How long can you be on Washington ESD unemployment benefits - maximum duration?

So after 26 weeks that's it? No other programs or anything? That seems really short if you're in a specialized field where jobs are hard to find.

Pretty much, yeah. Extended Benefits only kicks in during high unemployment periods. Your best bet is to really focus on job search activities to make the most of your remaining weeks.

What other options did you find? I'm at week 20 and getting nervous about what comes next.

I had to look into state assistance programs and really ramp up my job search. Also started doing some gig work to bridge the gap.

Same situation here. The job search log becomes really important near the end - they scrutinize everything more closely.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already strapped for cash being on unemployment.

They focus on getting you connected rather than the cost aspect. When you're close to exhausting benefits, sometimes you really need to talk to someone to understand your options.

What's standby status? I don't think I'm on that but I'm not 100% sure.

Standby is when you have a definite return-to-work date with your employer. It has different rules than regular unemployment claims.

Training programs can extend benefits but you have to get approved beforehand. Can't just start training on your own and expect it to count.

I know it's scary but try to stay focused on your job search. Four weeks is still time to make something happen. Have you been networking and not just applying online?

I've been doing everything - online applications, networking, even going to those WorkSource workshops. It's just a tough job market right now.

That's real talk. I turned down a couple offers earlier in my claim thinking something better would come along.

How far below your previous salary did you have to go? I'm worried about taking something that barely covers my bills.

About 20% less than my previous job, but it was better than zero income. You can always keep looking while working.

You can file a new claim if you've earned enough wages in a new base period. Usually need to work for several months to establish a new benefit year.

Good to know. So taking a temporary job doesn't necessarily hurt your future unemployment eligibility.

I've been doing 4-5 contacts per week just to be safe. Better to over-document than under-document.

Smart approach. They can disqualify you even near the end if your job search doesn't meet requirements.

That's confusing. So if I work part-time for a few weeks and don't collect, I still lose those potential benefit weeks?

Exactly. The benefit year clock keeps ticking whether you collect or not. It's use it or lose it.

Did they help you understand the benefit year end date stuff? That's always been confusing to me.

Yeah, the agent was able to pull up my exact dates and explain when my benefit year ends versus when I'd exhaust my weekly benefit amount. Really helpful.

Good luck! Twelve weeks left is still plenty of time if you stay focused. Don't let the pressure make you panic.

We're all in this together. This job market is tough but people are finding work eventually.

That's good to know. I'll have to research what other programs might be available just in case.

DSHS has various programs that might help bridge the gap. Worth looking into before you actually need them.

True, but you need to earn enough in the new base period to qualify. Can't just work for a few weeks and expect a full new claim.

Right, there are minimum earnings requirements. But it's good to know the door isn't permanently closed.

I do this too! I have a spreadsheet tracking exactly when I'll run out. Probably not healthy but I can't help it.

Same here. It's like watching a countdown timer that you can't stop.

This is crucial. They can deny your final weeks of benefits if your job search log isn't adequate.

I keep screenshots of job applications and notes about networking contacts. Better safe than sorry.