How long can you get unemployment benefits in Washington - what's the maximum?

Thanks! I worked steady for 8 years so I should qualify for the full 26 weeks then. Good to know there's a solid timeframe to work with.

Just remember you still have to do the weekly claims and job search requirements every week to keep getting benefits.

Extended benefits kick in when the state unemployment rate hits certain triggers, but we're not there right now. It's been pretty stable in Washington.

Oh okay that makes sense. I was confused because I remember hearing about longer benefits during COVID but that was special circumstances.

Interesting, never heard of that service. Does it actually work for getting through to real people at Washington ESD?

Yeah it connects you with actual ESD agents. I was skeptical at first but it worked when I needed to clarify some stuff about my job search log.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like they'd charge a lot for something like that.

I definitely made way more than $3,395 over the base period so I should be good. Construction pays pretty well when you're working steady.

What's the base period exactly? Is that like the last year of work?

Base period is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in January 2025, it would be January-December 2024.

Sorry to hear that man. Have you looked into any retraining programs? Sometimes they have extensions for people in approved training.

Yeah I looked into some WorkSource programs but most of them are for younger people or tech jobs. Not much for someone with 20 years in manufacturing.

There might be trade-specific retraining available. Worth checking with WorkSource again or calling Washington ESD directly.

Yeah I heard about the job search requirements. How many jobs do you have to apply to each week?

three job contacts per week minimum. keep good records because they might audit you

That's good to know. Since I worked full-time for 8 years straight I should get the full amount then.

You can check your potential benefit amount and duration by logging into your Washington ESD account before you even file a claim.

Is the weekly filing really that bad? I thought it was just answering a few simple questions online.

The questions are simple but the website goes down constantly, especially on Sundays when everyone tries to file at once. And if there's any issue with your claim you'll need to talk to someone.

That's interesting. So if I take a part-time job I can still collect some unemployment?

Yeah, as long as you earn less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5. They'll reduce your benefits but you can still collect something.

Just make sure you report all earnings accurately on your weekly claims. They cross-check with employers and will catch unreported income.

Extended benefits are only available when certain unemployment rate triggers are met, and Washington isn't there right now. You might want to look into training programs that could extend your benefits.

What kind of training programs extend benefits? Is there a list somewhere?

Check with WorkSource - they have approved training programs that can extend your benefits while you're in school. Usually trade schools or community college programs.

Sounds like your claim might be in adjudication. That can take several weeks to resolve. You definitely need to talk to someone about the status.

I had the same issue and used Claimyr to get through to an agent. They were able to tell me exactly what was holding up my claim and give me a timeline for resolution.

How does Claimyr work exactly? Do they just call for you or what?

They handle the calling and waiting, then connect you directly with a Washington ESD agent when one becomes available. Saves you from sitting on hold for hours.

Are we in a high unemployment period right now? I keep hearing mixed things about the job market.

Washington's unemployment rate isn't high enough to trigger extended benefits currently. You'd need to see it hit around 6.5% or higher depending on other factors.

Wait, so if my claim takes 3 weeks to process, do I lose those 3 weeks of benefits?

No, you'll get backpay for those weeks if you're approved. But those weeks still count toward your 26 week maximum.

That's why it's important to file your claim as soon as possible after losing your job. Don't wait around thinking about it.

Good advice. I've got some contacts in the industry so I'll start reaching out. Did you find work before your benefits ran out?

Found something in my last week actually. Smaller company but steady work. Keep pushing - something will come up.

Yeah those pandemic benefits were crazy long. I think some people got like 79 weeks total with all the extensions.

Those were special circumstances though. Normal times it's just the 26 weeks and maybe extended benefits if unemployment gets really high.