How long can I get unemployment benefits in Washington - need to plan ahead

Thanks! Do you know how they calculate the exact number of weeks? I'm worried I might not get the full 26.

They divide your total base period wages by your weekly benefit amount. So if you earned $30,000 in your base year and get $400/week, you'd qualify for about 20 weeks maximum.

Extensions aren't automatic anymore like they were during COVID. You'd need to check if you qualify for Extended Benefits (EB) but Washington's unemployment rate has to be high enough to trigger it.

Ugh, that's what I was afraid of. Guess I better step up my job search efforts.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already tight on money.

It's worth it when you need to talk to someone urgently about your claim. Way better than spending all day redialing and getting nowhere.

Honestly anything that helps get through to Washington ESD is worth considering. Their phone system is a nightmare.

What's standby status? I've never heard of that before.

Standby is when you're temporarily laid off but expect to return to work within a specific timeframe. Different job search requirements and sometimes different benefit calculations.

This is so important! I know someone who got disqualified because they couldn't prove their job search activities when audited.

Good point. I'm already applying places but I should start documenting everything better.

I feel you on this. Been searching for 4 months and the jobs that are available pay way less than what I was making before.

The system assumes normal job market conditions. Unfortunately individual circumstances don't change the benefit duration rules.

No, adjudication time doesn't count against your maximum benefit weeks. You only use up benefit weeks when you're actually paid benefits.

That's a relief! Now I just need to figure out how to get through adjudication faster.

That's exactly when I used Claimyr - to talk to someone about my adjudication delay. Got it resolved much faster than waiting it out.

Unfortunately no, there's no provision for extending benefits just because you're close to finding work. You need to exhaust all your weeks within the benefit year.

That's harsh. Seems like they should have some flexibility for people who are actively trying.

Wait, so if I go back to work for a few months then get laid off again, I might not have benefits left?

Exactly. That's why it's important to understand both your maximum weeks AND your benefit year end date.

You can work part-time and still collect benefits, but earnings over $5 per week get deducted from your weekly benefit amount. It doesn't change your maximum number of weeks though.

Good to know! So working part-time could actually make my benefits last longer since I'm still using up weeks but earning some money too.

Sorry that happened to you. It's tough out there and 26 weeks isn't always enough time to find equivalent work.

This is exactly what I'm talking about. The system doesn't account for reality.

So I need to make sure I understand exactly how many weeks I have from the start. Is this information in my account somewhere?

Yes, it should show your remaining benefit weeks when you log into your Washington ESD account on their website.

That's interesting. Are these programs easy to get into?

They have eligibility requirements and limited slots, but worth investigating if you're in a field that's not hiring.

What counts as 'suitable work'? I don't want to accidentally refuse something I should take.

Generally work that matches your skills and pays at least 80% of your previous wages in the first few weeks, gradually lowering over time. But it's complicated and depends on individual circumstances.

Good reminder. I'll set up reminders on my phone to make sure I don't forget to file.

Yeah, I missed one week early in my claim and it was a hassle to fix. Don't make that mistake.

That's exactly why I started using Claimyr. Their service connects you with Washington ESD agents without all the hassle. Check out the demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ to see how it works.

I might have to try that. This is getting ridiculous trying to reach anyone.

That's sobering but good advice. I should probably start applying for more jobs than I originally planned.

Definitely start networking too. A lot of jobs aren't even posted publicly.

This thread has been really helpful. Thanks everyone for the detailed explanations and advice!

Good luck with your job search! Remember to keep detailed records of all your activities for Washington ESD.