How long can you be on unemployment in Washington state - hitting my limit soon

In Washington state, regular unemployment benefits last up to 26 weeks maximum. There's no automatic extension program right now like there was during the pandemic. Once your benefit year ends, you'd need to file a new claim if you're still unemployed, but you'd need to have worked and earned enough wages since your last claim to qualify again.

same boat here, except i think i miscounted my weeks. been on UI since july and getting nervous about when it ends. washington esd website is confusing about the exact dates

I had this exact same panic last year. The 26 week limit is firm unless there are special federal extensions, which there aren't right now. However, if you do manage to find some work before your benefits run out, even part-time or temporary work, that can help you establish wages for a new claim later. The key is to not let too much time pass without any earnings.

Have you tried using Claimyr to actually get through to someone at Washington ESD? I was in a similar situation last month trying to understand my benefit timeline and couldn't get through on the phone for weeks. Found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually got me connected to an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Finally got real answers about my specific situation instead of guessing from the website.

THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO SCREW US OVER! 26 weeks is nothing in this economy. They make it impossible to get extensions and then wonder why people end up homeless. I've been fighting with Washington ESD for months about my claim and they just don't care about regular people.

wait so there's definitely no extensions available? i thought i read something about extended benefits being triggered when unemployment rates are high

I'm in week 24 and freaking out too. Been applying to everything but either no response or they want experience I don't have. Marketing is so competitive right now.

Have you looked into retraining programs? WorkSource might have options that could extend your timeline while you learn new skills. Not sure if they affect your unemployment benefits though.

Been there! What saved me was taking a temporary holiday retail job in my last few weeks of benefits. Worked there for 2 months, then when that ended I was able to file a new unemployment claim. Not ideal but kept me afloat.

Does anyone know if there's talk of bringing back the federal unemployment extensions? Seems like they should be considering it with how the job market is right now.

Quick question - when they say 26 weeks maximum, is that 26 weeks from when you first filed or 26 actual weeks of payments? Because I had some weeks where I worked part-time and didn't get full benefits.

Try Claimyr if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your specific situation. I used them when I was confused about my benefit year ending and they got me through to an actual person who could look at my account. Way better than guessing or trying to interpret the website.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but 26 weeks is it for regular state unemployment. No exceptions unless there are federal programs, which there currently aren't. Start preparing now for what you'll do when benefits end. Food banks, rental assistance programs, family help - whatever it takes.

What about gig work? I know it's not ideal but Uber, DoorDash, etc. could provide some income while you keep looking for something in your field. Plus it might help you qualify for a new claim later.

just want to say hang in there. i know it's scary approaching that deadline. i went through this exact same panic and somehow managed to find something in my last week of benefits. keep pushing and don't give up

One more thing - make sure you're documenting all your job search activities properly. If you do end up needing to file appeals or deal with any issues, having good documentation helps. Also keeps you in compliance with the work search requirements.

Used Claimyr last month when I needed to understand my benefit timeline before it ran out. Actually got connected to someone who could look at my specific claim details and explain exactly when my benefits would end and what my options were. Made a huge difference in my planning. Check out their demo video if you're curious how it works.

Bottom line: start preparing now for life after unemployment benefits. 26 weeks is the limit and there's no getting around it. Use your remaining time wisely - network like crazy, consider temporary work, look into assistance programs, whatever it takes. Don't wait until the last week to panic.