How long can you collect unemployment benefits in Washington - confused about my time limits

Thanks! So I should have about 10 more weeks left if I'm at 16 weeks now? That's somewhat reassuring but still cutting it close.

Don't forget you also need to meet your weekly job search requirements to keep getting benefits. Make sure you're documenting everything in your job search log.

I'll check my account right now. I think I remember seeing something about benefit duration when I first filed but I was so overwhelmed I didn't pay attention to the details.

Yeah the COVID extensions are long gone. My cousin found that out the hard way last year when his benefits just stopped.

Interesting, I've never heard of that service. Did it actually work for you? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks.

How much does something like that cost though? Money's already tight when you're on unemployment.

It was worth it for me just to get answers and peace of mind. Way better than spending hours on hold or getting disconnected.

Check your monetary determination letter that Washington ESD sent you when your claim was approved. It should list your maximum benefit amount and duration.

oh yeah i think i threw that away thinking it was just more paperwork. oops

That's good advice. I have been somewhat selective but maybe I need to cast a wider net as I get closer to my limit.

What exactly counts as 'suitable work' anyway? I keep seeing that term but it's vague.

Generally work that's similar to your previous job in terms of skills and pays at least a certain percentage of your previous wages. But the requirements can change as you get further into your benefit period.

Oh wow, I didn't know that. So if I don't find work before my benefits end, I'm just out of luck until I work again?

That's correct. You need to establish a new base period with sufficient wages to qualify for another claim. It's not automatic.

This is why the job search requirements are so important. They're not just busywork - Washington ESD expects you to be actively looking.

I ran out last year. Had to take a part-time job at way less than I was making before just to have some income. It was rough but better than nothing.

That's what I'm afraid of. Taking something way below what I was making feels like going backwards.

Sometimes you have to take a step back to move forward. A part-time job might help you establish new wages for a future claim too.

That's actually really helpful to know. So taking a temporary job wouldn't necessarily waste my remaining weeks?

Right, but there are rules about how much you can earn and still collect partial benefits, and other requirements. Definitely something to ask Washington ESD about if you're considering a temporary position.

You're right, I should probably stop obsessing over the countdown and put that energy into job applications instead.

Maybe set a goal like 5 applications per day? Having a target helps make it feel more manageable.

I hadn't thought about training programs. That might actually be a good use of my remaining time if I can find something relevant to my field.

Some training programs even allow you to keep collecting benefits while you're in school. Definitely worth looking into.

Good point. I've been keeping track but maybe not as detailed as I should be. I'll start being more thorough.

Screenshots of job postings are helpful too since they sometimes get taken down and you want proof you applied to legitimate openings.

Thanks for the follow-up on that. I might give it a try since I do have some specific questions about my situation.

Yeah I've heard good things about services like that. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to get clear answers.