How long can you draw unemployment benefits in Washington - maximum duration questions

Thanks! So it's definitely 26 weeks max? I thought I heard something about extended benefits during certain economic conditions.

Extended benefits can sometimes be available during high unemployment periods, but those are triggered by specific economic indicators and aren't currently active in Washington. Stick with planning for the standard 26 weeks.

Oh I didn't know about WorkSourceWA registration being required. I should probably check on that.

Actually it's more flexible than that now. You need to register with WorkSourceWA and complete your WorkSource assessment, but the exact timing varies. Check your determination letter for the specific deadline.

Never heard of that before. Is it legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my claim.

Yeah it's legitimate. They basically call for you and connect you when they get through. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked and I got my questions answered about my weekly claims.

Good point about filing every week. What happens if you work part-time while collecting? Do they reduce your benefits?

Yes, if you work while collecting unemployment, Washington ESD will deduct your earnings from your weekly benefit amount. But you can still receive partial benefits as long as your total earnings don't exceed your weekly benefit amount plus $5.

That's exactly why I'm asking - want to make sure I have realistic expectations for my job search timeline.

What field are you in? Some industries are hiring more than others right now.

How do they even know if you're doing job searches? Do you have to prove it somehow?

You need to keep a record of your job search activities. They can audit your claim and ask for documentation of your job contacts, so keep good records with dates, companies contacted, and method of contact.

I know it seems overwhelming, but once you get into a routine with the weekly claims and job searches, it becomes more manageable. The key is staying consistent with the requirements.

If you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your specific situation, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does help. Sometimes talking to an actual person makes all the difference in understanding your claim.

So if I go back to work for a few weeks then get laid off again, I'd still be using the same benefit year?

Exactly. Your benefit year runs for 52 weeks from when you first filed your claim, and you can collect up to 26 weeks of benefits during that year.

Oh no, I didn't think about taxes. Should I have them withheld?

It's up to you, but I'd recommend having 10% withheld so you don't get hit with a big tax bill later. You can change this setting in your online account.

Extended benefits programs are triggered by specific unemployment rate thresholds and are approved at the federal level. They're not currently available in Washington, but that could change if economic conditions worsen.

During COVID there were special programs like PUA and PEUC, but those were emergency programs that have ended. Don't count on extensions - plan for the standard 26 weeks.

That's encouraging to hear! Did you feel like the job search requirements helped or were they just a hassle?

Honestly, the required job searches forced me to apply to more positions than I would have on my own. It expanded my options and led to finding my current job.

Yes, standby benefits still count toward your 26-week maximum. However, you don't have to do job searches while on standby status since you're expected to return to your employer.

Thanks! I'm on standby right now and wasn't sure if those weeks counted toward my total.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr - they handle all the calling and waiting for you. Way better than spending hours trying to get through yourself.

I finally got through by calling right when they opened at 8am. But it took like 45 minutes on hold.

Good advice. I've already started applying but wasn't sure if I should be more aggressive about it early on.

Definitely be aggressive early. Even if you don't find something right away, you'll have more applications in the pipeline and better relationships with potential employers.

Are there any approved training programs that might extend benefits or change the requirements?

Washington does have approved training programs where you can collect benefits while in school, but these don't extend your 26-week limit. You'd need to apply and be approved for these programs through WorkSourceWA.

That's something I hadn't considered. Hopefully I won't need it but good to know options exist.

Yeah, just something to keep in mind for financial planning. The transition from unemployment benefits to finding work can sometimes take longer than the 26 weeks allows.

Great advice! I'll start a folder with all my unemployment paperwork. Thanks everyone for all the helpful information.

You're welcome! The key is staying informed about the requirements and staying consistent with your weekly claims and job searches. Good luck with your job search!