How long do Washington ESD unemployment benefits last - confused about duration

Thanks! So the 26 weeks starts from when I filed my claim or when it was approved? I filed 3 weeks ago but just got approved last week.

The benefit year starts from the date you filed your initial claim, not when it was approved. So if you filed 3 weeks ago, those weeks count toward your 26-week maximum.

Thanks! So that's 26 weeks total no matter what? I thought I heard there might be extensions available in some cases.

The 26 weeks is the standard maximum. Extensions only happen during periods of high unemployment or economic emergencies, which we don't currently have in Washington state.

How hard was it to get through to Washington ESD on the phone? I'm worried about missing anything.

took me like 50+ calls over 2 days. their phone system is totally overloaded

Oh no, is it really that hard to get through? I was planning to call tomorrow morning to start my claim.

mornings are the worst. everyone calls first thing. try calling right at lunch time or later in the afternoon

wait is this legit? sounds too good to be true

I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They handle all the calling and waiting, then connect you when an agent picks up. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Interesting, I'll check this out. Anything to avoid the phone runaround.

How many job search activities do I need to do each week? I saw something about 3 but wasn't sure.

Yes, it's 3 job search activities per week that you claim benefits. This can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, etc. Keep detailed records.

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work for getting through to Washington ESD?

Yeah, it worked great for me. Much better than sitting there hitting redial for hours. The agent was able to explain exactly how many weeks I had left and what happens if I find work before my benefits run out.

Interesting, might have to try that. I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about my claim status.

That's good to know! So if I find a job after 10 weeks but then get laid off again 6 months later, I could still have 16 weeks left?

Exactly, as long as it's within your original benefit year. But you'd need to meet the work requirements again and your claim would need to be reopened.

Is the website really that bad? I was hoping to do everything online.

The website works fine for most people. You can file your initial claim and weekly claims online without issues. Some people just have unique situations that require phone contact.

Extended benefits are tied to the state's unemployment rate. California might have different triggers than Washington. You'd need to check with Washington ESD directly to see if any extensions are currently available.

Ugh, everything varies by state. This is so confusing. Why can't it just be the same everywhere?

Good tip about filing early in the week. Do you know what happens if I find a part-time job while collecting? Can I still get partial benefits?

Yes, you can work part-time and still receive partial unemployment benefits. Washington ESD has a formula where they reduce your benefits based on how much you earn, but you can still collect something as long as you earn less than your weekly benefit amount plus $5.

Do you know if part-time work affects how long benefits last? I might take some gig work while job searching.

you can work part time and still get partial benefits as long as you report it on your weekly claim. might extend how long your benefits last since you're not using the full amount each week

You might be thinking of a different type of benefit or a different state. Washington ESD regular unemployment insurance is definitely up to 26 weeks maximum.

oh ok maybe i was confused with something else. thanks for clearing that up

Exactly right! Just make sure you file your initial claim as soon as possible since there's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start.

One week waiting period? So even if I file this week, I won't get paid for the first week?

Correct, the first week is unpaid. It's called a 'waiting week' and it's required for all new unemployment claims in Washington.

I got $487 per week approved. Is there a way to calculate how much total I'll get?

Multiply your weekly benefit by 26 weeks, but that's assuming you qualify for the full 26 weeks based on your work history. Your monetary determination should show the maximum benefit amount.

I know, right? I just want to know how long I can count on these benefits while I'm job hunting.

The system is designed to be confusing on purpose. They hope you'll give up and stop claiming benefits.

Nice! I'm definitely going to try that if I run into calling problems.

Glad it worked for you too! It's such a relief not having to deal with busy signals and disconnections.

Where exactly do I find that on my Washington ESD account? I've been looking but the interface is confusing.

Log into your SecureAccess Washington account and look under 'Claim Summary' or 'Payment History.' It should show weeks remaining and dollar balance remaining.

That's helpful to know. I think my highest quarter was probably around $13k since I got some overtime during our busy season.

That should put you at a decent weekly benefit amount then. The exact calculation is a bit complex but Washington ESD will figure it out when you file your claim.

What kinds of things would get you disqualified? I'm pretty sure my layoff was legitimate.

Most common reasons are quitting without good cause, being fired for misconduct, or not being able and available for work. Layoffs are usually fine unless there were performance issues.

It's called WorkSourceWA and yes, registration is typically required within a certain timeframe after filing your claim. They'll send you instructions about this.

Good to know, I'll watch for those instructions. Is that where I report my job search activities too?

No, job search activities are reported on your weekly claim filing, not through WorkSourceWA. WorkSourceWA registration is separate.

That's really helpful! I was thinking about getting some new certifications anyway. How do I find out about those programs?

WorkSourceWA.com has information about training programs. You usually need to get approval before starting to make sure your benefits continue.

Thanks for the real-world perspective! Did you ever have trouble with the weekly filing or job search stuff?

nah once you get in the routine its pretty easy. just set a reminder to file every week and keep track of your applications. the hardest part is dealing with washington esd when you have questions

Definitely planning to start looking right away. I actually have a few leads already from former coworkers.

That's smart! Networking through former colleagues is often the best way to find new opportunities.

It's 26 calendar weeks, not business days. So weekends and holidays are included in the count.

got it, thanks. wanted to make sure i was calculating my timeline correctly

Yikes, that sounds frustrating. Hopefully I won't run into any complications with my claim.

That's exactly why services like Claimyr are so helpful - they cut through all the phone system issues and get you directly to agents who can actually resolve problems.

Good clarification. I'll make sure I'm looking at the right program information.

Yeah I'm expecting it to be less than my full salary. Better than nothing though while I look for something new.

The benefit amount varies but it's designed to partially replace your wages while you search for new employment. It's not meant to fully replace your income.

Definitely will read all the fine print. Don't want to accidentally mess anything up.

Smart approach. It's much easier to follow the rules from the start than to fix problems after they happen.

Any other tips from your experience? Things you wish you'd known going in?

keep really good records of everything - job applications, contacts with washington esd, any income you report. if there are ever questions later youll be glad you documented everything

Good to know there's a cap. I wasn't expecting to get anywhere near $999 per week anyway.

Right, the actual amount depends on a formula based on your quarterly earnings. Washington ESD will calculate it automatically when you file.

Wait, there's a waiting period? What if I find work for a few months and then lose the job again?

if you work enough to qualify for a new claim you can file again. but if you just exhaust your 26 weeks without working, you have to wait until your benefit year expires to file a new claim

Good to know! I've been filing every Sunday like clockwork. When exactly do I need to file by each week?

You have to file by 11:59 PM on Saturday for the previous week. So if you're claiming for the week ending Saturday, you need to file by the following Saturday night.

Why would you have to pay it back? That's scary to think about.

something about overpayment because of an error in their system. still fighting it

What are the job search requirements? I've been applying to jobs but haven't been tracking it formally.

You need to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep records. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities at any time.

How did you notice the error? What should I be looking for?

My weekly benefit amount was wrong and it was reducing my total available weeks faster than it should have. Keep track of the math yourself.

Do they automatically send tax forms or do I need to request them?

Washington ESD will send you a 1099-G form in January showing how much you received. You can also opt to have taxes withheld from your weekly payments.

Thanks everyone! This has been super helpful. I feel much better about understanding the timeline now.

Glad we could help! Remember to keep filing those weekly claims and document your job search activities. Good luck with the job hunt!

Several people have mentioned Claimyr now. Might be worth trying if I run into issues. Thanks for all the advice everyone!