How long can you be on unemployment in Washington State?

Thanks! So that's about 6 months total. Do I need to file weekly claims the entire time to keep getting benefits?

Yes, you must file your weekly claim every week and meet the job search requirements. You also need to be able and available for work each week you claim benefits.

Wait, is it still 3 job searches? I thought they changed it recently.

Pretty sure it's still 3 per week unless you're in a training program or have some other exemption.

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

Interesting, I'll check that out. I'm getting desperate trying to reach them about my claim status.

What happens if you miss a week? Can you backdate it?

you can backdate but only under certain circumstances and its a pain. better to just set a reminder and file every week

This is confusing. So I have a whole year to use up my 26 weeks of benefits?

Exactly. Your benefit year gives you the timeframe, but you only get paid for weeks you're unemployed and eligible, up to the 26 week maximum.

That makes more sense now. So if I find a job after 10 weeks but then lose it again 3 months later, I could potentially still have 16 weeks of benefits left?

Correct, as long as you're still within your original benefit year and meet all other eligibility requirements.

Standby benefits are still counted toward your 26-week maximum. The difference is you don't have to do job search activities while on standby status, but the weeks still count against your total.

Good to know, thanks. At least I don't have to worry about the job search requirements while I'm waiting to be called back.

It's definitely 26 weeks maximum for regular unemployment. The earnings part determines your weekly benefit amount, not the duration.

This is exactly why I used Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD. Their agents can give you accurate information about your specific situation instead of the conflicting info you get from different sources.

Never heard of Claimyr but I'll try anything at this point. This is ridiculous.

How do you get approval for training? Do they pay for the classes too?

You have to apply through WorkSource and get approved before starting. They don't usually pay for classes directly, but you might qualify for other financial aid programs.

Did you actually find a job through the job search requirements or was it mostly just going through the motions?

honestly mostly going through the motions but i did get a few interviews from applications i submitted for the requirement. ended up finding my current job through a friend though

After regular UI benefits end, you might qualify for other assistance programs like SNAP (food stamps) or housing assistance, but there aren't additional unemployment benefit extensions available right now like there were during the pandemic.

You could also look into disability benefits if you have a medical condition that prevents you from working, but that's a completely different program with different requirements.

That's good advice. I'm already starting to look but wanted to understand the timeline so I know what I'm working with.

Smart approach. Also make sure you understand the job search requirements from day one so you don't run into any issues with your weekly claims.

You'd need to file a new claim if you've worked enough to establish a new base period. Otherwise, if you're within your original benefit year, you'd continue with whatever weeks you had remaining from your original claim.

So it's not an automatic reset, it depends on how much you worked in between. Got it.

Yes, partial unemployment weeks count toward your 26-week maximum. You can receive partial benefits if your hours are reduced, but each week you claim (even partial) uses up one of your available weeks.

That seems unfair. If you're only getting partial benefits, shouldn't it only count as a partial week?

I understand the logic, but that's not how the system works. Each week you file a claim counts as one week, regardless of whether it's full or partial benefits.

How much does it cost? I've been trying to call for weeks with no luck.

It's reasonable for what you get - they handle all the calling and waiting so you don't have to. Check their website for current rates.

Best summary in this whole thread. Thanks for keeping it simple and straightforward.

Agreed, this really helped clarify everything. Now I know what to expect and can plan accordingly.