How long can a person receive unemployment benefits from Washington ESD?

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max under normal circumstances? I was worried it might be shorter.

Yeah 26 weeks is standard but you still have to do all the job search requirements and file weekly claims to keep getting paid

What kind of things would disqualify me? I'm definitely looking for work and available.

Main things are not doing adequate job search, refusing suitable work, or not reporting income properly. Just follow the requirements and you should be fine.

Never heard of that before. Does it actually work? I've been trying to call ESD for weeks about my adjudication issue.

Yeah it worked for me. Saved me from sitting on hold forever. Worth checking out if you need to talk to someone at ESD.

That was during the pandemic when there were special extended benefits and federal programs. Those ended in 2021. Regular Washington state UI is back to the standard 26 weeks.

oh ok that makes sense, thanks for clarifying

Really? Even if I don't get paid I still have to file? That seems weird.

Yes, you need to file weekly claims to maintain your claim even during weeks you might not be eligible for payment. It keeps your claim active.

I know right? The website is so hard to navigate too.

The rules are actually pretty straightforward once you understand them. 26 weeks max, file weekly, do job search, report all work and income. The confusion usually comes from not reading the handbook they send you.

Once regular UI benefits are exhausted, you'd need to look into other assistance programs. Sometimes there are state extended benefits during high unemployment, but that's not guaranteed.

That's scary to think about. Hopefully I find something before then.

That sounds really hard. Did you end up finding something eventually?

Yeah, took a job that paid less than I wanted but at least got back on my feet. Sometimes you have to take what's available.

No, the 26 weeks refers to weeks you're actually eligible for and receive payment. Weeks in adjudication don't count against your total if you ultimately get approved for those weeks.

Ok good to know, that makes more sense

That's exactly why I started using Claimyr. The phone situation with ESD is ridiculous. At least with that service you can actually get through to talk to someone who can answer these kinds of questions.

I might have to check that out. This is getting ridiculous.

It's not a lifetime limit. If you work enough to establish a new base period with sufficient wages, you can qualify for a new claim with another 26 weeks of potential benefits.

That's a relief. Good to know you're not permanently limited.

After a certain point, you may be required to expand your job search to 'suitable work' which includes jobs outside your usual field. Check your job search requirements - they often become less restrictive as your claim goes on.

That makes sense. I'd rather find something than have benefits run out completely.

Extended benefits can still trigger during periods of high unemployment, but the thresholds are set by federal rules and state participation. It's not automatic like it used to be.

Totally agree. Time pressure definitely makes the job search more stressful.

Yeah that's what I'm worried about. Hopefully I can find something before it becomes an issue.

Good advice! I've been keeping track in a spreadsheet already.

Same here. The information is out there but it's not always easy to find or understand.

That's true. I'm grateful the weekly amount covers most of my basic expenses.

Like I mentioned before, Claimyr really helped me get through to someone. Sometimes you need that extra help dealing with ESD's phone system.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! Feeling much more confident about managing my claim now.

Appreciate the encouragement! Definitely staying positive and proactive about the search.