How long can I claim unemployment benefits in Washington state?

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max? I thought I heard something about extensions but maybe that was during COVID?

Right, 26 weeks is the standard maximum. Extensions only happen during special circumstances like recessions. The COVID extensions ended in 2021.

What's the job search requirement exactly? Do I have to apply to a certain number of jobs each week?

yeah 3 job contacts per week minimum. gotta log them in WorkSourceWA too or washington esd will deny your weekly claim

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

That sounds too good to be true. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

No it's legit, I was skeptical too but they actually got me through to Washington ESD in like 20 minutes. Way better than spending all day redialing.

How do I know if I qualify for training benefits? Is that something I apply for separately?

You'd need to contact WorkSource Washington about approved training programs. It has to be pre-approved and related to in-demand occupations. Not everyone qualifies.

No, everyone gets the same maximum duration of 26 weeks regardless of how long you worked. Your work history affects your weekly benefit amount, not the duration.

thats stupid but ok thanks for explaining

honestly id start applying everywhere at this point. you can always quit if you find something better but at least youll have income

Remember that Washington ESD requires you to accept suitable work. If you turn down jobs that match your skills and experience, they could disqualify you from benefits.

What counts as 'suitable work'? I was making $25/hour before, do I have to take a $15/hour job?

Only during federal extension programs, which are activated during high unemployment periods. Washington state doesn't have its own extended benefits program currently.

So basically I shouldn't count on anything beyond 26 weeks. Got it, thanks.

The benefit year starts from when you filed, not when it's approved. So if you're in adjudication, you're still using up your benefit year duration. I learned this the hard way with my own claim.

That's frustrating. So I could lose weeks of benefits just because they're taking forever to process my claim?

This is exactly why I used Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD about my adjudication. They were able to explain what was holding up my claim and it got resolved much faster.

If you won your appeal, you should be able to claim the weeks you were disqualified for as back pay. The 26 week maximum still applies to your benefit year, but you shouldn't lose weeks due to Washington ESD errors.

Good to know. The appeal process took 2 months so I was worried I lost a bunch of time.

You have to establish a new benefit year, which requires sufficient earnings in your base period. If you worked long enough at the new job, you can file a new claim with a fresh 26 week maximum.

how long do you have to work to qualify for a new claim?

You need earnings in at least two quarters of your base year period. The specific amounts depend on your wages, but generally you need to work several months to requalify.

Yes, you can apply for SNAP (food stamps) and other assistance programs through DSHS. There's no waiting period between unemployment ending and applying for other benefits.

Thanks, I'll look into that. This whole system is so stressful.

yeah but at least washington pays pretty good weekly amounts compared to some states. my buddy in florida only got like $275 a week max

True, I'm getting $844/week which is decent. Still wish it lasted longer though.

No, working part-time while collecting doesn't extend your benefit year duration. You still have the same 26 week maximum, but your weekly benefit amount may be reduced based on your part-time earnings.

OK that makes sense. So I should probably focus on finding full-time work before my benefits run out.

The official info is buried in their policy manuals. When I used Claimyr to talk to an Washington ESD agent, they confirmed it's definitely 26 weeks maximum for regular UI benefits. No exceptions unless there are federal extensions.

Thank you! Finally a definitive answer from someone who actually talked to Washington ESD.

Perfect, that settles it. Thanks everyone for all the info. Sounds like I need to get serious about job hunting!

Good point. I'd rather get back to work and save those weeks in case I need them later.

Exactly. Think of unemployment as a safety net, not a vacation. The sooner you're back to work, the sooner you're rebuilding your career.

thats good to know. i was worried 26 weeks wasnt enough time but sounds like were lucky compared to other places

Thanks to everyone who answered! This thread was super helpful. Time to update my resume and start applying seriously.

Same here. At least now I know exactly what I'm working with time-wise.