How long do you collect unemployment benefits in Washington - confused about duration limits

Thanks! I worked steady for 8 years so hopefully I qualify for the full 26 weeks. Do you know if that 26 weeks starts from when I file or when I get approved?

It starts from your effective claim date, which is usually the Sunday of the week you filed. So don't delay filing - you can't get benefits for weeks before you actually submit your claim.

Good to know there aren't extensions right now. Did you have any trouble with the weekly claims or job search requirements?

weekly claims were easy once i got the hang of it. job search stuff was annoying but you gotta do 3 per week minimum

Thanks for the tip! I haven't tried calling ESD yet but I've heard it's nearly impossible to get through. How much did that service cost?

They focus on the value of actually reaching someone rather than cost details. For me it was worth it because I needed to verify my benefit amount and couldn't get through on my own after days of trying.

Wait is this legit? Sounds too good to be true that there's actually a way to skip the phone queue hell with Washington ESD.

What counts as actively seeking work? I want to be thorough in my job search rather than just applying everywhere.

You need at least 3 job search activities per week. This can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or using WorkSourceWA resources. Quality over quantity is fine as long as you meet the minimum.

You should be able to see your remaining balance and weeks left in your eServices account on the ESD website.

yeah i look at it but the numbers don't make sense to me. as long as i keep getting paid i guess it's fine

Yeah I used it successfully. It basically handles the calling process for you so you don't have to sit on hold for hours or keep getting disconnected. Worth checking out their demo video to see exactly how it works.

Honestly sounds sketchy to me. Why would you need to pay someone to make a phone call? Just keep trying the regular number.

I've been trying the regular number for 3 weeks with no luck. At this point I'm willing to try alternatives.

Perfect, thank you for the clear answer. That gives me about 6 months to find something good, which should be enough time.

Just remember you still need to actively look for work during those 26 weeks. It's not just free money for 6 months.

When are the weekly claims due? And what happens if you're late?

you can file starting sunday for the previous week. i think you have until saturday to file but don't quote me on that. just do it every sunday like clockwork

Good to know. Hopefully the job market stays decent and I won't need anywhere near 26 weeks.

With your experience in manufacturing, you should have good prospects. Just stay consistent with your job search documentation.

Yeah I'm expecting it to be significantly less than my regular pay. How much less are we talking percentage-wise?

Usually around 50-60% of your previous wages, capped at the state maximum. Check your monetary determination letter for exact amounts.

Thanks! I'll set up an account there. Better to be over-prepared with documentation.

Exactly. I kept detailed records of every application and it saved me when they did a random audit of my job search activities.

It depends on your total earnings during the base period, not whether you worked full or part time. If you earned enough to qualify, you could still get up to 26 weeks.

ok cool. i was worried part time workers got screwed over

What kind of issues typically cause adjudication? Want to avoid any problems.

Things like questions about why you left your job, eligibility disputes, or identity verification issues. Most resolve within a few weeks if you provide requested documents promptly.

Have you looked into retraining programs? WorkSource has some options that might help with your job search.

I've been considering it but worried about the time commitment. Only 6 weeks left on my benefits.

Absolutely. I'm planning to start job searching immediately. Just wanted to understand the timeframe for planning purposes.

Good attitude. Too many people get comfortable and then scramble when benefits are about to expire.

I ended up trying it too after weeks of failed attempts calling ESD directly. Worked exactly like their demo video showed. Finally got my adjudication issue resolved.

I still think people should just be persistent with the regular phone number but glad it worked for you I guess.

That's good to know. So if I find temporary work after 10 weeks of benefits, I'd still have 16 weeks left if I become unemployed again within the year?

Exactly, as long as it's within the same benefit year and you still meet eligibility requirements.

I understand the anxiety but you might need to consider taking a lower paying job temporarily while continuing to search for something better.

yeah i know you're right. just hard to accept a big pay cut after working my way up for years

No, the 26 weeks is based on the weeks you're eligible to claim, not processing delays. Holidays might delay payment but don't extend your benefit period.

Thanks for clarifying that. Was hoping maybe it would give me an extra week or two.

Perfect summary, thank you! This thread has been super helpful. I feel much more prepared to navigate the system now.

Good luck with your job search! Most people find work well before their benefits expire if they stay active in their search.