How long can you receive unemployment benefits in Washington state - confused about duration

Thanks! So that's about 6 months total. Do you know if there are any ways to extend beyond 26 weeks if you're still unemployed?

Extensions depend on federal programs and state unemployment rates. During high unemployment periods, extended benefits might be available, but it's not guaranteed. You'd need to check with Washington ESD directly.

OMG the phone situation is terrible! I tried calling Washington ESD like 50 times last month and kept getting disconnected.

I actually found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. They have this system that handles the calling for you - check out claimyr.com. There's even a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

Interesting, I'll have to look into that. Getting through to an actual person at Washington ESD feels impossible sometimes.

Wait, so if I use 20 weeks now and find a job, then lose it again in 3 months, I could still get 6 more weeks?

Exactly, as long as it's within your benefit year and you meet the other eligibility requirements. You don't get a 'fresh' 26 weeks though - just whatever you had left unused.

I know it's frustrating. The Washington ESD website has gotten better over the years, but unemployment rules can be complex. The key thing to remember is 26 weeks maximum for regular UI benefits.

thanks i guess ill just have to keep reading and hope i dont mess anything up

Yeah I remember getting like 79 weeks total during the pandemic. Those were different times though.

Those pandemic-era extensions were unprecedented. Don't count on seeing anything like that again unless there's another major economic crisis.

The job search requirements are there for a reason. You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log. Many people do find work through networking and applying consistently.

I've been doing way more than 3 contacts per week but still nothing. The job market is tough right now.

Consider reaching out to WorkSource Washington for additional job search assistance. They offer resume help, interview coaching, and sometimes have access to job openings that aren't posted publicly.

So working overtime before getting laid off would increase my weekly payment but not give me more weeks?

Correct! Your weekly benefit amount is based on your highest earning quarter, but everyone gets the same maximum 26 weeks of regular UI.

The job search requirements are meant to help people return to work. While it can feel burdensome, unemployment insurance is designed as temporary assistance while you look for employment.

i get that but sometimes it feels like they spend more energy tracking what youre doing than actually helping you find work

Good advice. I'm going to step up my applications now that I'm at week 8.

I wish I had started applying more seriously earlier. Now I'm at week 22 and feeling the pressure.

calling them is a nightmare though... takes forever to get through

That's where services like Claimyr really help. They handle the calling and waiting for you, so you don't have to spend hours on hold trying to reach a Washington ESD agent.

might have to try that if i cant figure this out online

How do you know if you qualify for TAA or other programs?

TAA is for workers whose jobs were affected by foreign trade. There are specific criteria and your employer usually has to be certified. You'd need to check with Washington ESD about eligibility.

You've got this! Use the remaining weeks strategically for job searching. Network, improve your skills, and apply consistently. Many people find work before their benefits expire.

Exactly! And remember that even if you do exhaust benefits, you can always reapply if you become unemployed again after working. The system is designed to be there when you need it.

Thanks for mentioning that throughout this thread. I might need to use something like that if I run into issues.

anything that helps avoid sitting on hold for hours sounds good to me

What are the earning requirements to qualify for a new benefit year?

You need to have earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period and meet minimum earnings thresholds. Washington ESD has the specific amounts on their website.

Perfect summary! This thread answered all my questions about benefit duration. Thanks everyone!

Agreed, this was super helpful. Now I know exactly where I stand with my remaining weeks.

This is such helpful advice! I've been worried about my documentation - I've been keeping a basic log but wasn't sure if it was detailed enough. What specific information should we be recording for each job search contact? Just company name and date, or do they want more details like contact person, method of contact, etc? I want to make sure I'm covered if they do audit my records.

You should definitely keep detailed records! For each job search contact, Washington ESD typically wants: company name, date of contact, method (online application, phone call, in-person, etc.), position applied for, and contact person if available. I also include the job posting source (like Indeed, company website, etc.) and any follow-up actions. It might seem like overkill, but if they audit you, having too much documentation is way better than not having enough. I learned this the hard way when a friend got flagged for insufficient job search records and had to provide weeks of back-documentation.