How long can I get unemployment benefits in Washington - confused about duration limits

Thanks, that makes more sense. So I have up to 26 weeks total, not a full year of benefits.

Yeah and make sure you're doing your job search requirements every week or they'll cut you off early.

That would be over multiple benefit years. Each time you establish a new claim, you get up to 26 weeks for that benefit year.

Ohhhh ok that explains it. I thought it was 26 weeks total ever.

Is that legit? I've never heard of using a service to call ESD.

Yeah it's real, they basically call ESD for you and get you connected to an actual person. Saved me so much time and frustration.

How much does something like that cost though?

While there are strict requirements, most people who follow the rules consistently do receive their full 26 weeks. The key is staying on top of your weekly claims and job search documentation.

Easy to say when you haven't dealt with their adjudication department for months on end.

What counts as job search activities? I've been mostly just applying to jobs online.

Online applications count, but you can also do things like attend job fairs, networking events, or WorkSource workshops. Just keep good records of everything.

That's reassuring to hear from someone with experience.

Were you ever on any kind of standby status or was it always regular unemployment?

So after 26 weeks, that's it unless I work again?

Correct. You'd need to work and earn sufficient wages to establish a new claim. The specific earnings requirements are based on your base period wages.

Which is why they want you to find ANY job, even if it pays way less than what you made before.

There are some training programs approved by Washington ESD that might allow you to continue receiving benefits while in training, but these are specific programs and you need approval beforehand.

Good to know, I might look into that if I can't find work in my field.

The duration is the same regardless of how long you worked at your last job. However, working longer usually means you earned more wages, which affects your weekly benefit amount, not the duration.

oh ok so i might get more money per week but same number of weeks

Exactly. Your weekly benefit amount is based on your earnings during your base period, but everyone gets the same maximum duration of 26 weeks.

I might need to try that if I run into problems. The phone system seems impossible.

yeah i've heard good things about services like that from other people too

Wait, so if my claim was in adjudication for 2 weeks, do I lose those 2 weeks from my 26?

No, you don't lose weeks during adjudication - those weeks can be paid retroactively if you're approved. But your benefit year clock is still ticking.

That's correct. The 26-week duration is about how many weeks you can actually collect benefits, not about the calendar time of your benefit year.

How detailed do the records need to be?

Keep records of employer names, positions applied for, dates, and method of contact. Screenshot online applications if possible.

Are you having trouble finding work in your field?

yeah everything wants either way more experience or way less money than what i was making. it's frustrating.

same boat here, the job market is rough right now

When you log into your SecureAccess Washington account and check your claim summary, it should show your remaining benefit amount, which you can divide by your weekly benefit amount to see roughly how many weeks are left.

Thanks, I'll check that out.

Perfect summary, thank you! This clears up all my confusion about the timeframes.

Definitely consider that Claimyr service if you need to call ESD - it really does save time and stress.

Working part-time can reduce your weekly benefit amount, but it doesn't extend the 26-week limit. However, if you earn enough from part-time work, it might help you qualify for a new claim later.

ok good to know, i was thinking about taking some temporary work

Good advice. I'm definitely going to be strategic about my job search.

wish someone had told me that at the beginning, i wasted the first month being too picky

What do you mean they make it more difficult as time goes on?

More scrutiny of your job search, random requests for documentation, eligibility reviews. They have ways of pressuring people to take any job.

While ESD does have ongoing eligibility requirements, most claimants who consistently follow the rules don't experience increased scrutiny over time.

You're welcome! Good luck with your job search, and don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions.

And remember about Claimyr if you need to reach ESD for anything - much easier than trying to call yourself!