How long can you claim unemployment benefits in Washington State?

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max, not a full year like my buddy told me?

Correct, 26 weeks is the maximum for regular UI benefits. Your buddy might be thinking of extended benefits that were available during COVID, but those aren't around anymore.

What exactly do I need to do for job search? Is it just applying to jobs or do I need to document something specific?

You need to log your job search activities in WorkSourceWA. Minimum 3 job search activities per week, and they have to be legitimate efforts like applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, etc.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already stressed about money with being unemployed.

It's worth checking out their site for details. For me, the peace of mind of actually talking to a real person at Washington ESD was invaluable when I was worried about my claim.

I've heard of these services but never tried one. Did they actually help you get answers faster than trying to call yourself?

Wait, so if my claim gets stuck in adjudication for a month, I lose a month of potential benefits?

Exactly. That's why it's important to file as soon as you become unemployed and to respond quickly to any requests for information from Washington ESD.

I get the frustration, but 26 weeks is actually pretty standard across most states. Some states only do 12-20 weeks.

doesnt make it any less stressful when you're living it though

I worked the full 2 years at my last job, so I should be good for the full 26 weeks then?

Most likely yes, but the exact calculation depends on your wages in the first 4 of the last 5 quarters before you filed. Washington ESD will determine this when they process your claim.

So if I find a job after 10 weeks but then get laid off again, I could still use the remaining 16 weeks within that same year?

Yes, as long as it's within your benefit year and you meet the other requirements. But if you work for a while, they might need to evaluate if you earned enough to establish a new claim.

Have you looked into retraining programs through WorkSourceWA? Sometimes there are extensions available if you're in an approved training program.

I hadn't thought about that. I'll check it out, thanks!

Also check if you qualify for any state programs for additional assistance after UI runs out. There might be other resources available.

What day of the week do you file? Is there a specific deadline?

You can file anytime during your weekly claim week, but don't wait until the last minute. I always file on Sundays to stay consistent.

Did you use it just once or multiple times? Wondering if it's worth it for ongoing questions.

I used it twice - once for the benefit calculation question and once when I thought there was an error in my payment. Both times got through quickly.

Wait, there's a waiting week? So I don't get paid for the first week I file?

Correct. The first week you file is a waiting week - you have to file for it but you don't get paid for it. It's just how the system works.

This is accurate. The waiting week applies to everyone filing a new claim.

Yes, during major economic downturns there have been federal extensions, but those are rare and temporary. Right now it's back to the standard 26 weeks maximum.

figures. thanks for clarifying

What's standby? My employer didn't mention anything like that when they laid me off.

Standby is when your employer expects to call you back within a certain timeframe. It sounds like you had a permanent layoff, so regular UI is what you'd be on.

Seems like a lot of people have had success with that service. I might need to try it if I run into issues.

It was definitely worth it for me. The peace of mind of talking to an actual person who could see my account was huge.

That makes sense. So the amount changes but not the duration.

Exactly. The weekly amount varies based on your earnings, but everyone gets the same 26-week limit.

Good point. I'll start keeping better records right from the beginning.

Smart move. It's easier to keep track as you go than to try to reconstruct everything later.

I'm not planning to move, but good to know in case my job search expands to other areas.

Yeah, just something to keep in mind. Interstate claims can get complicated.

Thanks everyone! This has been super helpful. I feel much more prepared to navigate this whole process now.

Good luck with your job search! Hope you find something great before the 26 weeks are up.