How long can I draw unemployment benefits in Washington - confused about time limits

Thank you! So it's UP TO 26 weeks, not guaranteed 26 weeks? How do I find out my specific number of weeks?

Yes exactly - check your monetary determination letter that Washington ESD sent you. It should show your weekly benefit amount and total potential benefits. Divide the total by your weekly amount to get your weeks.

Good point about the job searches. How many do I need to do each week?

You need to do at least 3 job search activities per week and log them in your WorkSource account. Don't skip this or they'll disqualify you.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay to talk to Washington ESD.

I get the frustration but honestly it was worth it for me. Spent days trying to call on my own and getting nowhere. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person about your specific situation.

This is crucial info. I know people who were expecting extensions that don't exist anymore.

Wait, so if I use up my 26 weeks or whatever I qualify for, that's it? No more unemployment?

Correct - unless Washington state implements its own extended benefits program (which only happens during very high unemployment periods), you're done after your regular UI exhausts.

That's what I'm worried about. I had about 6 months unemployed before this job. Will that hurt my benefit duration?

It depends on your base period. Washington ESD looks at the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed. If that gap falls in your base period, it could reduce your benefits.

So I have a year to use up my allotted weeks? That's helpful to know.

Exactly. But remember you still have to be actively looking for work and able/available. You can't just coast for a year.

I'm so frustrated with Washington ESD right now. My claim shows pending and I have no idea if I even qualify for benefits let alone how long.

That pending status is the worst. At least when you talk to an agent they can tell you what's holding it up. Check out that Claimyr video demo if you're stuck.

Wait, what? There's an unpaid week at the beginning? That seems unfair when you're already struggling financially.

Yeah it's frustrating but that's how Washington does it. The waiting week is supposed to be served during your first week of unemployment, then you get paid starting week 2 if eligible.

Actually I think they waived the waiting week during COVID but it's back now. One more thing that got harder for unemployed people.

You can't really 'appeal' for more weeks. The duration is based on your wages and work history. Extended benefits only kick in during high unemployment periods statewide.

So I'm just screwed if I can't find work by week 26? This is terrifying.

Look into other assistance programs through DSHS or local resources. Also consider expanding your job search to related fields or temporary work to bridge the gap.

$14,820 divided by $569 = exactly 26 weeks. You qualified for the full duration based on your work history.

Thanks! That makes sense. Good to know I have the full 26 weeks if needed.

Good advice. I keep hoping my old job will call me back but I should probably assume they won't.

Exactly. Hope for the best but plan for the worst. The job search requirement protects your benefits too.

That's harsh but technically correct. You have to be ready to accept suitable work Monday through Friday during normal business hours.

Yeah I learned that the hard way. Had to appeal and explain it was just temporary. Be very careful what you report on your weekly claims.

I might have to try that. Been trying to call for days about a potential overpayment notice and can't get through.

That's somewhat reassuring. I was worried Washington might be stingier than other places.

Yeah the maximum weekly benefit in Washington is like $999 which is way higher than states like Florida or Arizona.

So if I'm still unemployed after a year, I can't just keep collecting on the same claim?

Correct. You'd need to have worked and earned sufficient wages to establish a new claim. Otherwise your unemployment benefits would be exhausted.