How long can I collect unemployment benefits in Washington - maximum duration?

Thanks! I did get a monetary determination but honestly didn't understand all the numbers. It shows 26 weeks so I think I'm good for the full duration.

Yeah the monetary determination can be confusing with all those quarters and wage calculations. As long as it shows 26 weeks you're set for the maximum.

Good point about the job search requirements. How many job contacts do I need to make each week?

It's 3 job search activities per week minimum. Can be applications, networking events, job fairs, etc. Just keep good records in case they audit you.

Have you tried calling right when they open at 8am? That's usually the best time to get through to an agent.

I found this service called Claimyr that actually helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. They handle the calling and waiting for you. Check out claimyr.com - there's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of frustration.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How does it actually work?

Basically they call Washington ESD for you and wait on hold, then connect you when an agent picks up. Way better than spending your whole day trying to get through yourself.

No, the pandemic programs like PEUC ended in 2021. Right now it's just the standard 26 weeks for regular UI benefits. No federal extensions available.

That's correct. The only time you might get extended benefits is during periods of very high unemployment when the state triggers Extended Benefits, but that hasn't happened recently.

So if I find a job after 10 weeks but then lose it again, I'd only have 16 weeks left?

Exactly, assuming you're still within your original benefit year. That's why it's important to understand when your benefit year expires.

Standby is still limited to 26 weeks, but you don't have to do job searches since you're expected to return to your employer. Same duration though.

Oh okay, I was confused about that. Thanks for clarifying!

Yes, if you have sufficient wages in a new base period you can file a new claim and potentially get another 26 weeks. But you need to have worked enough after your last claim to qualify.

The key is having enough wages in quarters that weren't used for your previous claim. It can get complicated so you might want to talk to Washington ESD about your specific situation.

After your unemployment benefits end, you'd need to look into other assistance programs like SNAP or temporary assistance. But hopefully you'll find something before then.

Don't panic about it yet! 26 weeks is actually a decent amount of time to find something. Just stay consistent with your job search and keep filing your weekly claims.

I'll look for that calculator, thanks. The website is pretty confusing to navigate sometimes.

Good point! A lot of people don't realize that partial weeks count the same as full weeks toward your maximum.

I feel you. It's better than nothing but definitely not enough for most people to fully get back on their feet.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already tight on money so not sure if it's worth it.

They don't mention pricing upfront on their site, but honestly the time I saved was worth whatever it cost. Plus I got answers I never would have gotten otherwise.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I feel much more confident about understanding the timeline now.