How long can you get unemployment benefits through Washington ESD?

Thanks! So if I worked steadily for 2 years at the restaurant, I should qualify for the full 26 weeks?

Most likely yes, as long as you earned enough during your base period. Washington ESD will determine your exact benefit duration when they process your initial claim.

Thank you! What exactly are the job search requirements? I want to make sure I don't mess anything up.

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. This includes applying for jobs, attending job fairs, or networking activities. Make sure to document everything in case Washington ESD asks for verification.

When do I need to file the weekly claims? Is there a specific day?

You can file starting Sunday for the previous week, and the deadline is usually Saturday night. I always file mine on Sunday morning to make sure I don't forget.

Are there any extensions available right now? I'm coming up on week 20 and still haven't found anything in my field.

You'd need to check with Washington ESD directly about current extension programs. They change based on unemployment rates and federal funding.

I had such a hard time getting through to anyone at Washington ESD to ask about extensions. Spent hours on hold just to get disconnected. Finally used Claimyr.com to get connected to an actual agent who explained my options. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

You're mostly right - 26 weeks (about 6 months) is the standard maximum for regular UI benefits. Extensions only happen during specific economic conditions or if you qualify for special programs like training benefits.

OK good, I wasn't completely wrong then. Thanks for clarifying!

How does that work exactly? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my claim status.

Basically they handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent is available. Way better than sitting on hold for hours just to get disconnected.

What are the job search requirements exactly? I know I need to look for work but how many applications do I need to submit?

You need to complete at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. This can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, etc. Washington ESD has specific guidelines on what counts.

The 26 weeks is the maximum duration available to anyone. Your weekly benefit amount depends on your earnings, but the length of time you can collect is the same for everyone who qualifies.

oh ok that makes sense. thanks for clearing that up

That matches what most people experience. The 26-week limit is pretty standard unless there are federal extensions during economic downturns.

Same here, got my full 26 weeks in 2023 when I was between jobs.

That sounds intensive. Do they actually check on people regularly?

They do random audits and if you can't provide documentation of your job search efforts, they can disqualify you and make you pay back benefits. Better to be overly thorough than sorry.

After regular UI benefits end, you might qualify for other assistance programs like SNAP (food stamps) or temporary cash assistance, but those have different eligibility requirements and much lower payment amounts.

That's terrifying. 26 weeks goes by so fast when you're job hunting.

This is exactly why I used every resource available when I was job hunting on unemployment. Even used Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my claim status - way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Did you find work in the same industry or did you have to switch?

I stayed in the same field but had to expand my search radius. Took longer than expected but worth waiting for the right opportunity.

The 26-week clock starts from your benefit year begin date, which is usually the Sunday of the week you filed your initial claim, not when you actually receive your first payment.

Oh no, so I'm already using up weeks even though I haven't gotten paid yet because of the adjudication delay?

Unfortunately yes, that's how it works. But if you're eventually approved, you should receive back payments for those weeks if you filed your weekly claims.

How much can you earn before it affects your benefits?

Washington ESD has a formula where they deduct earnings over a certain threshold from your weekly benefit amount. The exact calculation depends on your weekly benefit amount, but they explain it when you file your claim.

They do include benefit duration information in your monetary determination notice, but it's buried in all the other details and hard to understand.

Yeah I got that notice but it was like reading tax forms. Just give me the bottom line!

What happens if you don't find work by week 26? Are there other programs?

You'd have to look into other assistance programs through DSHS or workforce development programs. The regular UI benefits just end after 26 weeks unless there's a special extension program, which there isn't right now.

No, working part-time doesn't extend the total number of weeks available. You still have the same 26-week limit, but you might receive partial unemployment benefits if your part-time earnings are below a certain threshold.

Got it, thanks. So it's still important to find full-time work quickly even if you're getting some part-time income.

Not exactly. If you quit without good cause or were fired for misconduct, you'll likely be disqualified. But if you quit for good cause (like unsafe working conditions) or were laid off due to lack of work, you can qualify for the full benefit period.

What counts as 'good cause' for quitting?

Things like harassment, unsafe working conditions, significant changes to your job duties or schedule, or domestic violence situations. Washington ESD evaluates each case individually.

What if I have a pre-planned vacation during my claim period?

You need to report that you were not available for work during those days. You likely won't receive benefits for that week, but it won't affect your overall eligibility.

Wait, so not everyone gets the full 26 weeks? How do they calculate the exact number?

It's based on your earnings during your base period. The agent explained that while 26 is the maximum, some people get fewer weeks if they didn't work consistently or earn enough during their qualifying period.

Make sure you apply as soon as possible after losing your job. There's a waiting week, but filing early ensures you don't lose any potential benefit weeks.

Good tip, thanks!

That's why it's so important to network and use every job search resource available, not just online applications.

Definitely learned that lesson the hard way. This time around I'm being much more proactive.

Yes, Washington ESD has the Training Benefits program that can extend your benefits if you're enrolled in approved training. You have to apply and be accepted into the program, and the training has to be for a high-demand occupation.

How much longer can the training benefits extend your unemployment?

It varies depending on the training program length, but it can potentially provide benefits for the duration of your approved training program.

Great advice. I'm going to treat this like I have 20 weeks instead of 26 to give myself a buffer.

Smart approach. The job market can be unpredictable, so having that cushion makes sense.

That sounds terrifying. How do you avoid those kinds of mistakes?

Read everything carefully, report earnings accurately, and keep detailed records of your job search. If you get confused about something, try to get clarification rather than guessing.

Same here. I'm at week 12 and feeling the pressure. What field are you in?

Marketing/communications. Lots of competition for the good positions. How about you?

I keep seeing Claimyr mentioned. Is it worth it if you just have basic questions?

For me it was worth it because I was spending hours trying to call and never getting through. Having clarity about my timeline helped me plan better.

Is WorkSourceWA registration mandatory or just recommended?

It's mandatory for most claimants. You should register within a few weeks of filing your initial claim. They'll send you information about it.

Were the extended benefits automatic during COVID or did you have to apply separately?

They were mostly automatic if you exhausted your regular benefits, but those programs ended in 2021. Different situation now.

That's confusing. So the benefit year and the 26 weeks are separate things?

Exactly. The benefit year is the period during which your claim is valid. The 26 weeks is how many weeks of benefits you can actually collect during that year.

How much do you need to earn to qualify for a new claim?

You need to earn at least 10 times your weekly benefit amount in covered employment after your benefit year started. It's not always easy to meet that requirement.

The online portal is confusing about the timing. Good to know there's a way to get real explanations.

Yeah, sometimes you need a human to walk through the numbers with you, especially when you're dealing with partial weeks or breaks in filing.

Thanks everyone for all the information. This really helps me understand what to expect and how to make the most of my benefits.

Good luck with your job search! The 26 weeks can feel like a lot or a little depending on the job market, but having a clear timeline helps with planning.