How long can you take unemployment benefits in Washington state?

Thanks! So that's about 6 months? Do I need to be actively looking for work the whole time?

Yes, exactly 6 months max. And yes, you must actively search for work and report your job search activities on your weekly claims. Washington ESD requires at least 3 job search contacts per week.

How do they calculate that? I made decent money in construction so hopefully I get the full 26 weeks.

They look at your wages from the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed. Higher wages = more weeks of benefits up to the 26 week max.

Is that some kind of paid service? I don't want to pay extra just to talk to ESD.

It's way cheaper than losing benefits because you couldn't get through to resolve an issue. I used it when my claim got stuck in adjudication and it was worth every penny.

What counts as suitable work for construction? Do I have to take any job or can I stick to my field?

Generally you can be more selective early in your claim period, but as time goes on you may need to consider work outside your usual field. The pay requirements also decrease over time.

This is why I hate the unemployment system. They force you to take crappy jobs after a few months even if you're skilled in a specific trade.

Extended benefits can trigger during periods of high unemployment, but Washington state hasn't had extended benefits available recently. The trigger rates haven't been met.

So basically you're out of luck after 26 weeks? That seems harsh in a tough job market.

What happens if I work part-time some weeks? Do I still file a claim?

Yes, definitely still file. Washington ESD allows you to work part-time and still collect partial benefits as long as you report all earnings honestly.

Your benefit year is 52 weeks from when you first filed your claim. Within that year, you can collect up to 26 weeks of benefits (or whatever amount you qualified for).

Oh okay that makes more sense. So even if I find work and stop claiming, I could come back later in the same benefit year if I lose that job?

Yeah that's smart. Any suggestions for where to look for winter work that might hire construction workers?

Warehouses, retail (especially holiday season), snow removal, home improvement stores. They like hiring people with construction experience.

How detailed does the log need to be? Just company names or more info?

Company name, contact info, date of contact, type of contact (online application, phone call, etc.), and position applied for. Keep it detailed.

How's the job search going? Finding anything promising?

A few leads but nothing solid yet. Most contractors are winding down for winter. Might have to look at indoor work like warehouses.

What kind of adjudication issue did you have? I'm worried about running into problems since this is my first time filing.

They questioned whether I was actually laid off or if I quit. Had to provide documentation from my employer to prove it was a layoff. Took forever to resolve.

That would make sense. Do other states handle seasonal unemployment differently?

Some do but Washington doesn't have special provisions for seasonal work. You just have to work within the regular UI system.

My layoff is indefinite - they said maybe spring if they get new contracts. So I'm not on standby right?

Right, sounds like regular UI benefits for you. Standby is only for temporary layoffs with a specific return date within 4 months.

Got it. Better to assume 26 weeks max and plan from there. Thanks for all the info everyone!

Exactly. Use the time wisely for job searching and maybe consider getting additional training or certifications that could help you land work.

I've heard mixed things about those callback services. Anyone else used them successfully?

I used Claimyr twice and it worked both times. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting hung up on.

So if I work a temp job for a month and then get laid off again, I'd only have whatever weeks I had left from my original 26?

Exactly. That's why some people try to stretch their benefits by working part-time instead of taking short-term full-time work.

Good point. I'll start a folder for all my unemployment paperwork.

Smart move. Digital copies are good too in case you need to upload documents to the ESD system.