How long can you collect unemployment for in Washington state?

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max? That gives me about 6 months to find something new. Do I need to have worked a certain amount of time to qualify for the full 26 weeks?

You need to meet Washington ESD's base period earnings requirements, but if you qualify for benefits at all, you get the full 26 weeks. The work history affects your weekly benefit amount, not the duration.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr.com - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. They have this demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made a huge difference for me when I needed to check on my adjudication status.

Really? I'll check that out. I'm getting desperate trying to reach someone about why my weekly claims aren't processing.

Good point about the weekly claims. How strict are they about the filing deadlines?

Pretty strict. You have to file by the deadline each week or you might lose that week's benefits. Washington ESD doesn't usually give extensions for late filing unless there's a really good reason.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs or other stuff too?

Job applications, networking events, career fairs, some training programs. Washington ESD has a list on their website. Just make sure you can document everything in case they audit your job search log.

They actually audit those? I thought it was just honor system...

Oh yeah, they definitely audit job search requirements. Random checks and also if they have any reason to question your eligibility.

Did you find work before your benefits ran out? I'm hoping 6 months is enough time but warehouse jobs aren't as common as they used to be.

I found something with about 2 weeks left on my claim. Cut it pretty close. The job market is weird right now - some industries are hiring, others not so much.

After 26 weeks, regular unemployment benefits end. There might be extended benefits during really high unemployment periods, but those are rare and depend on economic conditions statewide.

damn that's scary. so if i cant find work in 6 months im just screwed?

Not screwed, but you'd have to look into other assistance programs. WorkSource might have training programs or other resources. Don't wait until week 25 to start planning.

Totally feel you. I'm on week 22 and finally have some interviews lined up. The stress of watching the countdown is awful.

At least you have interviews! What industry are you in? I'm still struggling to even get callbacks.

Healthcare support roles. There seem to be more openings there than in other fields right now.

How does that work exactly? I might end up doing some temp work while looking for permanent employment.

You'd need to earn enough wages in a new base period to qualify for a fresh claim. It's complicated - definitely worth calling Washington ESD to ask about your specific situation.

Good luck getting through to them on the phone though. That's a nightmare in itself.

Yeah I used Claimyr when I needed to resolve an adjudication issue. Way easier than trying to get through yourself. Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ to see how it works.

Thanks, I'll definitely look into that. I have questions about my benefit calculation that I can't figure out from the website.

What if your claim is stuck in adjudication? Do you still file weekly claims then?

Yes! Keep filing weekly claims even during adjudication. Once they resolve the issue, you'll get paid for all the weeks you filed for during the delay.

This is important advice. I made the mistake of not filing during adjudication and lost 3 weeks of benefits even after my claim was approved.

Seriously this. The 26 weeks sounds like a lot at first but it goes by so fast, especially if you're being picky about jobs.

Exactly. And don't forget Washington ESD can audit your job search activities at any time. Keep detailed records of everything you do.

You can file a new claim if you've worked enough since your last claim to establish a new base period. There's no specific waiting period, but you need sufficient earnings to qualify for a new benefit year.

Thanks! That's good to know for planning purposes.

That's smart. What kind of skills training did you do? Was it through WorkSource?

Mix of free online courses and some WorkSource programs. Helped me feel like I was moving forward even when the job search was slow.

Some states do have longer benefit periods, but Washington's weekly benefit amounts are actually pretty decent compared to a lot of places.

True, the weekly amount isn't bad if you were making decent money before. Still stressful watching that countdown though.

This is all really helpful. Sounds like the key is staying organized and not assuming the 26 weeks will be enough time. Better to find work early than count on using every week.

Exactly. Treat unemployment like a temporary bridge, not a long-term plan. Good luck with your job search!