How long can you collect unemployment in Washington ESD - maximum duration?

Thanks! So 26 weeks total is the max? What happens after that if I still haven't found work?

After 26 weeks, your regular UI claim ends. You'd need to look into other programs or reapply if you have new qualifying wages from work.

How do I check how many weeks I'm eligible for? Is that shown in my SecureAccess Washington account?

Yes, log into your SAW account and look at your claim summary. It should show your total benefit amount and how many weeks you can collect.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Finally got my questions answered!

Really? How does that work exactly? I'm desperate at this point.

Basically they handle the calling for you and get you connected to an actual ESD representative. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Extended Benefits (EB) are only triggered when unemployment rates hit certain thresholds. Washington's rates aren't high enough right now to trigger EB. Your friend might be in a different situation or state.

Oh okay that makes sense. So it really is just 26 weeks max for most people then.

You can't just reapply immediately. You need to have earned new qualifying wages from work after your claim started. Otherwise you'd be using the same base period wages that already got exhausted.

damn so if i dont find work soon im screwed after 26 weeks

I know right? 6 months goes by really fast when you're job hunting. Especially if you're being picky about finding the right position.

That's why you're supposed to be actively looking for work the whole time, not being picky. The job search requirements exist for a reason.

What's WorkFirst? Is that through Washington ESD too?

No, WorkFirst is through DSHS (Department of Social and Health Services). It's Washington's TANF program. Different eligibility requirements but worth looking into if you have kids.

That's scary. Did you find work right away or did you have a gap?

I had about a 2 week gap which was rough. Really motivated me to take the first decent offer I got though.

Oh interesting, I didn't know that. So if I worked for a couple months and then got laid off again, I could still use my remaining weeks?

Yes, as long as you're still within your benefit year and haven't used up all 26 weeks. But you'd need to report the wages from your new job.

I totally get the frustration. Like I mentioned earlier, I used Claimyr to actually get through to someone who could give me accurate information. Sometimes you need to talk to an actual person instead of relying on the website.

I'll check that out. At this point I'll try anything to get real answers.

Washington eliminated the waiting week in 2023. So now you can get paid for your first week of unemployment if you're eligible. The 26 weeks is your total benefit duration.

Good to know! That's at least one thing that's improved.

There are some training programs through WorkSource WA that might qualify you for Training Benefits, but those have specific requirements and aren't guaranteed. You'd need to get approved for an eligible training program.

how do i find out about those programs? is that through the worksource website?

Yes, check WorkSourceWA.com or visit a local WorkSource office. They can tell you about approved training programs and whether you might qualify for Training Benefits.

Good point. I've been keeping track in the system but sometimes I wonder if I'm doing enough job search activities.

The requirement is usually 3 job search activities per week. Make sure you're logging them properly in your SecureAccess account.

That's what I was afraid of. Guess I need to step up my job search efforts.

Yeah definitely don't wait until the last minute. Start getting more aggressive with applications now.

Right, I think my weekly amount is based on my highest earning quarter. But the duration is still capped at 26 weeks max regardless of how much I earned, right?

Correct. 26 weeks is the maximum duration no matter what. Your wages determine your weekly amount and total benefit amount, but not how long you can collect.

How much did that cost? I might need to do the same thing.

It was worth it to get a real answer instead of guessing. Much cheaper than missing out on benefits because I didn't understand my claim status.

Thanks everyone for all the info. Sounds like I need to get serious about my job search since I'm already at 12 weeks.

Good luck with your search! Remember to keep filing your weekly claims and logging your job search activities until you find work.