How long can someone be on unemployment in Washington state?

That makes sense, thank you! So even if I worked for 10 years at my last job, I still only get 26 weeks maximum?

Exactly right. The length of your previous employment affects your weekly benefit amount, not the duration of benefits.

Yeah I remember hearing about people getting benefits for like a year during COVID but that was temporary.

Those extended benefits were federally funded programs like PEUC and PUA. They don't exist anymore unfortunately.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and connects you when they get an agent on the line. Saved me so much time and frustration. You can check them out at claimyr.com - they even have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Never heard of that before. Does it actually work? I'm getting desperate here.

It worked for me! Got connected within like 2 hours instead of spending entire days trying to call myself.

Good point! My claim is actually in adjudication right now. Do you know how long that usually takes?

Mine took about 3 weeks but I've heard it can vary a lot depending on the issue they're reviewing.

You need to meet the minimum earnings requirements first. If you worked part-time for only 6 months, you might not qualify at all. You need earnings in at least two quarters of your base period.

oh okay that makes more sense then

You might want to look into WorkSource programs for job training or retraining. They sometimes have funding available for people whose UI is ending.

Also check if you qualify for any other assistance programs through DSHS while you're still looking for work.

Thanks, I'll look into both of those options. Hopefully I'll find something before week 26 though!

It depends on whether you're still in the same benefit year. If you're within the 52-week benefit year, you'd continue with whatever weeks you had left. If the benefit year expired, you'd need to file a new claim and meet the earnings requirements again.

Okay that's what I thought but wasn't sure. Thank you for clarifying!

Agreed! The website is not user-friendly at all. Half the links don't work properly either.

That's why I ended up using Claimyr when I needed to talk to someone. Way easier than trying to navigate their phone system or website.

Yes, any week you receive benefits (even partial) counts toward your 26-week maximum. The only weeks that don't count are weeks where you earn too much to receive any benefits at all.

Good to know, thanks! I'm trying to figure out if I should take a part-time job or wait for something full-time.

Standby claims have the same 26-week limit, but they work differently since you're temporarily laid off with a specific return date. You don't have to do job searches while on standby status.

Right, I'm on standby now waiting for my employer to call me back. Hoping it's before the 26 weeks are up!

How much does that cost? I'm already struggling financially and can't afford extra expenses.

I thought it was worth it for the time and stress it saved me, but you can check their website at claimyr.com for current pricing. They also have a demo video that explains everything.

Same here! Really appreciate all the detailed responses. Makes me feel less anxious about the whole process.

Glad this helped! The unemployment system can be overwhelming but it's good to know the basics.