How long can a person get unemployment benefits through Washington ESD?

Thanks for the info! What exactly counts as a job search activity? Is it just applying for jobs or are there other things I can do?

Job search activities include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, skills assessments, interviewing, or using WorkSourceWA services. You need to keep a job search log with details about each activity.

So if I use up all 26 weeks before the year is up, I can't get any more benefits even if I'm still unemployed?

Correct, once you exhaust your 26 weeks that's it unless Congress authorizes extended benefits. You'd have to wait until the next benefit year and requalify based on new work history.

Good to know! What if I get a part-time job while I'm looking for full-time work? Do I lose my benefits completely?

No, you can work part-time and still collect partial benefits. Washington ESD will deduct 75% of your gross earnings from your weekly benefit amount. So if you make $200 that week, they'll reduce your benefits by $150.

Interesting, I haven't heard of that before. Did it actually work for you?

Yeah it did! I was able to get my questions answered about my weekly claims and they explained the job search requirements clearly. Much better than sitting on hold for hours.

I've been trying to call Washington ESD for two weeks straight with no luck. Might have to try this Claimyr thing if it actually works.

I understand the frustration, but the 26 week limit has been standard for decades. During the Great Recession and COVID there were federal extensions, but those are rare exceptions.

Well it's not working! People are losing their homes because 26 weeks isn't realistic in today's job market.

You don't have to reapply, but you do have to file a weekly claim every single week to continue receiving benefits. Miss filing your weekly claim and you could lose benefits for that week.

ok thanks, when do i file the weekly claims? is there a specific day?

You file weekly claims for the previous week. So this week you'd file for last week. You can file Sunday through Saturday but most people do it on Sunday for the week that just ended.

How do they calculate the exact amount? I made about $65,000 last year.

They take your highest quarter earnings, divide by 26, then multiply by 0.0385. So if your highest quarter was $18,000, that would be about $26 per week benefit. There's also a minimum benefit amount.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. The regular phone system is completely overwhelmed and you can waste entire days trying to get through.

At this point I'm willing to try anything. The lack of communication from Washington ESD is making everything worse.

I filed right away fortunately. Does the benefit year reset if I find a job and then get laid off again?

If you work enough to establish a new base period with sufficient earnings, you can file a new claim. But you can't have two benefit years overlapping.

Oh wow, I didn't realize unemployment was taxable. That's going to reduce what I actually get to keep.

Yes, it's considered income by the IRS. Washington state doesn't have income tax so no state taxes, but federal taxes definitely apply.

That's good advice. I was thinking about being picky but maybe I should cast a wider net from the start.

Exactly. You can always turn down a job offer if something better comes along, but you can't turn down unemployment benefits once they're exhausted.

I was definitely laid off due to company downsizing, so I should be fine there. They gave me a letter explaining it was due to lack of work.

Perfect, that letter will be helpful if Washington ESD has any questions about the reason for separation.

What happens if I can't find 3 legitimate job search activities in a week? The job market seems pretty tight in my field.

You can expand your search to related fields, attend virtual job fairs, take online courses, or use WorkSourceWA services. They count things like updating your resume or networking events too.

What's considered 'suitable work'? Does it have to be in my same field or at the same pay level?

Generally it starts closer to your previous job and pay level, but as time goes on the definition of suitable work expands. After several weeks you might be expected to consider jobs at 75% of your previous wage.

How long did your adjudication take? I'm hoping mine goes smoothly but want to be prepared.

took about 6 weeks total, but i used that claimyr service someone mentioned to actually reach an agent and get status updates. made a huge difference.

I don't have kids but that's good to know for others. How much extra do you get per dependent?

I think it's like $25 per dependent child per week, but there's a maximum family benefit amount. Not sure of the exact current numbers.

Wait, so there's no payment for the very first week? That seems harsh when people just lost their jobs.

Exactly, the first week is unpaid. It's supposed to prevent people from filing claims for very short periods of unemployment. Most states have this.

I don't have any retirement income since I'm only 34, but good to know they ask about that stuff.

Good advice! I'll set up a Sunday reminder to file my weekly claim. Better safe than sorry.

Smart move. I've seen people lose thousands of dollars because they forgot to file on time or thought they could skip a week.

That's actually really helpful to know. So the 26 weeks is 26 weeks of actual benefit payments, not 26 calendar weeks from when I filed?

Exactly right. It's 26 weeks of payments, which could be stretched over a longer period depending on your work situation.