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

Thanks! So if I started in October, I should have benefits through around April then?

Yes, roughly that timeframe assuming you've been collecting continuously and meet all the weekly requirements.

Thanks! So 26 weeks is it - no extensions available right now?

Correct, the pandemic-era extensions like PEUC ended in 2021. It's back to the standard 26 weeks for regular UI benefits.

Wait, what triggers extended benefits? Is that automatic or do you have to apply separately?

It's automatic if the state unemployment rate hits certain thresholds. But we're nowhere near those levels right now.

Your benefit year duration is always up to 26 weeks, but the amount you get each week depends on your work history and wages. If you didn't work enough or earn enough, you might not qualify for the full 26 weeks.

Oh that makes sense, she probably didn't have enough work history then.

How many job contacts do I need to make each week?

It's 3 job search activities per week minimum. Can be applications, networking, job fairs, etc. Keep good records in your WorkSourceWA account.

I had the same problem until I found claimyr.com - they help you get through to ESD agents automatically. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Really? That actually works? I'm so frustrated with trying to call them myself.

Yeah it's legit, they handle the calling and waiting for you. Much better than spending your whole day redialing.

How much did that cost? I'm already tight on money and can't afford expensive services right now.

It's worth checking out their site for current info. The time I saved was definitely worth it compared to my failed attempts calling directly.

Interesting, never heard of that service before. Did they actually get you through to a real Washington ESD person?

I've been checking that but wasn't sure if the weeks shown were accurate. Good to know it's reliable.

Sometimes the online system lags behind though, especially if you just filed a weekly claim.

Did you find work eventually? What happened after your benefits ran out?

Eventually yes, but it was tough for a few months with no income. Had to take a lower paying job just to get by.

Yeah I'm doing 3 job searches per week like required. It's tough out there though, especially in my field.

Keep documenting everything in your job search log. Washington ESD can audit those records anytime.

Have you looked into other assistance programs? Food stamps, rental assistance, etc? Don't wait until your UI runs out completely.

Good point, I should probably start applying for those now while I still have some income.

Right, those are the Extended Benefits (EB) program. They only activate when the state unemployment rate hits certain thresholds, which hasn't happened recently.

How would that work exactly? I haven't worked at all since filing my claim.

If you haven't worked, then no new claim. You'd need qualifying wages in the base period for a new claim.

This is why I tell everyone to treat unemployment as temporary from day one. It's not meant to be long-term support.

Easy to say when you're not the one struggling to find work in this economy.

You can work part-time and still collect some benefits as long as you report all earnings on your weekly claim. Your benefit amount gets reduced based on what you earn, but the weeks still count toward your 26-week limit.

so even if I only get $50 that week because I worked, it still uses up one of my 26 weeks?

Exactly. Any week you file a claim, whether you get full benefits or partial, counts toward your benefit year.

Smart thinking. The job market is competitive right now, so starting strong with your search gives you the best chance of finding something before your benefits run out.

Yeah I'm starting to think about that. Pride isn't worth being homeless.

Exactly. Sometimes you have to take a step back to eventually move forward.

You'd need to work enough to establish a new benefit year. Generally you need to work at least 680 hours and earn a certain amount in covered employment. If you qualify, you get a fresh 26-week period.

Good to know, thanks for the details!

Good reminder. And keep your job search documentation even after benefits end in case of any future audits.

Yeah it took me way longer to find something than I expected. Don't get discouraged, just keep applying and networking.

Have you tried reaching out to staffing agencies? Sometimes they have temp-to-perm opportunities that can help bridge the gap.

I might have to try that. Been trying to call for a week straight with no luck.

Same here, the phone lines are always jammed. Might be worth looking into.

Wait, what happens during the other 26 weeks of the benefit year then?

Those are there in case you work temporarily and then become unemployed again within your benefit year. You could potentially restart benefits if you have weeks remaining.

That's sobering to hear. Thanks for the reality check.

How are you managing now? Did you find work or other assistance?

Found a temporary job thankfully, but it was cutting it close. Don't wait until the last minute like I did.

Absolutely. Overpayment notices can freeze your remaining benefits until resolved.

Hang in there. Use the time you have left effectively - network, update skills, consider expanding your job search geographically or by industry.

And if you need to talk to Washington ESD about anything during this time, Claimyr can help you get through. Much better than the endless hold times.

Thanks everyone for all the info. This thread has been really helpful in understanding what I'm facing.

Good luck with your job search! Hope you find something before benefits run out.

I get the frustration but complaining won't change the rules. Better to focus energy on job searching.

Easy for you to say if you haven't been through it.

Any suggestions on where to network? I've been out of the job market for a while.

LinkedIn is huge, industry meetups, professional associations, even reaching out to former colleagues. WorkSourceWA also has networking events.

How much does it cost though? I'm already tight on money.

It's worth it if you need to resolve claim issues quickly. Check out their site claimyr.com for details.

Did you find anything or are you still searching?

Still searching but I have a few promising leads. The pressure definitely makes you more focused.

Good point, I should write down my start date so I know exactly when my 26 weeks will be up.

What happens if you don't meet the requirement? Do they cut off your benefits?

They can disqualify you for weeks or even your whole claim depending on the circumstances. Not worth risking it.

I might have to try that, been waiting 3 weeks for adjudication on my claim.

Definitely worth it for adjudication issues. Time is money when you're waiting for benefits.

Thanks everyone, this thread has been super helpful in understanding what to expect!

This is really solid advice! I wish I had known about tracking the balance more closely when I started my claim. It's easy to lose track of time when you're focused on job searching. The part about reporting even small earnings is crucial too - I've heard of people getting in trouble for not reporting cash jobs or gig work thinking it wouldn't matter.