How long can you be on unemployment in Washington - hit my benefit year end

I did work part-time for about 4 months while on partial unemployment. Would that count toward a new base period?

Yes, those part-time wages should count! You'll need to file a new initial claim and Washington ESD will determine if you have enough wages to qualify for a new benefit year.

How did you finally get through? I've been trying to call for three days straight.

I ended up using this service called Claimyr that calls for you. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Never heard of that but sounds like it could be helpful. Did it actually work?

Yeah it worked great. Got connected to an agent in about 30 minutes instead of spending all day redialing.

What about people who were on standby status? Does that count toward the 26 weeks?

Yes, standby weeks count toward your 26-week maximum. Standby is just a different way of claiming your regular UI benefits while temporarily laid off.

You should get a notice from Washington ESD before your benefit year ends explaining your options. Check your SecureAccess Washington account for any messages.

I'll check that thanks. Sometimes I miss the notifications in there.

Wait so they don't look at your most recent wages? That seems backwards.

There's a lag period because employers need time to report wages. But you can request to use your most recent wages if the standard base period doesn't qualify you - it's called alternate base period.

This is getting complicated. Maybe I should just call Washington ESD directly to sort this out.

Try calling right when they open at 8am. That's usually the best time to get through.

I did try that but the lines were still jammed. Maybe I'll try that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier.

I looked but couldn't find where to file a new claim online. The system just shows my expired claim.

Sometimes you have to wait a week or two after your benefit year ends before the option shows up online. But calling is definitely faster if you can get through.

How long is too long? My benefit year ended last Tuesday.

You should file as soon as possible. Generally you want to file within the first week after your benefit year ends to avoid any gaps.

Could it be higher or lower than before?

Could be either depending on your wages. If you made more money in the new base period your weekly benefit could increase. If you made less it could decrease.

Hang in there. Have you looked into retraining programs through WorkSource? They sometimes have funding for career changes.

I haven't but that's a good idea. I'll check with my local WorkSource office.

Good point. I've been keeping track of all my applications in case they ask.

Smart. I know someone who got disqualified because they couldn't prove their job search activities during an audit.

I got through using Claimyr last month. It was worth it just to avoid the frustration of calling myself. They handle all the waiting and transfer you when an agent picks up.

I might have to try that. This is ridiculous that we need a service just to contact our own state agency.

It's designed to make sure people are actively looking for work and haven't been out of the workforce too long. The system assumes you should be able to find something within 26 weeks.

That assumption doesn't really match reality these days though.

Ugh really? So there's automatically a gap in payments?

Unfortunately yes. The waiting week applies to each new benefit year, not just your first claim ever.

Yeah it's good to know others are dealing with this too. Hope we all get it figured out.

Same here. Good luck everyone!