How long can you collect unemployment benefits in Washington - what's the maximum?

Thanks! How do I find out exactly how many weeks I qualify for? Is that info somewhere in my Washington ESD account?

Yes, log into your SecureAccess Washington account and look at your claim details. It should show your maximum benefit amount and number of weeks available.

That's rough. Are you doing the WorkSource thing or just looking on your own?

both, trying everything at this point

Never heard of this. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - they basically call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to an actual person. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Interesting, might have to try this. I've been trying to get through about my adjudication for weeks.

I feel you on this. The job market is brutal right now.

I understand the frustration, but the 26-week limit has been Washington's standard for years. Focus on using WorkSourceWA resources while you're collecting - they have job training programs that might help.

No, it doesn't extend the number of weeks. You still have the same maximum duration - working part-time just means you might not exhaust your total benefit amount before your benefit year expires.

Oh that sucks. So it's weeks not dollars that matter for how long you can collect?

Exactly. It's whichever comes first - you run out of weeks OR you exhaust your maximum benefit amount.

State extensions are rare and usually only happen during severe economic downturns. Federal extensions like during COVID require congressional action. Right now there are no extensions available.

Figured as much. Thanks for the info.

You'll get a notice from Washington ESD when you're nearing the end of your benefit period. Your last payment will be your final payment unless extensions become available.

they send you a letter but honestly by that point you already know because you can see the countdown in your account

Use WorkSourceWA's rapid reemployment services if you haven't already. They can be helpful for interview skills and connecting with employers.

Also, if you need to contact Washington ESD about anything before your benefits end, definitely try Claimyr. I used it to get answers about reapplying after my benefit year ended.

Thanks, I'll look into both of those options.

It depends on when your benefit year expires. If you're still within your benefit year and have weeks remaining, you might be able to reopen. But if you worked long enough at the new job, you might need to file a new claim instead.

This is so confusing. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Wait, really? I didn't know unemployment affected health insurance eligibility.

yeah if your income was low enough to qualify for medicaid while on unemployment, losing that income means you might not qualify anymore

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

Standby is for union members or people with definite return-to-work dates. Different job search requirements and sometimes different duration rules.

Tell me about it. I keep getting pressure to apply for jobs that pay half what I was making before.

Same here. It's like they expect you to just accept being underemployed permanently.

How much does something like that cost? Is it worth it?

Totally worth it when you're losing weeks of benefits to bureaucratic delays. Check out their site for details.

Good point. Better to keep the habits going than have to restart if something changes.

yeah i learned this the hard way during covid, missed out on some backpay because i stopped keeping records

Yes, there are workforce development programs through WorkSourceWA, some with income support during training. You might also qualify for Trade Adjustment Assistance if your job loss was trade-related.

I'll have to look into those options. Thanks!

True, but cost of living here is also higher than a lot of places.

Still not enough when rent is $2000+ for a one bedroom in Seattle.

That's probably smart advice even though it sucks to have to think that way.

Yeah, the reality check hits hard when you're staring at week 22 or 23.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info. I'll check my account today and start planning accordingly.

Good luck! And remember, if you need to reach Washington ESD for any last-minute questions, Claimyr is there as an option to avoid the phone runaround.