How long can i get unemployment benefits from Washington ESD?

Thanks! I'll check my SAW account tonight. I think I see something about maximum benefit amount but wasn't sure what that meant.

Yeah the maximum benefit amount divided by your weekly benefit rate gives you the number of weeks you can collect.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to ESD agents - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. I was able to speak with someone within 2 hours instead of calling for days.

Do you know what the unemployment rate needs to be for extended benefits to start?

It's based on a complex calculation comparing current unemployment rates to historical averages. Generally needs to be significantly higher than normal for extended benefits to trigger.

No, it's still 26 weeks for regular UI benefits. Your friend might be thinking of a different state or a different type of benefit program.

Exactly right! That math checks out perfectly.

Just make sure you keep filing your weekly claims and meeting the job search requirements to keep getting paid.

You might be eligible for other assistance programs through DSHS or WorkSource, but there aren't additional unemployment insurance programs after regular UI unless extended benefits are available.

Have you been working with WorkSource for job placement services? They have resources that might help you find work before your benefits end.

I know what you mean. The Washington ESD website has the information but it's scattered across different pages and hard to understand.

This is a really important distinction that trips up a lot of people!

Oh wow, I didn't realize there was a difference between benefit year and actual weeks you can collect. Thanks for clarifying that.

You need to report all earnings when you file your weekly claim. Depending on how much you earn, it might reduce your weekly benefit but won't necessarily affect the total duration.

Just make sure to report it honestly - they will find out about unreported income eventually and you could face penalties.

How quickly were you able to get through to someone?

First time took about 90 minutes, second time was maybe 2 hours. Way better than spending entire days trying to call on my own.

That's tough but at least you found something before benefits ran out.

It's a balancing act between holding out for the right opportunity and making sure you can pay your bills.

There's no waiting week in Washington state currently. When they eliminated the waiting week a few years ago, the total remained at 26 weeks of payable benefits.

Thank goodness they got rid of that waiting week - it was such a hardship when you first lost your job.

This happened to me - got a temp job for 6 weeks then got laid off again. Was able to reopen my claim for the remaining weeks I had left.

I totally get that anxiety. The key is to start your job search immediately and not wait until later in your claim.

Also remember that WorkSource has free resources to help with resume writing and interview skills that might speed up your search.

Extended benefits typically require you to file an application, but Washington ESD usually sends notices to potentially eligible claimants when the program becomes available.

They also have additional job search requirements for extended benefits that are more strict than regular UI.

That's exactly the kind of clarity we all need but can never get through the regular phone lines!

Absolutely agree. Plus the sooner you find work, the more of your benefit entitlement you preserve in case you need it again later in the benefit year.

Good point. I'm definitely treating this as temporary and actively searching every day.

Best advice in this whole thread. Everyone's situation is slightly different based on their work history and earnings.