How long can you draw unemployment benefits in Washington - hit my 26 weeks?

So there's literally nothing else available right now? That seems crazy when jobs are still hard to find in my field.

Unfortunately no federal extensions right now. EB hasn't been triggered in Washington recently because unemployment rates don't meet the federal requirements.

Different states have different maximum benefit periods. Washington is 26 weeks standard. Some states go up to 30 weeks but it varies.

That's confusing why every state is different for something this important

I tried calling twice but can never get through. The phone system is ridiculous.

I had the same problem reaching them until I found Claimyr (claimyr.com). They actually got me connected to a real person at Washington ESD within like 15 minutes. There's a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me hours of frustration.

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work for Washington ESD specifically?

Yeah it worked for me. I needed to check on an adjudication issue and couldn't get through the normal way. Much easier than the endless busy signals.

So even if Washington wanted to extend benefits they couldn't without federal approval?

States can create their own additional programs but it's rare because of funding issues. Most extensions come from federal programs during recessions.

I feel you. The job market is tough right now even though unemployment numbers look good on paper.

exactly! the stats don't match reality for a lot of us

I haven't really looked into other programs. I guess I should start researching what else is available.

Definitely worth checking out. SNAP benefits, housing assistance, utility help - there are various programs that might bridge the gap.

Also check if you qualify for any retraining programs. Sometimes there's funding available for career changes.

Yeah I've been thinking about that. It's just frustrating to feel like I'm going backwards in my career.

I totally get that feeling. But sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to pay bills while still looking for the right opportunity.

So if the unemployment rate went up I could potentially get more benefits? How would I even know if that happens?

Washington ESD would announce it on their website and notify current/recent claimants. But honestly don't count on it happening anytime soon.

You'd need to work long enough and earn enough to establish a new base period. Generally need significant earnings over several quarters, not just a few weeks of work.

Ah okay so it's not like you can just work a month and restart benefits. Good to know.

That's encouraging to hear you eventually found something good. How did you manage financially during that gap?

Honestly it was tight. Had to cut expenses way down and lean on family some. But the part-time income helped bridge the worst of it.

Agreed. The hiring process has gotten so drawn out compared to how it used to be.

Right? I've had jobs take 2+ months from first application to offer. That's insane.

I might try that. I do want to double-check that there really aren't any other programs I'm missing.

Yeah it's worth confirming directly with them. At least you'll know for sure what your options are.

I think I got emails about WorkSource but haven't really followed up. I should look into that.

Definitely worth it. They have job search assistance and sometimes training opportunities too.

I've thought about it. My car isn't in great shape for delivery driving but maybe there are other gig options I could do.

Depending on your skills there might be online freelance work you could do from home. Even small projects can help.

Thanks for the confirmation. At least now I know where I stand and can plan accordingly.

Good luck with the job search. It's tough out there but don't give up.

Good point. I'll keep documenting everything just in case.

Yeah better to have the records and not need them than the other way around.