How long can you be on unemployment in Washington state?

Thanks! So I still have about 16 weeks left then. That's a relief. I am doing the job searches every week - logging them in WorkSourceWA like required.

Make sure you're actually applying to jobs and not just browsing. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities.

Thanks! How do they calculate the base period? I worked full-time for about 8 months before getting laid off.

Base period is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed. With 8 months of work you should be fine for the full duration.

Oh no, that's what I'm worried about. How did you eventually get your issues resolved?

Actually found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an agent. You upload your info at claimyr.com and they call you back when they reach someone. Way better than sitting on hold for hours. They have a demo video too: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

Interesting, never heard of that before. Might have to check it out if I run into issues.

Thanks! So if I filed in September, my benefit year goes until next September but I can only collect for 26 weeks total within that time?

Exactly right. And if you find work but then become unemployed again within that same benefit year, any remaining weeks from your original 26 would still be available to you.

I worked full time for 3 years before getting laid off so I should qualify for the full 26 weeks right?

Yeah you should be fine with 3 years of work history. The calculation is based on your base year earnings but that sounds like you'd qualify for maximum duration.

Good to know about the job search requirements. Do I need to document these contacts somewhere specific?

Yes, keep detailed records - company name, contact person, date, method of contact. Washington ESD can request this information at any time and if you can't provide it, they'll disqualify you.

This is why I got disqualified last year - thought I could just apply online and not keep records. Had to appeal and everything.

Currently there are no federal extensions available. The 26 weeks is what you get unless Congress passes new legislation. Some states have their own extended benefit programs that kick in during high unemployment periods, but those aren't active right now.

That's pretty harsh. Guess I better step up my job search then.

Yeah I've been logging everything in my job search activities. What did you do after your benefits ran out?

Had to take a part-time job to get by while still looking for something full-time. It's been rough but at least there's some income coming in.

That's really frustrating. Are there any retraining programs available through Washington ESD?

Actually yes, there's the Training Benefits program that can extend your benefits if you're enrolled in approved training. You have to apply while still receiving regular UI though.

Yeah right, good luck getting approved for that. They reject most applications.

What happens if you miss a week by accident?

You can usually file a late claim but it might trigger a review. Better to set up reminders and file every Sunday like clockwork.

This is where having a way to reach Washington ESD directly really helps. When I had a late filing issue, Claimyr got me through to someone who could fix it same day instead of waiting weeks for a callback.

Actually it's from when your benefit year begins, which is typically the week you first file. But if there's a waiting period or your claim gets held up in adjudication, those weeks still count toward your 26-week total.

So if my claim is stuck in adjudication for 4 weeks, I lose 4 weeks of potential benefits?

Exactly. This is why it's crucial to file as soon as possible after becoming unemployed and to resolve any issues quickly.

After regular UI ends, you might qualify for other programs like WorkFirst or basic food assistance through DSHS, but there's no automatic unemployment extension right now.

I had the same problem calling Washington ESD - impossible to reach anyone. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helped me get through to an actual agent. They have this system that calls for you and holds your place in line. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Interesting, how much does something like that cost?

I don't remember the exact price but it was worth it to me to not spend half my day hitting redial. Much easier than the usual Washington ESD phone maze.

I might try that. I've been trying to reach them for two weeks about my adjudication status with no luck.

I get $790 per week so that would be about $20,540 total if I use all 26 weeks.

That's a decent amount. Just remember that's the maximum - if you start working part time or something your benefits will be reduced accordingly.

What happens if they audit and find issues with your job search log?

They can make you pay back benefits or disqualify you from future claims. I've seen people get hit with overpayment notices months later.

How does part-time work affect the benefits exactly?

Washington ESD deducts 75% of your gross earnings from your weekly benefit. So if you normally get $400/week and earn $100, you'd get $325 that week. But since you're getting less money, your total benefit amount lasts longer.

That's correct. It's called 'partial unemployment' and it can actually extend your benefit year if managed properly.

8 months?? Wow that must have been nice during COVID. I wish those extensions were still available.

The pandemic extensions (PEUC, PUA) ended in September 2021. We're back to the standard 26-week maximum for regular unemployment insurance.

I've been mostly looking for permanent positions but maybe I should consider temp work. Does that affect your unemployment if you take short term jobs?

You can work part time and still collect partial benefits as long as you report the earnings. Might help stretch your benefit year.

That was during the pandemic with the federal extensions. Regular Washington state UI is back to 26 weeks maximum.

oh man that sucks. i was counting on more time than that

You can file a new claim if you've worked enough to establish a new base period. Generally you need to earn at least 6 times your weekly benefit amount in new wages. Otherwise you'd be on the same benefit year.

So if I worked for 3 months and got laid off again, I might not qualify for a new claim?

Depends on how much you earned. If it's less than 6 times your weekly benefit amount, you'd continue on your existing claim with whatever weeks you had left.

That's scary to think about. Did you find work before or after your benefits ended?

Still looking unfortunately. Had to apply for other assistance programs through DSHS. It's tough out there.

Really? Even if I'm only getting like $50 because I worked a few days that week?

Yep, any week you file a claim counts as one of your 26, regardless of the payment amount.

That seems really unfair but I guess it makes sense from their perspective.

There are some training programs through WorkSource but they have specific eligibility requirements. You'd need to speak with a counselor there, not necessarily Washington ESD directly.

I mentioned Claimyr earlier - seriously helped me reach Washington ESD when I had questions about my claim. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting hung up on.

It does seem like a short time frame when you're competing with so many other job seekers.

The idea is that unemployment is temporary assistance, not long-term support. Most people do find work within 26 weeks, though I understand it can be challenging depending on your field.

Easy to say when you're not the one facing eviction after 6 months of unsuccessful job hunting.

Yes, 3 job search activities per week is the minimum. But doing more won't extend your benefit duration - that's still capped at 26 weeks.

Gotcha, thanks. I was hoping there was some incentive program or something.

There aren't any extended benefit programs available right now in Washington. The federal programs ended in 2021. You might want to look into other assistance programs through DSHS while you continue job searching.

Thanks, I'll look into that. This whole situation is so stressful.

What kind of job search activities are we talking about?

Could be workshops, job fairs, skills assessments, or meeting with a career counselor. They'll send you a letter if they require you to participate in something specific.

This is another area where being able to reach Washington ESD directly really helps. When I got confused about my WorkSource requirements, I used Claimyr to get through and clarify exactly what I needed to do.

Holidays don't extend your benefit year. The 26 weeks is calendar weeks, not business weeks. You still need to file your weekly claims even during holiday weeks.

Got it, thanks for clarifying that.

I totally get that feeling. The job market is competitive right now. Have you considered expanding your search radius or looking at adjacent industries?

Same boat here. Week 18 and nothing solid yet. It's stressful knowing there's a hard cutoff.

It's based on your benefit year, not calendar year. If you work enough after your claim ends and then become unemployed again, you can file a new claim with a fresh 26-week potential duration.

Good to know. So taking a temporary job wouldn't hurt my future unemployment eligibility.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - their system got me connected to an actual Washington ESD representative who could look at my specific account and answer my questions. Much better than trying to navigate their website.

Interesting, I'll have to check that out. The phone system is just impossible.

Training programs might allow you to continue receiving benefits while in approved training, but that's through WorkSource, not regular unemployment extension. Disability would be a separate program entirely through L&I or Social Security.

Thanks for clarifying. I was hoping there were some loopholes I didn't know about.

Better to know now than be surprised later! At least you have 20 weeks still ahead of you.

Use the time wisely - 26 weeks can be plenty if you're strategic about your search.

During recessions there have been federal extensions, but the base state duration has been 26 weeks for a long time. Some states do have shorter durations - Washington is actually on the generous side.

I guess that's something to be grateful for then. Still wish it was longer though!

Smart approach. Keep records of all your job search activities and any correspondence with Washington ESD.

Documentation is key. When I had to call Washington ESD about my claim status, having all my records ready made the conversation with the agent much smoother. Claimyr helped me get through to someone who could actually access my account.

Same here. This thread was really helpful for understanding what to expect.

Good luck to both of you! Remember to keep filing your weekly claims even as you get closer to the end, and don't give up on the job search.

Focus on networking and consider expanding your job search geographically or to related fields. Also look into any training programs that might help you transition to a new career path.

Yeah, I've been too picky about jobs. Probably need to start applying to anything remotely related to my skills.

Don't feel bad about being selective initially. Just reality check whether your standards are realistic for your local job market.

That's good practical advice. I hadn't thought about looking into other assistance programs.

Yeah, 211 is a good resource to call for information about local assistance programs. Better to know about them before you need them.

Also check if your county has any emergency assistance funds for people transitioning off unemployment.

Good luck with your job search! Remember that most people do find work before exhausting their benefits.

Appreciate all the advice. Feeling more prepared now to navigate the system.

It's based on your weekly claim periods, not individual days. Each week you file a claim (Sunday through Saturday) counts as one week toward your 26 week limit.

How long did it take them to get you connected?

Way faster than I expected. I think it was the same day or next day. Much better than spending hours on hold.

Good point. I'll make sure to keep filing until Washington ESD tells me I'm done.

Exactly. Let them cut you off, don't cut yourself off early.

Yeah I'm trying to balance being realistic with not settling for something terrible.

Totally understand. It's a tough balance between desperation and having standards.

This is good advice. I should probably start researching other resources now instead of hoping I find work in the next 4 weeks.

Exactly. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst. There's no shame in using available resources.

Did they help explain why you were on standby?

Yeah the agent was able to look at my claim and explain exactly what was happening. Turns out my employer had submitted some paperwork that was holding things up.

Wait really? So if I use up my 26 weeks but then get a job for a few months and lose it, I could file again?

You'd need to meet the work requirements for a new claim, but yes, it's possible. Depends on how much you earned in your new job.

Some states only give 12-16 weeks so yeah, 26 is better than nothing.

True, I should be grateful for what I can get. Thanks everyone for the info and encouragement.