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

Thanks! Do I have to start the job search right away or is there a waiting period?

You should start your job search activities immediately. Washington ESD requires you to be actively seeking work from week one, and you'll need to log your job search activities when you file your weekly claims.

I worked full time for 8 years so I should qualify for the full 26 weeks right?

Most likely yes, but Washington ESD will calculate your exact benefit duration when they process your claim. With 8 years of steady work you should definitely get the maximum.

Wait really? I didn't know you could stop and start benefits like that. How does that work exactly?

If you go back to work, you stop filing weekly claims. If you get laid off again within your benefit year (52 weeks from when you first filed), you can reopen your claim and use any remaining weeks. But you have to report all work and wages.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents by calling for you. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much time and frustration.

Interesting, I've never heard of that. Does it actually work for getting through to Washington ESD?

Yeah it worked for me. They handle all the calling and waiting, then connect you when an agent picks up. Way better than sitting on hold for hours yourself.

What exactly counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs or other things too?

Job applications, attending job fairs, networking events, interviews, career counseling, skills training. Washington ESD has a list of approved activities. You need to log them in your job search record.

Ugh, so I have to wait a whole week before getting any money? That's rough when you just lost your job.

Yeah it sucks but that's how it works. File your claim right away though so you don't lose any time. The waiting week is just unpaid, you still need to file for it.

After 26 weeks of regular unemployment, there's no automatic extension. Extended benefits only kick in during periods of high unemployment in the state, which isn't common. You'd have to look into other assistance programs.

That's pretty scary. 6 months sounds like a lot but with how competitive the job market is now, it might not be enough.

Did you find a job before the benefits ran out or did you have to figure something else out?

I found something in week 24, so just barely made it. But the pressure of knowing the deadline was coming definitely motivated me to be more aggressive in my search.

This is confusing. So if I file in January and use all 26 weeks by July, I can't get unemployment again until the following January even if I get laid off again?

Correct, unless you work enough to qualify for a new claim. You need to earn a certain amount in wages to establish a new benefit year. That's why it's important to take any work you can get, even if it's temporary.

That sounds useful, do you remember where on their website that tool is?

It's under the 'Calculate Benefits' section. You'll need your wage information from the past 15 months or so to get an accurate estimate.

I was in the same situation. Have you considered expanding your search to related fields or taking something temporary while you keep looking for your ideal job? Any work can help extend your financial runway.

Yeah I'm starting to look at jobs that aren't perfect matches. At this point I need something to pay the bills even if it's not my dream job.

Good point. I should probably start researching what other help is available just in case. Better to be prepared.

Exactly. DSHS has various assistance programs, and some nonprofits help with job training or placement. Don't wait until you're desperate to explore your options.

That happened to my friend. Turns out there was an issue with how they calculated her base period wages. She had to appeal to get it corrected. Definitely try to get through to someone to review your account.

This is exactly the kind of situation where Claimyr really helps. Instead of spending hours trying to call Washington ESD yourself, they handle the calling and get you connected to an agent who can review your benefit calculation.

How much can you earn before they cut off your benefits completely for that week?

It depends on your weekly benefit amount, but generally if you earn more than 1.5 times your weekly benefit, you won't get any unemployment for that week. But the week doesn't get used up from your 26 week total.

Yeah I learned this the hard way. Missed filing one week because I was sick and it was a huge hassle to get it straightened out. Now I set reminders on my phone.

Smart. The weekly claim filing is really important for maintaining your benefits. Even if something changes in your situation, file the claim and report the changes rather than skipping it.

That's helpful to know. I should probably check that regularly to keep track of where I stand.

Definitely. It's good to know exactly how much time you have left so you can plan accordingly. The online account is actually pretty useful once you get familiar with it.

You're right. I need to treat this seriously and not get too comfortable just because I have 6 months of benefits coming.

Exactly. Use the benefits as a safety net while you aggressively search for work, don't treat them as a vacation. The job search requirements exist for a reason.