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

Thanks! So 26 weeks is about 6 months right? That should give me time to find something decent.

Yeah but don't count on getting the full 26 weeks automatically. Washington ESD can be picky about job search requirements.

Got it, so no extensions currently available. I'll need to make those 26 weeks count.

Make sure you're doing your weekly claims on time every week or you'll lose those benefits permanently!

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com. They help you get through to Washington ESD agents without sitting on hold forever. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Totally worth it when you need to talk to someone about your claim.

Interesting, I'll check that out. I'm desperate to get answers about my claim status.

Be careful with third party services. I'd try calling Washington ESD directly first thing in the morning before using outside help.

What counts as a job contact? Is applying online enough or do I need to do more?

Online applications count but you need to keep records of where you applied, when, and what position. Washington ESD can audit your job search log at any time.

I got audited last year and it was a nightmare. Make sure you're documenting everything properly from day one.

Good to know! I'm still waiting for my claim to be processed so this is helpful.

How long has your claim been in adjudication? Mine took 3 weeks to get approved.

The formula is actually pretty straightforward once you understand it. It's based on your total wages in your base year divided by your highest quarter earnings. Washington ESD should show this calculation in your determination letter.

yeah well i never got a determination letter so who knows whats going on with my claim

What kind of retraining programs are available? I might be interested in learning new skills while I'm looking.

WorkSource Washington has various programs. Some let you collect UI while training. Worth checking out if you qualify.

I did a welding certification through WorkSource while on UI. Really helped me get a better job when my benefits ran out.

Thanks for the reality check. I'll start budgeting for 6 months and hope I find work before then.

Smart approach. Construction work can be seasonal anyway so 26 weeks might be enough to get you through to the busy season.

What's standby benefits? I haven't heard of that one.

It's for people who are temporarily laid off but expecting to be called back to work. Different eligibility rules than regular unemployment.

I was on standby once. You don't have to do job searches but the benefit period can be shorter depending on your situation.

Good luck getting through to them though. I've been trying for days and keep getting disconnected after waiting on hold.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr. They got me connected to a Washington ESD agent in under an hour when I needed to ask about my benefit calculation. Way better than sitting on hold all day.

I might have to try that service too. This is ridiculous how hard it is to get basic information.

How much do you need to work to qualify for a new claim? Is there a minimum time period?

You need to earn at least 6 times your weekly benefit amount in covered employment after your claim started. It's not about time, it's about earnings.

This is why temp work can sometimes hurt you if you don't make enough to reset your claim but use up your remaining weeks.

Thanks everyone for all the info. This gives me a much better understanding of what to expect.

Good luck with your job search! Construction should pick up in spring so hopefully you won't need the full 26 weeks.