How long can u draw unemployment benefits in Washington state?

ok cool so 26 weeks max. what about the laid off vs fired thing? does that change anything?

Being laid off versus fired can definitely affect your eligibility. If you were laid off due to lack of work, you'll likely qualify. If you were fired for misconduct, Washington ESD might disqualify you. If you were fired for performance issues (not misconduct), you might still qualify.

Have you tried calling right at 8am when they open? That's usually the best time to get through to an actual person.

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. I used claimyr.com and watched their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ - they actually got me connected to someone within an hour. Worth checking out if you're having trouble reaching them.

interesting, never heard of that service before. did they charge you a lot?

They don't require any personal info upfront and it's way less stressful than calling repeatedly. The value is definitely there when you consider how much time I was wasting trying to get through on my own.

so like during covid there were extra weeks right?

Yes, during the pandemic there were federal extensions like PEUC and other programs, but those ended in 2021. Right now we're back to the standard 26-week maximum for regular UI benefits.

Exactly right. You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. You also need to be able and available to work each week when you file your weekly claim.

wait what kind of job search log? nobody told me about this when i filed my claim

You should have received information about job search requirements when you filed. You need to track your job search activities - applications, interviews, networking events, etc. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities at any time.

Unfortunately, once your benefit year ends or you exhaust your 26 weeks, regular UI benefits stop. You'd need to file a new claim if you have sufficient work history since your last claim, but that can be tricky.

Have you looked into WorkSource services? They have job placement assistance and sometimes training programs that might help you find work faster.

yeah ive been working with worksource but everything takes time. just nervous about the clock running out

I get the frustration but unemployment insurance is meant to be temporary assistance, not long-term support. The 26-week limit has been standard for decades.

easy to say when youre not the one losing your benefits while still looking for work

i mean i get both sides. 6 months is a decent amount of time but in some industries it really can take longer to find something good

You file in the state where you worked, so you'd file with Washington ESD and get Washington's benefit structure. Living in Oregon doesn't change that, but you might need to register for work search in Oregon.

ok that makes sense, thanks for clarifying

Hang in there! I was unemployed for 22 weeks before finding my current job. It's tough but something will come up.

Have you considered temp work or gig jobs while you search? Sometimes that can help bridge the gap and still allows you to collect partial unemployment.

yeah ive done some uber but the earnings affect my weekly benefit amount so its not always worth it

how does that even work? sounds too good to be true

I was skeptical too but watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ) and it explains how they handle the calling process. Way better than sitting on hold for hours just to get disconnected.

might have to try this, ive wasted so many hours trying to reach someone at ESD

whats the difference with standby? i thought unemployment was unemployment

With standby, you're temporarily laid off but expected to return to the same employer. You might not have to do job searches, but there are specific rules about how long you can remain on standby status.

Standby status can affect your benefit duration because you're not actively seeking new employment. If your employer doesn't recall you within the expected timeframe, you'd need to start regular job search activities.

oh thats good to know. how much do you have to work to qualify again?

you need to earn at least $3,400 in covered wages during your base period and work in at least two quarters. the exact requirements can be complicated so best to check with washington esd

This is where having a reliable way to contact ESD comes in handy. All these qualification questions are easier to get answered when you can actually reach someone. That Claimyr service mentioned earlier has been a lifesaver for getting through to agents when I had questions about my base period earnings.

so if i dont use all 26 weeks in the first year i lose them?

Exactly. If you find work after 10 weeks and then get laid off again 6 months later, you'd only have 16 weeks left in that benefit year (assuming you still qualify).

this is why its so important to understand all the rules upfront. wish washington esd made this stuff clearer on their website