How long can I receive unemployment benefits through Washington ESD?

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max? I've been at my current job for 3 years but had a part-time job before that.

Yes, 26 weeks is the standard maximum for regular UI benefits. Your part-time job earnings will be included in the calculation if they fall within your base period.

Thanks! So 26 weeks is the maximum? What determines if I get less than that?

Yes, 26 weeks is the max. You need sufficient earnings in your base period to qualify for the full duration. Washington ESD calculates this based on your quarterly wages.

You're partially right - you need sufficient earnings in your base period to qualify, but the 26 weeks is still the maximum duration regardless of your earnings amount.

Seriously? I've been trying to call for weeks about my benefit duration questions. How does that service work exactly?

It basically calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Way better than the endless busy signals and hold music.

You're thinking of extended benefits programs, but those aren't active right now. The standard 26 weeks is what's available through Washington ESD currently.

What's standby benefits? I haven't heard of that before.

Standby benefits are for workers who are temporarily laid off but expected to return to work within a specific timeframe. The duration rules are different from regular UI.

I was on standby for 8 weeks when my plant shut down for maintenance. Worked out perfectly when they called us back.

Good point! How many job searches do I need to do each week?

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of them. Washington ESD can audit your job search records.

You can establish a new claim if you've worked sufficient hours and earned enough wages since your last claim. The requirements are specific - you need to work at least 680 hours or earn 17 times your weekly benefit amount.

That's really helpful! So if I work for 6 months after my benefits end, I could potentially qualify for another 26 weeks if I lose that job?

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents automatically. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

interesting, never heard of that. does it actually work?

Yeah it worked for me! Saved me hours of calling and redialing. It handles all the waiting and connects you when an agent is available.

No, you need to have worked and earned sufficient wages during a new base period to establish a new claim. You can't just wait a year and file again without working.

Oh ok that makes sense, thanks for clarifying

Good point! I've been doing some freelance work and wasn't sure if I should report those earnings.

Definitely report all earnings! It's better to be honest upfront than deal with an overpayment notice later.

Your benefit duration is calculated based on your total base period wages. If you had lower earnings or worked fewer quarters, you might not qualify for the full 26 weeks.

Same thing happened to me! I think it has to do with how much you made in each quarter of your base period.

Yes, you can work part-time and still receive partial benefits. Washington ESD has a formula where they reduce your weekly benefit amount based on your earnings, but you can still receive some benefits as long as you don't earn more than your weekly benefit amount plus $5.

That's good to know! So working part-time won't completely stop my benefits?

Correct, but you have to report all earnings when you file your weekly claim. Being honest about your work and earnings is super important.

You might want to look into WorkSource services if you haven't already. They offer job training programs and other resources that could help you find employment before your benefits run out.

Good idea, I'll check that out. Thanks!

That's a long time to wait! Were you able to find work during that period?

I did some gig work but it wasn't enough to meet the requirements for a new claim. Had to keep looking until I found something more stable.

I'm skeptical about paying for something that should be free, but I'm also desperate to talk to someone at Washington ESD.

I get the skepticism, but think of it as paying for your time back. The hours I spent calling could have been spent job searching instead.

Washington doesn't have a waiting week requirement anymore. Your 26 weeks of benefits start from your first eligible week after filing.

Oh that's good to know! I was worried I was losing a week of benefits.

There's no waiting week in Washington anymore. That was eliminated a few years ago. So it's just 26 weeks of benefits.

oh cool didn't know they got rid of that

After regular UI ends, you might qualify for extended benefits during periods of high unemployment, but those programs aren't always available. Your best bet is to focus on job search activities and consider retraining programs.

Look into WorkSource too - they have job training programs that might help you get back into the workforce before your benefits run out.

Absolutely! I'm treating this like my full-time job - applying and networking every day.

That's the right attitude! Good luck with your search.

Glad it worked for you! It's so much better than spending hours on hold.

might have to try this myself, been having issues getting through to them about my adjudication

That makes sense for seasonal work. I've been in the same job for years so hopefully I'll get the full 26 weeks.

With 3 years of steady employment, you should definitely qualify for the maximum duration.

I'm not on standby, just regular unemployment. But good to know there are different types!

Yeah most people are on regular UI. Standby is pretty specific to certain industries.

That's kind of scary but good motivation. I definitely don't want to waste any time.

exactly! treat every week like it counts because it does

No, you can move and still collect Washington ESD benefits as long as you continue to meet all the requirements and file your weekly claims. You just need to update your address with Washington ESD.

Good to know, thanks! I was worried about that.

Can you explain the difference? I want to make sure I understand this correctly.

Your benefit year is 12 months from when you first filed. Your 26 weeks of benefits can be used anytime during that year. So if you find work and stop claiming, then get laid off again within that year, you can restart your claim.

I understand the frustration. If you're having issues with your claim, it might be worth using a service like Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD and find out what's causing the delay.

never heard of that but at this point I'll try anything. thanks

Good point! I should probably check what my weekly benefit amount will be.

You can see your weekly benefit amount in your online account once your claim is processed.

That's helpful to know what to expect. Do you file your weekly claim on the same day each week?

yeah I do it every Sunday morning. keeps me on track and I never forget

Yikes! I'll definitely keep good records. Thanks for the warning.

Yeah it's not worth the risk. Just keep a simple log with dates, companies, and how you applied.

You're right, I should be grateful for the time I have to find the right opportunity.

Perfect summary! Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. I feel much more confident about managing my claim now.

Good luck with your job search! Feel free to come back if you have more questions.

You can only collect from one state at a time, but you might be able to use wages from Oregon when filing in Washington. It's called an interstate claim and can be complicated.

that sounds complicated! probably should call washington esd to figure it out

How long did it take for them to get you connected?

It was pretty quick - maybe 20 minutes total compared to the hours I was spending on hold before.

Yeah, I've been keeping track of my job search activities. Three work search contacts per week, right?

That's correct for most claimants. Make sure you're documenting everything in case Washington ESD asks for verification.

That's exactly what I needed to know! So I have up to 26 weeks of payments within a 52-week period. Thanks for making that clear.

This is super helpful info. I wish Washington ESD explained it this clearly on their website.

Good advice! I got audited after 3 months and was glad I kept detailed records.

Exactly! It's a pain but it's worth it to avoid any issues with your benefits.

I should have received that letter already, right? I filed about 2 weeks ago.

Yes, you should receive your monetary determination within a few days of filing. Check your SecureAccess Washington account online too.

That's great advice. I'm already applying to jobs but I wanted to understand the timeline so I can pace myself appropriately.

Smart approach! The job market can be unpredictable so having a clear timeline helps with planning.