How long can I collect Washington ESD unemployment benefits - confused about duration limits

Thanks! So even if I find work after 10 weeks, I could still use the remaining weeks later if I lose that job during the same benefit year?

Exactly, as long as you're still within your benefit year and haven't exhausted your maximum benefit amount. Just make sure to report any work when you restart your claim.

Never heard of that service but honestly anything that helps you actually reach Washington ESD sounds useful. Their phone lines are impossible.

Yeah it's been a lifesaver for me. No more sitting on hold for hours just to get hung up on.

The pandemic programs like PEUC ended back in 2021. There can still be extended benefits during high unemployment periods, but Washington would need to trigger those based on unemployment rates. As of now, it's back to the standard 26 weeks.

oh ok that makes sense i was getting confused with all the old info online

Good point! Where do I find that letter? I think I got it but not sure where I put it.

It should be in your eServices account under correspondence, or they mailed you a paper copy when you first filed.

Pro tip: save ALL your Washington ESD documents! You'll need them for taxes and if any issues come up later.

What exactly counts as job search activities? I've been applying to jobs but wondering if there are other things I should be doing.

Job applications, networking events, career fairs, informational interviews, even some online training can count. Keep detailed records in your job search log.

Same here, I'm at week 22 and the pressure is real. Have you considered temp work or part-time jobs? You can still collect partial benefits.

Yeah I've been looking at temp agencies too. Anything to bridge the gap while I find something permanent.

It's 26 calendar weeks, not business days. So if you started January 1st, you'd have benefits through approximately June 30th, regardless of holidays.

That helps a lot, thank you! I was counting wrong.

Totally agree! That's why services like Claimyr are so helpful - sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to get clear answers about your specific situation.

Never heard of them but might be worth checking out. I hate trying to navigate the phone system.

That's interesting! So working part-time could actually help make the benefits last longer?

Exactly, but make sure to report all earnings on your weekly claim. They'll reduce your benefit based on what you earn but you might end up with benefits for more than 26 weeks if you don't hit your maximum amount.

What happens if you mess up the job search requirements? Do they just end your benefits?

they can deny weeks or even disqualify you if you dont meet the requirements. but usually they give you a chance to explain or fix it first

That's when you have to look into other programs like SNAP, housing assistance, food banks, etc. It's not easy but there are other safety nets available.

Thanks, I hadn't thought about researching those options ahead of time. Better to be prepared.

Also look into retraining programs through WorkSource. Some have financial assistance while you're learning new skills.

Do it! I've used Claimyr several times now and it's so much better than the regular phone system. Worth every penny when you actually need to reach someone at Washington ESD.

Going to check out that demo video tonight. Getting real tired of wasting entire days trying to reach them.

Good advice! What kind of verification requests are common?

Identity verification, work history confirmation, job search documentation, sometimes they want to verify why you became unemployed. Just respond fast and provide whatever they ask for.

And keep copies of everything you send them! I had to resubmit documents twice because they lost my paperwork.

Congratulations! That must be such a huge weight off your shoulders. What field are you in?

Thanks! I'm in accounting. Took way longer than expected to find something in my salary range but persistence paid off.

Wait, so if I use up my 26 weeks in month 8 of my benefit year, I can't file a new claim for the remaining 4 months?

Correct, unless you have qualifying wages from work during that benefit year. Most people have to wait for the full year to expire before filing a new claim.

Wow, I did not know that. That's really important information!