How long can unemployment benefits last in Washington state?

That's a relief - 26 weeks should give me time to find something decent. Do I need to apply right away or can I wait until my severance runs out?

You should file your claim as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. There's a one-week waiting period anyway, and you want to establish your claim date. You can indicate when you want your benefits to start.

What kind of job search activities? Like just applying to jobs or is there more to it?

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. This includes applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, etc. Washington ESD is pretty strict about this requirement.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of frustration.

Really? That actually works for getting through to Washington ESD? I'm desperate at this point.

Yeah it worked for me. Much better than spending all day redialing and getting nowhere with their phone system.

So it's just the 26 weeks and that's it? No chance of getting more time if I'm still looking for work?

Correct, unless Congress passes new extension legislation. The pandemic extensions like PEUC ended a while ago. After your regular benefits are exhausted, you'd need to find other assistance programs.

It's 26 weeks per benefit year. If you used some benefits last year, you might still have weeks remaining from that claim, or you might need to file a new claim depending on when you worked and when your benefit year started.

This is so confusing. How do I figure out what my situation is?

Log into your Washington ESD account online and check your claim status. It should show you how many weeks you have left on your current benefit year, if any.

I get the frustration but 6 months is actually pretty generous compared to some other states. You also have to remember that unemployment is meant to be temporary assistance, not long-term support.

Sure but when good jobs are scarce and employers are being super picky, 6 months goes by fast. Then what? People end up homeless or taking jobs that don't even cover their basic expenses.

That's good to know! So I could do some freelance work or part-time stuff while still getting unemployment?

Yes, but you have to report all earnings and it will reduce your weekly benefit amount. There's a formula Washington ESD uses to calculate how much you can earn before it affects your benefits.

What happens if you miss a week of job search activities? Do they just cut you off permanently?

They can disqualify you for that week or potentially longer if it's a pattern. You can appeal their decision but it's better to just stay compliant from the start.

Ugh, I didn't even think about taxes. So the money I get isn't the full amount I'll actually keep?

Right, unemployment benefits are subject to federal and state income taxes just like regular wages. You can elect to have 10% federal tax withheld when you file your claim.

Any tips on making the most of the job search time?

Treat job searching like a full-time job. Set daily goals, network actively, consider temporary or contract work to keep money coming in, and don't be too picky early on. You can always keep looking for better opportunities while employed.

I'm in software development so hopefully that helps. Though I've heard even tech is getting more competitive lately.

Tech is still better than most industries but yeah, it's not as easy as it was a few years ago. Having 26 weeks of runway should give you time to be selective though.

This is so important. I know someone who had to pay back thousands of dollars because they didn't report some cash work they did. Washington ESD eventually found out and hit them with overpayment notices.

Good to know. I'll make sure to be completely honest about everything.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info. I feel much more prepared to navigate this now.

Good luck with your job search! The Washington unemployment system isn't perfect but it's there to help bridge the gap while you find your next role.

Several people have mentioned that service. I'll keep it in mind if I run into phone issues.

Yeah, it's pretty helpful when you actually need to speak with a real person at Washington ESD. The regular phone lines can be impossible sometimes.

Appreciate all the encouragement and practical advice from everyone. Time to get started on this process.

Best of luck! The unemployment benefits will give you some breathing room to find something good instead of having to take the first thing that comes along.