How long can you stay on unemployment in Washington - what's the maximum duration?

Thanks! That's helpful to know. Is the 26 weeks from when I first filed or from when I was actually approved?

It's from when you first filed your initial claim, not when you were approved. So your benefit year clock started ticking when you submitted that first application.

Yeah I've been doing that through WorkSourceWA. It's actually been helpful for organizing my job search.

Make sure you're documenting everything properly in your job search log. Washington ESD can audit your records at any time.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to Washington ESD agents without waiting on hold forever. I watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ) and it actually works. Got connected to a real person in like 10 minutes instead of spending hours calling.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How does it work exactly?

They basically handle the calling process for you and get you connected when an agent becomes available. Super easy to use and saved me so much time and frustration.

There used to be extended benefits during high unemployment periods, but those programs ended. After your 26 weeks of regular UI are exhausted, you'd need to look into other assistance programs.

This is why the system is broken. 26 weeks isn't enough in this economy. People need more support.

That's interesting. I might pick up some freelance work. Do I report that income even if it's just a few hundred dollars?

Yes, you must report ALL earnings, no matter how small. Washington ESD will reduce your weekly benefit based on what you earn, but you might still get partial benefits.

I exhausted mine last year. It was rough but I eventually found something. Started looking into local workforce development programs and got some free training that helped.

WorkSourceWA has some good resources for job training and placement services. Might be worth checking out before your benefits run out.

You'd need to establish a new benefit year, which requires earning sufficient wages in your new base period. It's not automatic - you have to qualify again based on your work history.

Got it, so I can't just keep cycling through unemployment claims. Makes sense.

True, but the weekly benefit amounts in Washington are decent compared to other states too. Could definitely be worse.

Have you looked into training programs through WorkSourceWA? Some of them might extend your benefits while you're in approved training.

I haven't but that's a good idea. I'll check what's available. Do you know if they have tech bootcamps or anything like that?

How much does that cost though? I'm trying to save money while on unemployment.

It's worth it for the time you save honestly. Plus you get actual answers instead of just guessing about your benefits.

You can move to another state and continue collecting Washington benefits, but you still need to meet Washington's job search requirements and the 26 week limit doesn't change.

Thanks! Good to know I don't lose my remaining weeks if I relocate.

This is great advice. I wish I had been more strategic earlier in my claim instead of just panic-applying everywhere.

Exactly. The 26 weeks can be a blessing in disguise if you use the time wisely for career development.

Washington eliminated the waiting week, so you get paid for your first week of unemployment. The 26 weeks is just your total benefit weeks available.

Perfect, thanks for clarifying that!

Congrats on finding something! Any tips for others who are getting close to their limit?

Start networking more aggressively around week 20. Don't rely just on online applications. Also consider temp agencies - they can lead to permanent positions.

Agreed. Some companies take 3-4 months just to make a hiring decision. By the time you get through their process, you might be out of benefits.

That's why it's important to have multiple applications in the pipeline at different stages. Can't rely on just one opportunity.

I keep seeing Claimyr mentioned. Might have to check it out since I can never get through to Washington ESD either.

Definitely worth it. The video demo on their site shows exactly how it works. Makes the whole process so much less stressful.

Correct, 26 weeks is the maximum for regular unemployment insurance in Washington. After that, you'd need to look into other assistance programs or requalify for a new claim if you've worked enough.

Understood. Better start planning for that transition point then.

Smart to plan ahead! Don't wait until you're desperate in week 24 to really start pushing hard on applications.

Definitely. Going to treat every week like it matters from now on.