How long do I get unemployment benefits in Washington ESD - confused about duration

Thanks! So that's about 6 months total? That should give me time to find something decent.

Just remember you have to keep filing your weekly claims and do the job search requirements to keep getting paid.

Your friend might have received extended benefits during a high unemployment period, or possibly had a different type of claim. Regular UI is still 26 weeks maximum for most people.

oh ok that makes sense, thanks for clearing that up

Good to know about the part-time work thing. I might need to take something temporary while I look.

This is so complicated! Why can't Washington ESD just make this clearer on their website?

Never heard of that service before. Did they charge you a lot?

It was worth it to actually talk to someone who could explain my specific situation instead of guessing from the website.

Interesting, I might look into that if I run into issues with my claim.

No, you need to meet minimum earnings requirements during your base period to qualify for the full 26 weeks. If you only worked 6 months, you might get fewer weeks or a lower benefit amount depending on your total wages.

ugh this is so confusing, how am I supposed to figure out what I qualify for?

So I have a full year to use up those 26 weeks? That's actually pretty flexible.

Yeah but don't think you can just take breaks whenever you want. You have to keep filing weekly and meeting all the requirements.

Mine is a permanent layoff so I'll need to do the job search stuff. How many jobs do I need to apply to each week?

Currently it's 3 job search activities per week, but check the WorkSourceWA requirements to make sure you're doing it right.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - at least then I could talk to an actual Washington ESD agent who could look at my specific claim details.

might have to look into that, I'm tired of getting hung up on or sitting on hold forever

calling washington esd directly lol good luck with that

seriously the phone system is impossible, I gave up after two weeks of trying

This is why services like Claimyr exist - they help you actually get through to talk to someone when the regular phone system fails.

Good for you! Just remember to file your weekly claims on time and keep track of your job search activities. Missing a week can cause delays.

Congrats on figuring it out. The hardest part is understanding the system - once you know what to expect it's much easier to manage.

Extended benefits can sometimes be available during periods of high unemployment, but those are triggered by specific economic conditions and aren't common. Don't count on more than the standard 26 weeks.

ok good to know, ill plan for 26 weeks then

They count wages from ALL employers during your base period. So if you had two jobs, both sets of wages would be included in calculating your benefits.

oh that actually makes me feel better, I had a part time job too so maybe I'll qualify for more

Wait so if I find a job after 10 weeks, I lose the other 16 weeks completely?

Exactly. Use it or lose it basically. But hey, finding a job is better than being on unemployment anyway!

unless the job sucks and you get laid off again, then you might have to file a new claim

That makes sense. Good thing I got that raise 8 months ago then!

You can generally continue collecting Washington ESD benefits if you move, but you need to notify them and may need to register for work search in your new state. The rules can be complex so definitely call to discuss your specific situation.

thanks, I might need to relocate for family reasons so good to know it's possible

How long did it take them to get you connected?

Way faster than trying to call myself. I think it was the same day I submitted my request.

I hear you. Job searching can be really draining. Just remember that keeping up with the requirements protects your benefits, and every application is a chance at something better.

yeah youre right, just gets depressing after so many rejections

Hang in there! At least we have the full 26 weeks to find the right opportunity.

True, but it's meant to be temporary assistance while you look for work, not a long-term solution. 6 months is actually pretty generous compared to other states.

fair point, I guess I should be grateful for what we get

Same here! This thread really helped clear things up. Good luck with your job search!

Glad we could help. That's what this community is for - helping each other navigate the Washington ESD system.

Yeah that would be confusing. So benefit year is how long I have to use the 26 weeks, not how long I get paid. Got it.

Exactly. You have flexibility in when to use those 26 weeks within your benefit year, but you can't collect more than 26 weeks total.