How long can you go on unemployment benefits in Washington state?

Thanks! So 26 weeks is about 6 months right? That should give me some time to find something new.

Yep, 26 weeks is roughly 6 months. Just make sure you file your weekly claims on time and keep doing your job search requirements.

What's a base period? I keep seeing that term but don't understand it.

Base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. Washington ESD uses this to calculate your benefit amount and duration.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Interesting, I'll check that out. I've been calling since 7am every day and getting nowhere.

Different states have different rules. Washington gives up to 26 weeks, some states give less. Oregon might be different.

oh ok that makes sense then

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs?

Job applications, networking contacts, career fair attendance, interviewing, skills training. Keep detailed records in case they audit you.

They audited me last year and I'm glad I kept good records. They wanted to see everything going back 3 months.

How do I find out exactly how many weeks I qualify for?

It should show in your Washington ESD account once your claim is processed. Look for the 'benefit year' information.

How much does it cost?

I'd rather pay a small fee than waste entire days trying to get through. It saved me so much time and stress.

Yeah I collected for almost a year during the pandemic but that was a special situation.

Exactly. PUA and PEUC are history. Now it's just regular UI benefits.

So if I find a job after 10 weeks, I lose the remaining 16 weeks?

Right, you can't save them up. Once you're working full time again, your benefits stop.

But if you get laid off again within that same benefit year, you might be able to restart your claim.

Tell me about it. I spent hours trying to figure out my benefit duration online before giving up and calling.

That's exactly why services like Claimyr exist. Sometimes you just need to talk to a human who can look at your specific situation.

Wait, so I don't get paid for the first week at all?

Correct. Week 1 is a waiting week with no payment. You start getting paid from week 2 onward.

That caught me off guard when I first filed. Wish they explained that better upfront.

I'm not in a union but that's good to know for others reading this.

Yeah my union has SUB pay that kicks in after state benefits end. Not all unions have it though.

How does that work exactly? I might have to take part-time work if I can't find full-time.

If you earn less than your weekly benefit amount, you get partial benefits. This stretches out your total benefit period.

But make sure to report all earnings on your weekly claim or you could get in trouble for overpayment.

Did you find something before your benefits ran out?

Found a job in week 25, thank goodness. Cutting it close but it worked out.

This is so true. I wasted the first month being too selective and had to scramble later.

Exactly. Better to find something decent and keep looking than to run out of benefits with nothing lined up.