How long can you be on unemployment in Washington ESD system?

Thank you! So I still have 18 weeks left potentially. That's a relief.

Just remember you have to keep doing your job search activities and filing weekly claims or you'll lose benefits even if you have time left.

The 26 weeks is still correct for regular unemployment insurance. If you need to reach Washington ESD about your specific claim details, I actually found a service called Claimyr that helps you get through to agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Interesting, I'll look into that. The phone system is absolutely terrible right now.

There aren't automatic extensions like there were during COVID. You'd need to qualify for a new claim if you worked enough after your original claim started, but that's pretty unlikely if you've been unemployed the whole time.

Some people qualify for other programs after regular UI runs out, but those have their own requirements and aren't guaranteed.

What exactly do I need to do for job search? I've been applying to jobs but not sure if I'm documenting it correctly.

You need to do 3 job search activities per week minimum. Applications count, but so do things like attending job fairs, networking events, or training programs. Keep detailed records with dates, company names, and contact info.

What specifically are you concerned about with your weekly claims? The questions can be tricky but they're pretty important to answer correctly.

I wasn't sure about the availability questions and whether part time work I was doing counted. Really worried I'm going to get hit with an overpayment notice

How much work history do you need for a new claim?

You need to have worked and earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period. Washington ESD looks at the first four of the last five completed quarters before you file.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. I was in the same boat trying to get clarity on my claim status and it was the only way I could actually reach an agent without spending hours on hold.

How much does something like that cost though? I'm already barely making ends meet on unemployment

It's worth checking out their site for the details, but for me it was worth it just to get my questions answered quickly instead of wasting entire days trying to call.

Part time work doesn't extend your benefit year, but it can help you preserve some of your remaining weeks. If you earn less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5, you can still collect partial benefits.

That's helpful to know. I've been avoiding part time work thinking it would mess up my claim.

You still have 6 weeks left potentially. Use that time wisely - consider skills training, networking, or even looking at adjacent fields that might be hiring.

WorkSource has some good resources for career transitions if you're open to exploring new options.

You'd need to file a new claim if you worked enough to qualify. The 26 weeks would be fresh for the new benefit year, but you'd need sufficient work history.

Good to know. Hoping I don't need to find out personally but it's good to understand the system.

Your benefit year is the 52-week period when your claim is valid. Within that year, you can collect up to 26 weeks of benefits. So you could collect 26 weeks straight, or spread it out over the full year if you find temporary work.

Ah that makes sense. So if I get a temp job for a few months I don't lose my remaining weeks?

Exactly. As long as you're still within your benefit year, you can restart your weekly claims when the temp job ends.

Standby benefits still fall under the same 26-week limit, but they're for people who expect to return to their job within a specific timeframe. Different rules apply for job search requirements.

Oh okay, I was thinking of applying for standby but wasn't sure if it was worth it.

If your benefit year expires, you lose any unused weeks. You can't extend the benefit year - you'd need to file a new claim if you qualify.

That seems harsh but I guess it makes sense from a policy perspective.

That's awesome! I might have to try that too. I've been stressing about my claim status for weeks.

Glad it worked out for you! It's such a relief when you can actually get straight answers about your claim.

Thanks everyone for all the clarification. I feel much better about my situation now.

Same here. At least I know exactly where I stand now.

Absolutely. And if you make a mistake, it's better to correct it than to just stop filing. Washington ESD can work with you on corrections.

Good point. I was tempted to stop filing when I wasn't sure about my part time work but kept going and sorted it out later.

Good advice. I should probably be more proactive about networking.

Yeah I've been putting off some of the career development stuff but probably should dive in while I have the time.

Extended benefits can be triggered during periods of high unemployment, but they're not automatic and depend on specific economic conditions. Right now there aren't any extended benefit programs active in Washington.

Makes sense. I remember hearing about extensions during COVID but figured those were probably special circumstances.

Well said. I feel like I have a much better handle on the whole process now.

Exactly. Unemployment is temporary assistance, not a permanent solution. Use the time wisely.

I've been putting off calling because I knew it would be a nightmare. Good to know there are alternatives.

Trust me, it's worth it. I wasted so many mornings trying to get through the regular way.