washington.

Ah that makes sense. Too bad those aren't available anymore.

Really? So if I work for a few months then get laid off again, I can still use the remaining weeks from my original claim?

Exactly, as long as it's within your benefit year. But you still need to file weekly claims and meet all the requirements.

I hit 26 weeks last year. You get a notice that your claim has ended and no more benefits are available. Pretty anticlimactic after 6 months of weekly claims.

Did you have any options after that or were you just done?

Done until I could establish a new claim with new qualifying wages. Fortunately I found work a few weeks later.

That's a good point. It's a balancing act between being selective and not running out of benefits.

I hadn't thought about that strategy aspect. Definitely something to keep in mind as I search.

How do they define 'suitable work'? Does it have to be the exact same job I had before?

No, it doesn't have to be identical, but it should generally match your skills and pay reasonably close to your previous wage, especially early in your claim.

The definition of suitable work gets broader as your claim goes on too. By the end they expect you to consider jobs that pay less than what you made before.

Glad we could help! Just remember to stay on top of your weekly claims and job search requirements. Good luck with your job hunt!

Definitely feeling more confident about navigating this process now. Really appreciate everyone sharing their knowledge and experiences.