How long does Washington ESD unemployment last - running out of benefits soon

Thanks for the info! I'll log into my SAW account and check. I think I worked full-time for most of my base period so hopefully I qualify for the full 26 weeks.

yeah the base period calculation is confusing, I only got 18 weeks because I was part-time for a while

Oh that's actually helpful! So I still have about a month left on my 26 weeks then. Do you know what happens after that runs out?

After your 26 weeks are exhausted, you'd need to file a new claim if you're still unemployed. But you'd need to have worked and earned enough wages since your last claim to qualify for a new benefit year.

Thanks for the tip! I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks but always get hung up on after waiting forever.

Never heard of that service but honestly anything that helps get through to ESD sounds good to me. The phone system is absolutely awful.

Extended benefits are rare and only trigger when unemployment rates are really high statewide. Most people get the standard 26 weeks and that's it. You should check your claim details online to see exactly how many weeks you have left.

I've been trying to log into my account but it keeps saying there's a technical error. This is so stressful.

Oh no, I didn't know about that 30% limit! How do I figure out if that affects me?

Check your monetary determination letter that Washington ESD sent when you first applied. It shows your base period wages and maximum benefit amount. If you can't find it, you can request a copy through your online account.

This is why the UI system is so confusing. They should make this stuff clearer upfront instead of making people guess.

That makes sense with my timeline. I filed in August so I should have until around February if I got the full 26 weeks. Fingers crossed!

Wait, are there any extensions available right now? I thought there used to be federal extensions during emergencies.

No federal extensions currently. The pandemic-era programs like PEUC ended in 2021. Once your regular UI benefits are exhausted, that's it unless Congress passes new legislation.

Never heard of that service before. Did they actually help you get answers about your benefit duration?

Yeah, they got me connected to an Washington ESD rep who explained exactly how many weeks I had left and what would happen when they ran out. Much better than trying to decipher the website myself.

No, all the pandemic programs like PUA and PEUC ended in 2021. We're back to regular state benefits only, which is 26 weeks maximum.

Damn, that sucks. I was hoping there was still extra help available.

I understand the frustration, but unemployment insurance was designed as temporary assistance while you search for new employment. Have you looked into other assistance programs like SNAP or WorkSource services?

Yeah I'm already on food stamps and working with WorkSource. It's just not enough when rent alone is $1500+ and jobs are scarce.

Same situation here. 26 weeks goes by fast when you're trying to find something decent and not just any minimum wage job.

Yes, I had to do that in 2023. You need sufficient earnings in your new base period to qualify. If you haven't worked enough since your last claim started, you might not be eligible for a new claim.

That's what I was afraid of. I've had a few temp jobs but nothing substantial. This whole system is nerve-wracking.

Have you looked into other assistance programs? SNAP, housing assistance, etc? Might help bridge the gap if your UI runs out.

That's a good point. I did work for about 6 weeks last summer but got laid off again. So those weeks don't count against my 26 weeks?

Right, weeks when you're working and not claiming benefits don't count toward your 26 week limit. Only weeks when you actually receive unemployment payments count.

You'd need to establish a new benefit year by working and earning enough wages in your new base period. Generally you need to work at least 680 hours and earn 1.25 times your weekly benefit amount to qualify for a new claim.

Good to know, thanks for the detailed answer!

Because bureaucrats love making things as confusing as possible. The whole Washington ESD system is a nightmare to navigate.

I agree it's confusing but there are reasons for the different limits. It's supposed to provide temporary assistance while encouraging people to return to work.

Yes I've been doing my job searches every week. Using WorkSourceWA and everything. Just haven't found anything yet.

Good, that's important. Keep all your documentation in case they audit your job search activities. Some people have gotten disqualified for not having proper records.

How much did it cost? I'm trying to be careful with money obviously since I'm on unemployment.

It was reasonable and honestly worth it to avoid the stress of not knowing where I stand. Way better than spending hours trying to get through on my own.

I'm skeptical of paying for something that should be free, but I guess if it actually works...

Have you been working with a career counselor at WorkSource? They might be able to help you with interview skills or identifying new job opportunities you haven't considered.

yeah i've been to a few workshops but still struggling to get interviews

Hang in there! The job search is really tough right now but something will come through.

That's really good advice. What other programs should I be looking into?

SNAP for food assistance, LIHEAP for utility bills, and check if your county has any emergency rental assistance programs. Also look into local food banks and community resources.

Thanks, that's good advice. I'll start researching those programs now rather than waiting until the last minute.

Yes! I did a retraining program through WorkSource and it was really helpful. They even have some programs that provide additional financial assistance while you're training.

What did you do after your benefits ended? Did you find other support?

I ended up taking a part-time job that wasn't ideal just to have some income coming in. Still looking for something full-time in my field though.

sometimes you gotta take what you can get to keep the lights on

Totally agree. Other countries have much more generous unemployment systems. The US is behind on this.

While I understand the concern, the program is funded by employer payroll taxes. Extending benefits would require increasing those taxes or finding other funding sources.

Wait, so I could lose weeks even if I haven't used all 26? That seems unfair.

Unfortunately yes. The benefit year is a hard cutoff. That's why it's important to understand both your weekly benefit balance AND your benefit year end date.

This happened to my brother. He had like 4 weeks of benefits left but his benefit year expired first. Lost those weeks completely.

It's 26 weeks of potential benefit payments, not calendar weeks. So if you were disqualified for a few weeks due to issues, those weeks don't count against your 26 week maximum.

That's a relief! I had a few weeks held up due to a job separation issue but they were eventually approved.

The phone lines are always jammed. I tried calling at 8am sharp when they open and still couldn't get through.

This is exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - I was spending hours every day trying to reach someone at Washington ESD with no luck. The service connected me to an agent in minutes.

Might have to look into that if I can't get through soon. Getting frustrated with the endless busy signals.

Good point! I'll keep filing until I get an official notice. Better safe than sorry.

yes and make sure you're still doing your job search activities too, the requirements don't stop