How long can you collect unemployment benefits in Washington - is there a limit?

Oh wow, 26 weeks is actually longer than I expected! That's really helpful to know.

Is that 26 weeks from when you first file or from when you start receiving payments? Because I had to wait for adjudication.

It's 26 weeks of benefits you can actually receive, not counting any waiting periods or adjudication delays. So if you're delayed 3 weeks for adjudication, you still get the full 26 weeks once approved.

What exactly counts as actively searching for work? Do I need to apply to a certain number of jobs each week?

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your job search activities. This can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking, etc. Washington ESD can audit your job search log so keep good records.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com. They actually got me through to an Washington ESD agent within a few hours. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much time and frustration!

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How does it work exactly?

They basically call Washington ESD for you and wait on hold, then connect you when they get an agent on the line. Way better than spending your whole day trying to get through yourself.

Are there any programs through Washington ESD that can help with job training while I'm collecting benefits?

Yes, there are training programs available through WorkSource Washington that you can participate in while collecting UI. Some programs even allow you to continue receiving benefits while in training.

What's standby status? Is that different from regular unemployment?

Standby is for people who expect to be called back to work by their employer within a specific timeframe. The job search requirements are different for standby claims.

I was on standby for 8 weeks waiting to be called back, but then they permanently laid me off so I had to switch to regular UI. The weeks I was on standby still counted toward my 26 week limit.

When are weekly claims due? I want to make sure I don't miss any deadlines.

You file for the week ending Saturday, and claims are usually due by midnight the following Saturday. So if the week ends on January 4th, you'd typically file by midnight on January 11th. But check your specific due dates in your eServices account.

What happens if I still can't find work after 26 weeks? Are there other programs I can apply for?

After UI benefits are exhausted, you might be eligible for other assistance programs, but they're not unemployment benefits. You'd need to look into things like food assistance, housing assistance, or other social services.

Same here, the weekly filing is annoying but it's worth it for the financial support. I set a reminder on my phone so I don't forget.

Good idea about the reminder! I'll set one up too so I don't accidentally miss a week.

Wait, so if I filed in January 2024, my benefit year would expire in January 2025 even if I haven't used all 26 weeks?

Exactly! The benefit year runs for 12 months regardless of how many weeks you've actually collected. Most people don't hit this limit because they either find work or exhaust their 26 weeks first.

How do they define 'suitable work'? Does it have to be in the same field as my previous job?

Generally, suitable work is work that matches your skills and pays at least 70% of your previous wage initially, but the standards can become less restrictive over time. It doesn't have to be identical to your previous job.

That's good advice. I'll try to be more open to different types of work opportunities while I'm collecting.

Yeah, the 26 weeks sounds like a lot at first but it goes by fast, especially if you're being selective about jobs.

How much does something like that cost? Is it worth it just to get basic information?

For me it was worth it because I'd been trying to get through to Washington ESD for days with no luck. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to get clear answers about your specific situation.

That's reassuring to know! I was worried this was my only chance to ever collect unemployment.

Nope, you can have multiple benefit years throughout your career as long as you work and earn enough wages between claims to requalify.

Where in the eServices account does it show how many weeks I've used? I want to check my status.

Log into your eServices account and look at your payment history. It should show all the weeks you've been paid and you can count them up. The system also shows your benefit year end date.

Don't panic! You still have 3 weeks left and a lot can happen in that time. Stay focused on your job search.

I was in the same situation last year and found a job in my final week of benefits. Don't give up!

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm applying to everything I can find now, not being picky anymore.

How does that work exactly? If I work a few hours a week, does that extend my benefit period?

You still have the same 26 week maximum, but if you work part-time some weeks, you might collect a reduced benefit amount those weeks. So theoretically your benefits could last longer in terms of calendar time, but you still can't collect more than 26 weeks worth of benefits total.

That's a good way to think about it. I'll treat this as a focused job search period rather than just a financial cushion.

Exactly! The 26 week limit is actually designed to provide temporary support while you transition back to employment. Use the time strategically.

Thanks for all this helpful information everyone! I feel much more informed about how the 26 week limit works now.

This has been really educational. I didn't realize there were so many details about the benefit duration rules.

Perfect summary! I'm going to start my job search right away and not waste any of those 26 weeks.