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

So if I use up all 26 weeks this year, I'd have to wait until next year to file a new claim? Or can I file right away if I worked enough hours?

You can file a new claim immediately after your benefit year ends if you've worked enough hours and earned enough wages during your new base period. You don't have to wait a full calendar year.

That's disappointing. I was hoping there might still be some extended benefits available. The job market is still tough in some industries.

Yeah, those pandemic programs were a lifesaver for a lot of people. Now we're back to the regular system.

I've been doing my job searches and logging them in WorkSourceWA. Is that sufficient or do I need to keep separate records too?

WorkSourceWA is perfect for logging your job searches. Just make sure you're meeting the minimum requirements and keeping detailed records of each contact.

Interesting, never heard of that before. Does it actually work for getting through to someone at Washington ESD?

Yeah, it worked for me when I needed to resolve an issue with my weekly claim. Much better than spending all day trying to call.

Once you exhaust your regular UI benefits, you might qualify for other assistance programs through DSHS like food assistance or temporary cash assistance, but there's no additional unemployment benefits available.

Also look into WorkSource centers for additional job search help and training programs. They sometimes have resources that can help extend your search.

The 26-week maximum is standard regardless of how long you worked, as long as you meet the minimum requirements to qualify. Your weekly benefit amount is based on your wages, but the duration is capped at 26 weeks.

That doesn't seem fair but I guess that's how the system works. Thanks for clarifying.

If you work part-time while claiming, you can still receive partial benefits as long as you report your earnings. This doesn't extend your benefit year, but it can help stretch your benefits since you're earning some income.

Just make sure you report ALL earnings when you file your weekly claim. Even small amounts need to be reported or you could face an overpayment.

That's good to know! So there's no penalty for using up your full 26 weeks and then filing a new claim later?

Nope, no penalty at all. As long as you meet the work and wage requirements for a new claim, you're good to go.

Good advice. I'm at week 12 and already starting to think about backup plans. Better to be prepared than scrambling at the last minute.

Definitely agree with starting early. I waited too long and ended up in a tough spot financially when my benefits ran out.

Washington state eliminated the waiting week in 2019, so you're eligible for benefits starting with your first week of unemployment. The 26 weeks is your total benefit period.

Thanks! That's helpful to know for my planning.

Yes, standby benefits count toward your 26-week maximum just like regular unemployment benefits. The clock keeps ticking whether you're on standby or actively searching for new work.

Got it, thanks. I'll need to keep that in mind as I plan for the rest of the year.

You can continue claiming benefits until you actually start working, even if you've accepted an offer for future employment. Just make sure you're still available for work and meeting job search requirements until your start date.

That makes sense. Thanks for clarifying!

How long did it take for them to connect you with someone at Washington ESD?

First time was about 20 minutes, second time was maybe 30 minutes. Way better than the hours I spent trying to call directly.

Your benefit year runs for 52 weeks from when you first filed your claim. So if you filed in March 2024, your benefit year would end in March 2025, regardless of calendar years.

Ah okay, that makes more sense. So it's not tied to the calendar year at all.

You'd have to wait until your current benefit year ends to file a new claim, even if you become unemployed again. The 26 weeks is your maximum for the entire benefit year period.

That's rough. So basically if you use up your benefits early in your benefit year, you're out of luck if something else happens.

Seasonal workers follow the same 26-week maximum, but you might be able to establish new claims more frequently if you have enough work and wages between seasonal periods.

Good to know. I'll have to track my hours more carefully to make sure I qualify for new claims.

Good reminder. I've been pretty active with my search but it's easy to get complacent when you're getting regular payments.

Exactly. I made that mistake and suddenly I was at week 23 with no solid leads. Had to really hustle those last few weeks.

Did they charge you for the service or is it free?

There's a cost involved but it was worth it for me to get accurate information instead of guessing about my benefit timeline.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. This has really clarified things for me!

Good summary. Always better to plan for the worst case scenario and be pleasantly surprised if you find work sooner.