How long can you be on unemployment in Washington - duration limits?

Thanks! So 26 weeks is the max for everyone? I thought I heard it could be longer in some cases.

26 weeks is the maximum for regular state unemployment benefits. There used to be extended benefits during high unemployment periods but those programs ended.

Don't panic yet! You still have 16 weeks left if you're eligible for the full 26 weeks. Use that time wisely to expand your job search.

Good point. I should probably start looking at jobs outside my usual field too.

Interesting, I'll check that out. I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks but can never get through.

Is that legit? I'm always suspicious of third-party services for government stuff.

Yeah it's legit - they just help you get connected to the actual Washington ESD phone system. You're still talking to real ESD staff, not some middleman.

How do I find out exactly how many weeks I'm eligible for? My account just shows my weekly benefit amount.

Log into your SecureAccess Washington account and look at your monetary determination letter. It should show your maximum benefit amount and number of weeks available.

Mine showed 24 weeks instead of 26 because I had some gaps in my work history. It varies by person.

Extended benefits are only available during periods of high unemployment in the state. Right now there are no extensions available in Washington.

That's frustrating. So once I hit 26 weeks, I'm completely cut off from unemployment benefits?

Yes, once you exhaust your regular UI benefits, that's it unless Congress passes new legislation or the state unemployment rate triggers extended benefits.

Good reminder. I've been doing my job searches but sometimes forget to log them right away.

I set up a weekly reminder on my phone to update my job search log. Helps me stay on track.

Totally agree! I spent hours trying to figure out basic stuff that should be explained clearly upfront.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr when I had questions. Sometimes it's worth paying a small fee to get real answers instead of spending hours on the phone getting nowhere.

That's smart advice. I'm at 8 weeks so I still have time but shouldn't get too comfortable.

I'm at 20 weeks and starting to panic. Maybe I need to lower my standards and take something temporary.

Sometimes taking a temporary job can lead to permanent opportunities. Don't be too picky when you're getting close to the end.

Good point. I should double-check mine to make sure I know exactly where I stand.

I'll look for that letter in my account. Hopefully I qualify for the full 26 weeks.

I registered with WorkSourceWA but haven't used it much. Should I be more active on there?

Definitely! They have job fairs and career counseling that might help. Plus using their services looks good if ESD ever questions your job search efforts.

WorkSourceWA job contacts count toward your weekly job search requirement too, which is helpful.

You can work part-time and still collect partial benefits as long as you report your earnings. Washington ESD has a formula for how much they reduce your weekly benefit based on your wages.

That's good to know. I was afraid any work would disqualify me completely.

Just make sure to report ALL work and earnings when you file your weekly claim. Not reporting work can get you in trouble for fraud.

You need to work and earn enough wages to establish a new benefit year. The specific requirements depend on how much you earned and for how long.

So if I work for just a few weeks and get laid off again, I might not qualify for a new claim?

Correct. You need substantial work history to qualify for a new benefit year. Check with ESD about the specific wage requirements.

I totally understand that anxiety. The countdown is really stressful when you haven't found anything yet.

That's exactly how I felt around week 20. The pressure actually helped motivate me to expand my search and be less picky about positions.

When I was in that situation, I used Claimyr to talk to someone at ESD about my options. Sometimes just understanding exactly where you stand helps reduce the anxiety.

WorkSourceWA offers various training programs and job placement assistance. You should definitely look into what's available in your area.

I'll check that out. At this point I'm willing to try anything to improve my chances.

That's encouraging to hear! I'm still early in the process but good to know people do find work even near the end.

That gives me some hope. I'm at week 22 and starting to panic but maybe I still have time.

Keep applying everywhere and don't be too picky about salary or benefits. You can always keep looking for something better once you're working.

26 weeks is actually pretty standard across most states. The benefit duration is set by state law and hasn't changed in years.

Still feels inadequate for the current job market. 6 months goes by fast when you're job hunting.

Good advice. I should probably start researching what other help is available before I actually need it.

Exactly. It's better to know your options before you're desperate. 211 is a good resource for finding local assistance programs.

What would you have done differently to prepare? I want to make sure I'm ready if I get to that point.

I would have started budgeting for zero income around week 20 and looked into all available assistance programs earlier. Also would have been less picky about jobs.

This is exactly what I'm worried about. I'm at 20 weeks and feeling the pressure to take any job available.

That's solid advice. I'm going to step up my job search efforts starting this week instead of waiting.

Good reminder that I need to be more proactive. 26 weeks sounds like a lot but it goes by fast.